Chris Lake takes over D.C.’s most historic street
EDM officially cemented its place in the history of D.C.’s storied music scene when Glow’s first-ever Block Party shut down Pennsylvania Ave this past Saturday.
“It’s literally my dream to do an event like this,” said Glow’s Pete Kalamoutsos. This dream had only one chance to stick the landing, so finding the perfect headliner would be necessary to cement the event for years to come. Chris Lake ended up being the answer.
Chris Lake has built a solid following over the last two decades, keeping his name above the fold on most bills. Choosing him ensured a solid showing and left room for the local scene. In keeping with Echostage and GLOW tradition, the supporting acts were all local DJs. This kept the event feeling like a celebration of the District and its unique scene, rather than a seizure from a corporate group trying to make a quick buck.
The Backdrop
The genius of the event was, of course, the stage placement (one reminiscent of the shows at Denver’s Civic Center). The Capitol served as the backdrop, creating an image of contrast. A seemingly lawless crowd with their seemingly lawless music up against the nation’s house of law and order. And yet, the roles seemed to have swapped in the last few years. That lawless music has produced a culture of love and acceptance, where creativity is encouraged, but kindness and respect for your fellow ravers is the golden rule. While that house of law and order has begun buckling under the weight of a heavy hand, becoming a symbol for something else entirely.
@taniahauyon via @echostage
The Music
Moving on from the event’s enormity, the music itself was exceptional. As someone who has seen Chris Lake numerous times in many different atmospheres (the most recent being this Spring’s CRSSD), this was a set unlike any other I’ve seen from him. His sound bridged the ever-contentious gap between househeads and bassheads, delivering a set that could be enjoyed by all. My personal favorite moment was the flip of Freak Nasty’s “Da Dip”.
Lake kept the dancefloor moving without feeling repetitive or forced. The drops he managed to pepper in caused the guy next to me to exclaim, “Drops are so back!” The declaration that exposed what is so often missing from these big-name sets. The mystique of what’s coming next and the moment you share with a fellow raver when it transitions to something you never thought possible. It takes skills. It takes an understanding of music, music theory, and the overall catalog. In an age of AI, it’s a decidedly human skill that sets the greats apart.
Final Thoughts
The success of this venture proved not only that EDM is a moneymaker (we already knew that), but also that it can exist in the light. It is not just music for a warehouse or for late nights. The freaks are finally allowed to come out during the day and play. And what better place to play than the international stage of D.C.’s most iconic street?
