open decks, Rave @ the Ranch (Watkins Glen, NY)

May 11, 2024 | Work: 2024-02

Background

This was another one of Nate’s events. I had penciled it onto my calendar since it was possible I would get booked for it. The night before, he had mentioned that he had some 30-minute open decks before the show so I asked if there was anything available. I was able to grab a spot.

Open decks means you’re not officially on the flyer, you likely aren’t getting paid, and the crowd probably hasn’t arrived. It also means low-pressure, can experiment or demo things out for friends / promoters who get there early, etc. Some people might consider open decks to be beneath them, but I love playing out and it’s an opportunity to try out some stuff.

My friend Jacob was playing when I arrived, and I was cleared to set up and play right after him. A bunch of friends from the Echo Lake event were there, setting up the venue. The house lights were on. It took me about 10 minutes to setup.

When I had initially messaged Nate the night before, I had this idea to play a Hard Trance / Hard Acid set (a bunch of VCF, Choci’s Chewns, Noom, etc – 155+ BPM). The morning of I ran through 30 minutes of that, just for fun. I think that was enough to get it out of my system. As early as my set would be, it seemed silly to go that hard.

So I settled on a low-key House set, around 125 BPM. I had a few records I wanted to try out, anyways.

Clip: Apotek - GSXR810 (Ken Ishii Remix). Video by jacob.yatsko

Setlist

Recording of set
  1. Casey Hogan - Tonka
  2. (white label) - House of God bootleg
  3. Dan Robbins - D.B.D. (Chanting in the Dark) (Madam’s Tribal Auditorium Mix)
  4. Wishbone - 50 Grooves (I think?)
  5. Square Four - Whole II
  6. Apotek - GSXR810 (Ken Ishii Remix)
  7. Casey Hogan - Normalize
  8. Swayzak - Voice of the Mysterons
  9. Detroit Grand Pubahs - Sandwiches (Original 12” Version)
  10. Adam Beyer & Alexi Delano - Turn Loose
  11. Tektonik - Shine (Tektonik Mix)
  12. Pete Lazonby - Sacred Cycles (Quivver Mix)

Reflection

This was really satisfying, ultimately.

Solid technical execution, felt like a good vibe, recording without glitches. Carting 200+ lbs of gear 30 mins away to play for 30 mins, pre-show, feels a little bit silly, but Nate and this crowd are good dudes and I enjoy playing with them.

Plus I got a solid promo recording out of it. :D

This was not a paid gig.