Art by HO3SZ
By DCist Contributor Andy Cerutti
The marriage of hip-hop and EDM, genres that both generate wild energy in live performance, has taken the world by storm recently. D.C.’s own genre-smashing DJ Ayes Cold, real name Ayesha Chugh, hits the nail on the head. Chugh says, “I don’t know if I can even conceive of electronica and hip hop [as] two distinct sounds anymore—the lines are blurring.”
Sonic fusion is exactly what you’ll get this Saturday at the fourth annual Trillectro Music Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Ayes Cold will perform with the likes of Chance the Rapper, RL Grimes and JMSN.
Started in 2012 by D.C.-based promoters DC to BC, the festival has grown in size and scope each year, and includes local, national, and international talent. From Navy Yard’s Half Street Fairgrounds to RFK Stadium Grounds and now Merriweather Post Pavillion, Trillectro has rapidly made a name for itself as one of the more creative festivals to emerge from the area. Not to mention, it has some of the coolest posters around.
2012
2013 poster
And Chugh can’t wait to hit the stage this weekend. “Trillectro represents a new generation of music,” she says. The fest is “at the intersection of so many different musical styles—it embraces a lot of music that you can’t neatly fit into a single category.”
This angle is exactly what makes the festival noteworthy. Hip-hop artists and producers have kept a close watch on EDM trends and sounds—not only is the genre crazy fun, but it’s cleaning up in the industry. DC To BC has their finger solidly on the pulse; in addition to unforgettable musical performances, the festival will be a vivid sea of neon colors, tank tops, glow sticks, and smart phones. Trillectro is perfectly poised to tap into these styles and collaborations.
Chugh is a DJ with a global ear. “If we understand hip hop as something dynamic and evolving, it makes complete sense that these two sounds are cross-pollinating.” Many avid music fans and festivalgoers are eager to hear something different, and this new sound is exactly what they are looking for.
Over the past three years Trillectro has hosted cutting edge talent who very quickly rose to the top of their game. Artists like Big Sean, Migos, Flosstradamus, Oddisee, Schoolboy Q, and Nadastrom have graced the fest. In addition, local groups have the chance to play alongside those heavy hitters without having to live on the road: Redline Graffiti, Ras Nebyu, Phil Ade, and Shy Glizzy played in years past.
Ayes Cold is ecstatic about the festival’s constant expansion and new venue. “Merriweather Post definitely fits the bill. Some of the artists on the lineup are also growing internationally, and this might help put the festival on the map.” And, in turn, promote homegrown DJs and MCs like Ayes Cold.
On Saturday, she will “drop a set that’s largely hip-hop inspired, but mixed with some global bass and bangers.” In other words, you couldn’t stop dancing even if you wanted to. “I want the crowd to experience a set that is nostalgic, but balanced with surprise elements. Expect a few wild cards.” she says. We can’t wait.
Get your tickets (and tank tops and glow sticks). It all begins at 11am on Saturday. Tickets start at $58.
