Groove at the Grove: Vagabundos – Electric Zoo Day 1 Sunday School Grove

Are you ready for the ruffneck bass? I certainly am. The Beatport Top 10 consistently lists tech house and minimal tracks alongside the bangers that are dominating the new wave of EDM, and this stage will show you the reason why. Sunday School Grove is the place to be for tech house fans, who will park themselves at this tent permanently for groovy beats. Day 1 of Sunday School Grove features the Vagabundos, with headliner Luciano and others of the Cadenza family. Luciano and the Vagabundos have taken over Pacha Ibiza again this year with a coveted weekly spot for the Ibiza season. Sunday School Grove: Vagabundos gives us a taste.

Luciano

This Vagabundo spins a Latin-sprinkled feel perfect for, in a word, grooving. The chill, tech house vibe that defines the genre underscores feel-good beats that channel tribal, disco, and the days of Hendrix. The Swiss-Chilean DJ has been in the scene for over a decade, having bragging rights to residency at Weetamix in Geneva and collaborations with Ricardo Villalobos and the like. Luciano’s sets in addition to most of his tracks showcase an eclectic mix that are reminiscent of summer nights on a beach somewhere, chilled sangria in hand. Though known for Latin elements in his productions, his latest releases are spattered with some reggae for a dance party to keep you moving.

Tracks to Know: Maayancholy (Luciano Remix) – Cesar Merveille feat. Guti; Gipsy-Q (Luciano Mix) – Mirko Loko

Reboot

Jumping to a dirtier, darker feel, we have Reboot slicing up some tech house. Whereas Argy tracks would not be out of place at a fashion show, Reboot is interspersed with grittiness and animalistic jungle/tribal beats. The track Primitive Cannible is driven by bouncy bongo drums and will inspire from jumping around, instead of putting you in a chill, opium-den-esque haze. Bucaboca is reminiscent of an outer space arcade game and promotes less hip gyrating and more head bobbing and foot hopping. Check out Reboot for some fun and original music that will keep you on your feet.

Tracks to Know: Primitive Cannible (Reboot Remix) – Santos, Horses On the Dancefloor, Bucaboca, Primitive Cannible

Argy

Many of the younger producers of today’s EDM scene are praised for having so many accomplishments crammed in a relatively short time. Argyris Theofilis established a name for himself with his first single in 2005 and has since churned out house hit after hit. The Greek producer has had releases on labels such as Cadenza as well as Ibadan, Objektivity, and his own label, These Days Records. Argy’s full length album called Fundamentals serves up just that – pure house fundamentals with that feel good beat. Personally speaking, Fundamentals was arguably the game changing album for house of summer 2011.

Tracks to Know: Party People, It Feels So Good

Frivolous (LIVE)

If Luciano is Latin-esque minimal, then Frivolous is most certainly jazzy minimal. The young Canadian will be giving a performance featuring live instrumentals and vocals, with his own production elements. His live sets are heralded for a “DIY aesthetic,” meaning that the creation of sounds come from the young Canadian’s homemade devices. Frivolous gives us a truly stage performance to compliment his experimental sound. To speak of his music, Daniel Gardner manages to combine the grounded part of tech house with traces from every genre from jazz to folk to 60s rock, and spacey synths that will transport the listener to an even more abstract fantasy land than the one on Randall’s Island. Give his album Meteorology quick listen and you’ll see what I mean. Do not let your Zoo schedule exclude Frivolous.

Tracks to Know: Wasting Time, Tuc Tuc Tuc, Sooo Savvy, High On the Plateau

Mendo

Mendo’s sound is quintessential Latin-inspired tech house, pouring out sunshine, clapping in time to tambourines, and dancing with solely your hips and eyes. He has been highly advocated by DJ Sneak. His latest release, Gold (Mendo & Danny Serrano Mix) borders on funk-soul. David Mendo’s Spanish background and years of experience come together to give dancers sultry, sensual grooves. Try leaving going to this set and not smile, I dare you.

Tracks to Know: Gold (Mendo & Danny Serrano Mix), Tea Party Protest (Mendo Remix), Gringo, Inocencia

Robert Dietz

Minimal is the right word when it comes to Dietz’s sound. Using very little else besides acoustic strings, a fast percussive beat, and a hypnotic skill set, Dietz solidifies his place in the Cadenza family. He first made waves in the scene in 2009 and was then labeled one of the DJs to watch. Listen to latest EP, Heavy Mental, and get excited.

Tracks to Know: Beautiful Parasite (Robert Dietz Infected Mix), Bingo Wings

Written by Guest Writer: Yuna Shaughnessy

About the Author

Daniel Shaw Economics student by day, raver by night - Dan hails from Poughkeepsie, but tries to make it into New York City when classes aren't in session to catch a DJ set. Dan is overcommitted and usually sleep deprived, but that wave of emotion sparked by the best of tracks keeps him going. Twitter: @thedanielshaw