Darkstar Tribute: Highlights and Hype Vibes

1.) Alleycvt

The top highlight from Darkstar’s run was seeing my favorite DJ Alleycvt live for the first time. I was already a massive fan of her music, but seeing her live helped to lock in her status as my favorite. The small setting and incredible visuals created an experience that is hard to top. The whole room sang and headbanged in unison, going absolutely bonkers for our favorite feline dubstep queen. Her setlist was epic and she teared up while expressing gratitude towards her fans. This set also introduced me to her version of the V.I.C. track “Get Silly.” The original was produced by Soulja Boy and Alleycvt adds a fun twist to it, making it one of my favorite flips. She played several of her hits while also introducing upcoming tracks. This event set a whole new standard for what an EDM show could be and I will never forget it.

2.) WHIPPED CREAM

Another notable event was seeing Canadian producer WHIPPED CREAM live for the first time. I interviewed her a few months prior, which added to the excitement and anticipation of the show. She played a varied set including Techno, House, and Dubstep songs. In addition, she spun some hip hop and brought out Jasiah to perform vocals on their collaboration titled “Dumb Sh*t.” WC did a quick meet and great after the set and I got to meet her in person at the last second. Yet another great time at Darkstar.

3.) GRABBITZ (So Nice I Saw Him Twice)

Darkstar is where I discovered that producer/DJ GRABBITZ’s genre capabilities expand beyond traditional EDM. His set featured visuals from his music videos, including shots of jumping in and out of art pieces. These visuals turned out to be from the “Pigs In The Sky” music video. These immaculate visuals were also accompanied by live vocals, creating a memorable and immersive experience. The song combines rumbling frequencies with Alternative Rock vocals and a tinge of Rap flow. Visuals and audio collided in a pleasant storm of vibes. This set also introduced me to the Let Them Only See Butterflies album and featured fan favorite REZZ collaboration “Somebody Else.” This experience was so memorable that I saw GRABBITZ again without hesitation. This second set combined elements from the first with an additional emphasis on Rock and Alternative. His unique visuals and Blue Butterfly Aesthetic set him apart from his peers and make for an epic live show.

4.) Quackson

In my opinion, Quackson is one of the most underrated producers in the game. His innovative and experimental sound design results in absolute bangers that range from Sci-Fi (“Dilation“) to Horror (“Brains“) coded. He was an opener for the second GRABBITZ show that I saw. I did not know that he was performing until mere hours before the show. This pleasant surprise, in addition to seeing the mentioned tracks live make him a strong contender for the highlight of 2025, and Darkstar as a whole. His standout wubs and rolling, mid tempo bass waves are a force to be reckoned with.

5.) NINAJIRACHI

NINAJIRACHI was the last major show that I saw at Darkstar before the closing event and she did not disappoint. The Australian genre-bender rocked the house with a SOLD OUT show to promote her new album I Love My Computer. I mixed up the set times and only saw the last 45 minutes of her set, but that was all I needed. I showed up just in time to catch the massive, experimental hit “Infohazard“‘; a highlight in and of itself. She also played fan favorites “iPod Touch” and “girl EDM“.

The crowd was unbeatable and the entire room was dancing and hugging each other throughout. Strangers and friends alike. I have never seen anything like this before. NINAJIRACHI claimed we were the best crowd she encountered on tour, to thunderous cheers and applause. The end of her set was followed by an encore chant, a rarity in the Darkstar world. She humbly accepted and played an unreleased banger before gracefully leaving the stage. An appropriate send off for an incredible venue that will always hold a special place in my heart.