For techno junkies there’s no better way to spend a Valentine’s Day than wearing all black and indulging an 8 hour techno fueled binge. For those who attended Awakenings NYC you can say love was in the air, and by love I mean some dark and twisted sound waves. Blessed with a powerhouse lineup consisting of Julia Govor b2b Kamran Sadeghi, Pan-Pot, Nicole Moudaber b2b Victor Calderone, and Adam Beyer b2b Ida Engberg, Hammerstein Ballroom was set to have the integrity of the sound system tested and pushed to the limits.
Thankfully, on what was arguably the coldest night of the year in NYC, entrance into Hammerstein Ballroom was rapid and lines were kept to a minimum. Despite some troubles with guestlist registrations, admittance into the venue was rather seamless and oddly quiet for a techno show. Walking onto the dance floor was a bit odd since the openers, Julia Govor b2b Kamran Sadeghi, seemed to have had their sound limited to a below talking level which set an airy tone contrary to the dark meaty sound we know them for. Besides the lacking sound though, the two provided the groove that sparked dancers from the first beat.
As midnight came Pan-Pot had taken full control over the crowd with that robust rolling bass and those ear tickling hi-hats. The energy in the room was exceptionally playful as the frequencies engulfed all bodies, and guests’ dance moves provided a show within the show. Space to dance was far from lacking being that the large venue only began to truly fill towards the middle of Pan-Pot’s set, and by that time the thump of the bass could be felt near the front door.
Of course we can’t mention bass without thinking of Nicole Moudaber’s back to back with Victor Calderone that had the entire stage vibrating. For a short while during their set the crowd was silenced by the ever so aggressive growl of the subs. The two provided a lively atmosphere as they danced and grooved on stage to the music they hand served us. Vibes were high deep into 4AM while they slowly transitioned into Adam Beyer and Ida Engberg’s set.
Unfortunately for the crowd and the artists, during the exchange of the decks over to the headliners, there was an equipment malfunction that had the sound out for a few minutes which for party goers felt like an eternity. Sadly the problem lasted well into the middle of Adam and Ida’s set, but in true form they were able to overcome the catastrophe and still put on a heart pumping show. They had everyone within an earshot of Hammerstein Ballroom hypnotized by some of the best techno around.
New York was honored to spend Valentine’s Day with the Awakenings team and we can’t wait for parties.
By Anthony Romano
Photo Credits: Pearcey Proper & Stephen Bondio