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Music

Hidden Gems of the HARD Summer Lineup

Y’all better get on the road to Whittier already, cuz’ the lunchtime sets at HARD are absolutely stacked
Jemayel Khawaja

If you're reading THUMP, you're probably on your game enough to know the difference between Jack U and Jack Beats. If you're an avid reader, you've heard us wax poetic about acts like Tchami, Hannah Wants and Dusky enough to know they're the jawn. We're tryna shine a light on acts we haven't gotten the chance to douse with love in recent memory, the hidden gems of the HARD Summer lineup. So get out your notepads, kids, it's time to get wise.

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Alix Perez


The Shogun Audio hotshot from Charleroi has been on the leading edge of fusing techy drum & bass tones with footwork, and he's been crafting new sounds in the process. His style bares soul amidst dark sound design and relentless innovation. Though a number of drum & bass acts have popped up in this year's iteration of HARD Summer, Perez is the only one bringing that true London darkness to the stage.

J. Phlip



Dirtybird's top lady has been on a sharp upswing since she filled in for an AWOL Boys Noize at Movement in Detroit a couple months ago, and her typically Dirtybirdy command of house tunage will not be ignored. Her sets are playful, rangy, and favor that bass that nestles in right between your ribs.

Shift K3y

A Night Bass favorite, Shift K3y brings the shuffled post-garage whomp in droves, but his bigger tunes have some real pop bounce to them. Can you really call a guy who just showed up on

Now That's What I Call Music 88

in the UK underground? Either way, a rare L.A appearance is not to be missed.

Milo & Otis


The OWSLA-affiliated duo named after an adorable cat n' dog pairing are probably one of the most turnt up and well known acts on this list, but they do it all with such flair that you've just gotta listen.

Kry Wolf

The Food Music co-bosses have an iron grasp on deep house vibes, but on occasion, they'll drop some garage-y whomp that'll have you losing the contents of your pockets as you vehemently shake those hips, those thighs, etc.

Kidnap Kid


Kid's got the feels. His MIXED BY for us was one of the most successful ever, and he makes the kind of tunes that make you wanna stare into someone's eyes as you gently sway from side to side. So grab the cutie next to you and get ready for his set.

DJ Sliink

This whole east coast club thing is getting outta hand. Ever since Lido turned into a Turtle, the niche-y sound has been gathering steam real quick. Sliink favors mainstream hip hop samples, and with A$AP Mob and Mustard on the bill, he might find a very receptive audience.

EPROM


He's Diplo's favorite producer at the moment, but you won't find any shiny dancehall tunes in EPROM's sets. His style is dark, bass-heavy, and subversive - It's jagged, but deep and sounds like nothing else around at the moment.

Bixel Boys


The hometown duo tore up our MIXED BY series a few weeks ago, and their sound is so hard to pin down that you might as well just quit trying and dance.

Vanilla Ace


Vanilla Ace brings deeper house vibes, often with subdued electro tones, playful samples, and a dose of bass whomp. It's been a quick rise for the London-based producer, but he's been releasing tunes at a feverish pace over the past couple months.

More HARD:
Louisahhh!!! is Coming Home for HARD
The Entire HARD Summer Lineup in One Playlist
Justin Jay: Dirtybird's Baby Boy on His HARD History

Jemayel is probably gonna show up to HARD Summer at like 9AM - @JemayelK

Tagged:undergroundhard summerhard7x7up7x7Thump
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