In 2016, Ekali stepped behind the decks of HARD Summer‘s Green Tent to throw down a trap set that would arrest the many ears that collectively make up the electronic music industry. However, for those attuned, HARD Summer 2016 was hardly an introduction to Ekali’s low end acumen.
Commissioned to produce an official remix of Flume‘s “Smoke & Retribution,” Ekali had already begun attracting listeners well before he landed a slot on the festival’s lineup. Ekali’s rework of Flux Pavilion‘s iconic “I Can’t Stop,” picked up by Big Beat, further spotlighted Ekali’s taste making talents.
A lion had entered the release ring and Ekali’s HARD Summer 2016 showing affirmed it. Rife with electronic originals and revamps alike that have aged well since their inclusion in this earlier endeavor, such as Valentino Khan‘s “Deep Down Low,” Ekali’s set is jam-packed with productions that can now be considered genre classics.
Ekali’s current continues to flow through dance circles. As the producer progressively gravitates towards a more melodic style of bass, and as his following awaits the arrival of his debut album, not to mention an LP from his elusive new side project, Ekali’s HARD Summer 2016 set offers streamers a nostalgic glance back at his sonic foundation, and an opportunity to marvel at what he’s built in the time since.
Photo credit: Brandon Artis