Techno, trance, house – this is what people usually think of when they think of electronica. But, in reality, electronica has multiple personalities, and the Electronic Music Society at York (EMSAY) feels it’s time that York meets electronica’s darker side.
EMSAY’s final event of the year, Electronica: Drums on Fire, took place Feb. 22 and showcased some lesser-known, darker sub-genres of electronica – music EMSAY has been itching to bring to York.“When we say ‘dark,’ it’s all about the beats,” said Houry Seukunian, president of EMSAY. “This time it’s all about the beats, the bass and the beats. If people have come out to any of our other events, they’ll see a big difference.”
One of EMSAY’s previous events, Electronica Ice, highlighted the purity of more common electronic music such as house and trance while subtly introducing close sub-genres like progressive house and tech trance. But at Drums on Fire, EMSAY played more obscure, hard and heavy styles: jungle, tech/progressive house, deep house and hard-style.
As I walked into The Underground, I knew that Drums on Fire would be nothing like Electronica Ice. The beats were different and the sound was different. I could feel the bass throbbing in the core of my body, and that is exactly what the darker side of electronica is – a hard beat that consumes the body.
Four deejays took turns spinning, while a large screen beside the stage streamed images from giant raves across the world. The dress code and theme for the event was “dark,” which contrasted with Electronica Ice’s “white” dress code and theme of purity.
 “We’re using the themes to add creativity, to add fun, to keep people interested and wanting to come out and learn something about a lesser-known side of electronica,” said Seukunian.
EMSAY’s goal is to spread the diversity of electronic music through their events, and thus the event was broadcast live on Energy 105.5 and radio host Paul the Engineer was the night’s emcee.
The highlight of the event was a live performance by Toronto’s most requested percussionist and York alumnus, Marko Bongo, whose drum performance layered wicked percussion beats with the fierce pulse of the music.
Because they are unable to hold many events throughout the year, EMSAY plays several sub-genres at their dances. Everything played at Drums on Fire was underground music, the first time this type of electronica has been played at York.
Seukunian realizes the music is not for everyone.
“It’s a risk. It’s a big risk,” she noted. “But that’s what we’re here to do. If we’re just going to give people what they listen to on regular pub nights or in clubs […] what’s the point?”
Still, most embraced the change of pace and allowed the music to take over. Hundreds of people were getting into it – even The Underground’s photographer was swept up by the awesome music. The beats, the atmosphere and the energy in the room kept me and my glow stick dancing partner inspired for hours – jumping, swaying and moving with the music until the bittersweet end.