Less than two weeks stand between now and the return of HARD to Colorado’s legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater. With plans to establish HARD Red Rocks as a mainstay event, creator and production whiz Gary Richards levels the playing field with a stacked lineup and first-grade production. Heralded by last year’s attendees, the July 31 return promises to fulfill and exceed expectations of veterans and newcomer HARD attendees alike.
On the tails of their latest album release, EDM powerhouse trio NERO will headline the event, along with famed Moombahton producer Dillon Francis. Foregoing acts include Rudimental, Julio Bashmore, Samo Sound Boy, and Gary Richards himself, under his producing alias Destructo.
To rouse excitement among our readers, WRR has composed artist spotlights for NERO, Dillon Francis and Rudimental. Familiarize yourself with breakthrough career moments, trademark qualities and fun facts, and prepare to be floored by an unparallelled live music experience when HARD returns for its sophomore run.
1. NERO
The success of mega-hit “Promises” solidified widespread acceptance for the British trio in 2012, who have since dominated electronic music in nearly every aspect of the scene. Producers Daniel Stephens and Joe Ray have created reputations for themselves with an explosive sound that resonates on each track, whether original or remixed. The boys joined forces with vocalist Alana Watson in 2008 to further reinforce the NERO trademark, and since then the group has produced music which is easily identified by the massive EDM fanbase.
In 2013 Nero’s success reached new heights with a Grammy nomination and subsequent win for their collaborative remix of “Promises” with Skrillex. This physical recognition of their hard work was a long time coming, as both producers boast an impressive past as trained musicians. A classical guitarist and celloist, respectively, Stephens and Ray developed a fascination for electronic music as the genre gained popularity in London. During high school they set up a studio in Stephens’ bedroom and began collaborating on production. It was at Fabric, a three-storied rave club in London, that the idea of becoming full-blown producers solidified.
A straightforward drum n’ bass sound soon evolved into a slower, more powerful brand of dubstep, and in 2011 NERO released their first studio album Welcome Reality. A storm of positive feedback ignited as each track on the album secured lofty positions on charts all over the United Kingdom. The album itself reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and debuted at number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100.
What NERO has attained in three short years sets the bar incredibly high for fellow artists hoping to follow in their footsteps. The trio is slated to release their second studio album this year, and so far have teased fans with yet another hard-hitting NERO track, “Satisfy,” featured in the HARD Red Rocks trailer. The triumphant return of this massive event is further amplified by the presence of such esteemed act such as NERO, guaranteeing an unforgettable evening of live electronic music.
2. Dillon Francis
By any definition, Dillon Francis is not your average DJ. A quirky personality and even quirkier musicianship allowed this rising star producer to carve out a distinct spot in the EDM landscape, one that has been acknowledged and praised by the likes of several scene juggernauts, most significantly Diplo. Francis’ collaboration with Diplo on the song “Que Que” secured him enduring recognition, and since then he has established himself as a pioneer of Moombahton, a sonic fusion of house and reggaeton. Having released his music on multiple labels, including Mad Decent, Dim Mak Recordings and Skrillex’s OWSLA, Francis has garnered respect from every corner of the industry, an incredible feat considering he has yet to release a full-length album. That moment is on the horizon, though, as Francis’ first stab at a studio record, Money Sucks, Friends Rule, is tentatively scheduled for a July release.
Francis’ performance at this year’s HARD Red Rocks is yet another impressive milestone for the young producer. To enhance the experience even further, HARD attendees will have the rare opportunity to witness Francis perform behind “The Gary,” a three-dimensional LED DJ booth inspired by the abstract style of architect Frank Gehry. The fun-loving DJ is sure to deliver a stellar performance, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the sound of Dillon Francis prior to the event.
3. Rudimental
Similar to NERO, British quartet Rudimental first gained massive popularity in England with the release of their drum n’ bass single “Feel the Love,” featuring charming vocals from John Newman. With the support of BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe, in 2012 “Feel the Love” topped the UK Singles Charts, securing the group widespread approval. A debut studio album entitled Home quickly followed and garnered the same enthusiastic response, immediately shooting to the top of the UK Albums Chart.
Rudimental’s unique sound and magnetic stage presence consistently attracts rave reviews from those fortunate enough to attend their live shows. Having never toured the U.S. before, the quartet is sure to amass a huge fanbase during their American tour. HARD attendees will be some of the first to experience Rudimental perform live in the States, so prepare to witness history in the making.
There’s no doubt that the HARD Red Rocks lineup is absolutely killer and we’re sure you’re dying to attend. So, WRR and HARD Red Rocks have partnered up to giveaway 1 pair of HARD Red Rocks tickets to 2 randomly selected individuals.
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