By Daniel Brock
One of my favorite parts about being a student at SMU is having a major music hub right in our backyard. During my time living in Dallas, I have been able to see all my favorite musical artist at live performances such as Avicii, Cherub, Chiddy Bang, Jimmy Buffett, etc. But every once in awhile, one of my more artistic friends likes to bring me along to Deep Ellum to experience more of the indie bands that I often overlook. For those of you that don’t know what Deep Ellum is, Deep Ellum is Dallas’ more hipster/artsy part of town filled with unique shops, trendy artwork, eccentric dining, and houses the underground music scene.
So my friend had been ragging on me all week to buy these tickets for this DJ that I have never heard of before. I was reluctant at first, but I remember last time she brought me to a concert she introduced me to Cherub, which is now one of my favorite artists.
Later, my friend who introduced me to Cherub, told me to buy tickets for DJ Slow Magic and I followed her advice without hesitation. The night of the concert, we arrived at the venue in Deep Ellum, where we climbed up the stairs and snagged ourselves a great spot by the speakers and right in the front row. I am normally custom to DJ’s that just stand and just spin records the whole time, but I had no idea about what I was about to experience with Slow Magic. But there were no turn tables; only drums, computer, and a synthesizer.
All of the sudden, the lights dimmed and a man dressed up in a fur outfit and a glowing wolf mask entered the stage and began to play around on his synthesizer. During the show, he began to do something I have never seen a DJ do before, he began to rage out on the drums while playing along with the techno music he wrote. His mask would change to different neon colors throughout the show as he intertwined the futuristic sound of the synthesizer with the most amazing drum solo I have ever seen. The whole time I was in awe with the amazing colors I kept seeing and I kept finding myself dancing along with his unique drum solos while the music played. At one point in the performance, he picked up one of the drums and than jumped out into the crowd. He placed the drum in the middle of the dance floor and proceeded to rage on the drums as everyone in the audience mosh pitted around him. It was one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen.
At the end of the night, I was extremely glad I went to the concert and my friend once again introduced me to my new favorite artist. Literally, all last week following the concert, I have been playing all the songs from Slow Magic on repeat when I study and drive to school. I can’t wait to try another concert soon!