MINNEAPOLIS, MN — On September 10th, the Deadbeats label graced Minneapolis with its “DeadBeats: Revival” tour, which featured artists Rossy and Rusko, as well as DeadBeats artists Wreckno, Chee, Eprom and of course, Zeds Dead. Founded by Zeds Dead members Zack Rapp-Rovan and Dylan Mamid in 2016, the DeadBeats label primarily consists of Dubstep, but showed love toward DnB in its recent “We Are DeadBeats: Volume 4” release, which I swear has broken the internet.
The blend between Dubstep, and Drum x Bass (feat. a few Trap and Future Bass moments) was a combo sent from the EDM gods, and the audience was giving praise in the form of shuffle and aggressive head-banging.
Rossy opened the show, building up energy in the already packed Armory. Everybody loves a high-energy Wreckno set, complete with Future Bass and Trap elements, and 10/10 times features the most booty-busting dances from the audience.
Next, Chee and Eprom showcased some of the best in dubstep, showing that they know the golden ratio of downtempo to grimy drops. Shifting themes, Rusko released the Drum and Bass floodgates; scanning the audience for reactions, I saw both excitement, and absolute acceptance of the fact that tomorrow they would be sore from dancing to a killer DnB set. “I’ve been playing nothing but new tonight,” Rusko stated from the stage, out of breath from dancing with the high-energy audience.
The crowd screamed as Zeds Dead stepped in front of the decks, the glowing DeadBeats word onstage surged with pastel colors. A low hum of familiar music resonated across the room, as the song “Powa” (feat. Peekaboo) opened the set, followed by “Rescue” (Dion Timmer, feat. Delaney). The set was largely made up of new remixes/songs from the We are DeadBeats: Volume 4 release (as well as the deluxe version), such as the latest collaboration with Rezz, “Into The Abyss,” and “Sound of the Underground” (with Urbandawn).
The duo played top hits, such as “Frontlines” and “Neck and Neck,” which the audience went wild for. Purple and blue industrial visuals spun across the screens as show attendees in colorful outfits swayed to the music. “Stars tonight” marked the beginning of the closing songs, accompanied by vivid green lasers and pyrotechnics. “You and Me” (By Disclosure and Eliza Doolittle, Flume remix) followed, winding down the packed venue with its layered, bouncy drops. Fading into “Eyes on Fire” (Zeds Dead remix), the audience around me lip synced every word as one of the members rose a mic. A brief “Thank you Minneapolis,” ended the multifaceted show, leaving the listeners content with their choice to spend their Friday with friends and good music.
ABOUT DEADBEATS
Deadbeats is a label founded by Dylan Mamid and Zachary Rapp-Rovan, who are part of the Canada based duo Zeds Dead in 2016. The releases on the label primarily compose of dubstep.
Listen: We Are DeadBeats Volume 4
Follow: DeadBeats Revival Tour
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Written by: Megan Mann