Tommy Trash leaves fans “Trashed” in Houston [Event Review]

When I first heard about Tommy Trash I was just a baby in the EDM scene. I remember banging my head when I heard his Antidote Remix for Swedish House Mafia and Knife Party. My first real purchases of any electronic music were back in 2009 and 2011 with Skrillex and Porter Robinson releasing music on Mau5trap and OWSLA, respectively. Even before then I was jamming to music like Sandstorm by Darude (I know right?) and Benny Benassi as well, however none of those artists could prepare me for what the scene had to offer in the coming years.

Fast forward to last night.

I arrived early with a friend and I began to look around the venue, seeing the improvements they’ve made since I was last here. I immediately noticed a bigger, brighter LED screen behind the DJ, as well as new stacks for those hard bass hitting tracks. A wise investment if you ask me. After the opening DJ finished his last track and the second of the local talent came on, more and more people were starting to crowd around the stage and bar as well. Next thing I knew, I was front row experiencing a wonderful Deep House/ Trance track that was having a euphoric effect on the bodies around me.

Before long, the time was at hand. I was going to experience what it was like to be “Trashed”. Soon Tommy ran up to the stage and got to work building up to a song that I hoped would drop in his set and to my amazement, it was the first song of his show, and I couldn’t have been happier.

The crowd erupted into a sing-along with the melody while Tommy energized the crowd with his signature head banging and hair slinging. It was a this moment that I knew I was in for a unique moment in my life.

Transitioning into the next song, Tommy played a vocal edit of Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster” along with “Around the World” and built up to the song in the video below. I didn’t think the crowd could get more energized than they already were, but Tommy sure did prove me wrong.

Soon after he played his amazing remix of Steve Aoki’s Ladi Dadi. Sure enough, the crowd returned the excitement with chants, jumps, and fist-pumps.

Steve Aoki Feat. Wynter Gordon- Ladi Dadi (Tommy Trash Remix)

He continued on to play another of his own works, this time choosing his remix of Deadmau5’s- The Veldt during which the lyrics, sung by Chris James, were followed along word for word by the crowd.

Deadmau5Feat. Chris James- The Veldt (Tommy Trash Remix)

Song after song of pure, high energy entertainment leaked from the venue’s speakers and just when I thought I couldn’t handle anymore, he picked me right back up with a personal favorite, his remix of Antidote by Swedish House Mafia and Knife Party.

Swedish House Mafia vs. Knife Party- Antidote (Tommy Trash Remix)

After two hours of back to back bangers, jumping higher and yelling louder than I ever thought I could, he winded down his set with the light show following suit. Once the song was over, he bowed humbly and walked off stage waving as he went.

…

Soon after, the chants began, “One more song, one more song, one more song.” Upon hearing this, Tommy ran back up stage, picked up the microphone and said with a huge, bearded grin, “I guess I can play one more.” The crowd erupted in cheers and soon, “Tommy, Tommy, Tommy” filled the air. With renewed energy, and Swedish House Mafia fresh in my ears, he played yet another amazing track, that had everyone yelling(including me) “Don’t you worry, don’t you worry Child!”

At the end of the song, he shouted to everyone, “Houston!” Cheers greeted the name. “This is thankfully my last song, you guys are awesome!” Even more cheers erupted as Swanky Tunes & Hard Rock Sofa’s song The Edge grew louder and louder. When the gentle guitar melody played, a familiar voice filled the room…

I went to this show with a completely open mind, trying to not always believe the hype. Sometimes, things aren’t as great as people say they are. Sometimes, experiences are over-exaggerated and the only effect it has is the feeling of being let down.

But that did not happen tonight. I was completely blown away by every aspect of this show – from the venue’s helpful staff, to the intelligent Local DJ’s. But most importantly, I was completely blown away, out of my socks and shoes, by the show that Tommy Trash put on last night. I came to the venue fully expecting to get “Trashed” and Tommy more than delivered. It was as if he catered this experience to me, and I enjoyed every bit of it.

If Tommy Trash ever comes to your town, make a huge effort to go out and show support, I guarantee you won’t regret it.