Image Credits: Monish Bhatt Photography
2016 has kicked off in a brilliant fashion for lovers of music in general. With Sensation making its debut in March we had a chance to witness one of the biggest musical endeavors in the world – Mad Decent Block Party. Brainchild of Mad Decent head honcho, Diplo, MDBP is hosted in America in different cities and is well known for it’s promotion of artists with a distinct flair for music. Mainstream and underground, all artists form the line up for a usual MDBP event and the line-up in Mumbai was no different. Headliners Major Lazer were joined by the UK duo Gorgon City, famous for dishing out their deep, dark stuff as well as Big Gigantic and Giraffage and a couple of other local artists like Su Real, Naezy, et cetera who unfortunately did not get to play.
It was a limited capacity venue at Mahalaxmi Racecourse but it was intimate and suited for a ‘block party’. Reliving the madness, here are our top 10 favorite tracks from Mad Decent Block Party‘s Mumbai edition.
1. I’ll Be Pushing On – Zac Samuel
Played by Gorgon City
Gorgon City delivered a very dark and deep set, like they always do and were a refreshing change after Big Gigantic’s loud and big room tunes. This one track by Zac Samuels captured the mood perfectly of the proceedings then, subdued and solemn. With crazy visuals and effects, Gorgon City‘s set was one of the most memorable deep house sets we have seen in a long time. This one is I’ll Be Pushing On by Zac Samuels.
2. Music Sounds Better With You – Giraffage
Played by Giraffage
Giraffage’s set was packed with crowd thumping numbers from his new style as well as his previous works. The visuals were crazy and although he was the first artist to take up the stage, he got the crowd grooving nonetheless. This is how he slowed things down; with this slow number, Music Sounds Better With You. Check it out here:
3. Good Times Roll – GRiZ x Big Gigantic
Played by Big Gigantic
Big Gigantic was one of the highlights of the night. Sexy saxophone and Jeremy’s crazy drums just built up the funk that evening. This song is made for crowd participation and boy did Dominic interact! Filling in horns, crowd verses and getting everyone’s funk on was his sole purpose in playing this one. Ending with a beautiful sax solo, Good Times Roll definitely made everyone revel in the good times.
4. Saving My Life – Gorgon City ft. ROMANS
Played by Gorgon City
Through the dark melody and visual Medusas, Gorgon City played out an extremely intelligent set, touching dark dub sounds with their trademark deep sonics. This song just came out of nowhere and made everyone just sway to the beautiful voice of ROMANS. This one is Saving My Life.
5. Jah No Partial – Major Lazer & Flux Pavilion
Played by Major Lazer
Diplo and Walshy Fire just set down the party for this one. As a tradition, everyone in the crowd was asked to remove shirts and many obliged. As instructed by the duo, frenzy broke out at the bass drop. Shirts waving, CO2 cannons going beserk, confetti flying and immense visuals just beaming everywhere; it was a sight to behold. With this song Major Lazer taught Bombay how to party.
6. Teach Me How To Dougie – Cali Swag District
Played by Big Gigantic
Matching their funky beats, Big Gigantic dropped this in the middle of their set, just to build up the laidback vibe associated with funk. Interlaced with their pacy drums and electronic production, this one had everyone shaking their booty to the sounds of Cali Swag District and Big Gigantic.
7. Ready For Your Love – Gorgon City ft. MNEK
Played by Gorgon City
Ending their set with this one, the London duo had ravaged the stage by this time but were still giving more. With a special vocal appearance by a singer, this song was perfect to end their set with. Crazy visuals and good music, Gorgon City delivered on a massive scale. This is Ready For Your Love featuring the soulful voice of MNEK.
8. Faded – ZHU (Big Gigantic Remix)
Played by Big Gigantic
ZHU’s memorable track, Faded, has received innumerable remixes and each one holds a special place in our hearts. However, this one played by Dominic and Jeremy just set the tone for the evening. Played towards the end of their set, a mellow remix with influences from Jazz and Blues, it was a the perfect way to end the day for Big Gigantic.
9. Can’t Feel My Face w/ Light It Up (Major Lazer Remix) – The Weeknd x Major Lazer
Played by Major Lazer
With Jillionaire on the decks, the soca and dancehall party was sure to be a hit and with this mashup of The Weeknd‘s hit with one of our favorite songs off Peace Is The Mission, ‘Light It Up‘, the crowd was left wanting for more. Crazy visuals and the beautiful ladies who form the part of Major Lazer dance crew, this song just lit up the party.
10. Lean On – Major Lazer & DJ Snake ft. MO
Played by Major Lazer
We always knew that Lean On was going to be the highlight of the show and the way things built up to that moment, it sure was a spectacle. Diplo told everyone about his love for India and how motivated the entire Major Lazer crew is by our country. With white kurtas and shimmering gowns, the festival version of Lean On really did it! Mad Decent Block Party ended on an emotional note as the last vocals of MO faded into the night.
When artists of such caliber play at a premier event like Mad Decent Block Party, it is a tough job indeed to pick up a Top 10 list. All songs set the stage and the crowd on fire and if you have any favorites which we might have missed, let us know in the comments below.
Leave a Reply