Bassnectar's 2012 NYE Review

The stage was set for one of the most anticipated sets of Bassnectar’s tour schedule of the year.  Opening for Mr. Bassnectar was Two Fresh and Treasure Fingers, so it was a party to satisfy fans with taste for all genres.  The first 2500 bracelets to confirm floor access were set to be released at 10am on the day of the show.  The lines began as early as 1:00am with tents, sleeping bags and all.  Luckily, I have dedicated friends who arrived at 3am to confirm a spot and assure front row.

After hours of waiting, the crowd was finally allowed entrance and quickly acquired their “Bass Front Property” and filled the Bridgestone Arena before a blink of the eye.  Two Fresh entered the stage that sat in the middle of roughly 11,000 people and brought new/filthy trap that brought out the inner ratchet in all of us.  Keeping everyone bobbing and ready for Treasure Fingers ‘s upbeat set.

Treasure Fingers transitioned the mood with House tunes with a hint of disco, and lyrics that had everyone singing along.  However, Treasure Fingers did find an unexpected fan to jump onto the stage and attack him.  Security was quick to act and remove the excited fan from the area, and like the professional that Treasure Fingers is, he finished his set like it never happened.  I say “like it never happened”, because I didn’t even see it happen from the side of the stage I was on, and didn’t know until I met with friends after the set.

Due to Treasure Fingers keeping the party going, Bassnectar’s arrival wasn’t interrupted and the crowd made sure he knew that we were there to see Lorin Ashton.  Bassnectar came onto the stage opening with “Color Storm” and continued throughout the show playing great tunes such as: “Blow”, “Butterfly”, “Bass Head”, “Pink Elephants”, “Laughter Crescendo”, “Churn of the Century”, “Bomb the Blocks” and many others.  The songs were fantastic, but more importantly the mixing was phenomenal and blended each song incredibly.  His love for his fans was shown and made it known how much he appreciates the support he receives by giving us all a wonderful show that brought great music, balloons, confetti, and great vibes all the way up to the countdown in 2013 and hours after.

The most important aspect wasn’t just the music provided, but the community and respect for one another that has been around since the beginning of EDM.  Whether it was the hospitality of other fans that let me crash in their hotels after two amazing nights in Hampton, VA for BassLights, or just the great conversation shared waiting in line for 12+ hours.  EDM is different; not because of the sound of music, but different because it brings a culture with it that cannot be explained, only experienced.