Written by Agah Bahari
Saturday night at Sound Academy, the group of fortunate Torontonians experienced one of the best parties of the year. The brainchild of the 33 years old Lorin Ashton, Bassnectar, was back in Toronto to kick the “Bass Heads” in the heart, stomach and blow their minds in the way only Bassnectar can afford to do, over and over again. From the pre-show crowd watching, any unfamiliar observer could come to the conclusion that this group of uniquely beautiful people were more than just interested to experience a show, but instead keen and even obsessed to feel and take part in a ritual that defines their ideas and ideals and celebrates their uniqueness by light, sound and music.
Bassnectar’s nearly 2-hours set began around 11:30. With the very first wave of the low-frequency from Bassnectar’s latest EP, Freestyle, the crowd of the packed venue were in trance, taken into the colourful world of Mr. Ashton’s imagination that was produced with the combination of the remarkable sound spectrum, lights and videos. Bassnectar’s unique and creative approach to music, influenced by the variety of bands and artists including metal and rock bands such as Metallica and Nirvana, as well as early EDM and Ambient artists such as Orbital, has created a strong bond between the followers and the music. The hardcore fans who are being referred to as “Bass Heads”, travel frequently to attend Bassnectar’s live performances, similar to the Deadhead community centered around jam band The Grateful Dead. And so along with the Bass Heads, the Toronto crowd danced all night to the music of the man who’s contribution to the community goes well beyond creating music and soundscapes.
Overall, Saturday night was a great night for any lover and enthusiast of art, creativity and freedom of expression. Perfect crowd, perfect venue, and the perfect advocator for the ideas we can all relate to: Unity and Love.
