XXYYXX/STEVE AOKI

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo made it’s first jump into EDM culture by holding a free XXYYXX concert in the Rec Center last Friday night.

On top of that, Cal Poly’s Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) is presenting a big name in the industry at the upcoming Winter White Tour: Steve Aoki.

But what does this mean for EDM in SLO?

Well, it says a lot about ASI’s future lineups.

“We liked the way it turned out, this concert opened up the genre for the future,” said ASI Musical Entertainment Supervisor Gage McGinnis.

This is the first time Cal Poly has ever held an EDM concert.  Typically, the university goes with hip-hop artists.

“It was definitely a success.  I think it’s cool that we’re finally exploring EDM at Cal Poly,” said McGinnis.

So for all of you EDM lovers, expect to be raging at quite a few more Cal Poly EDM concerts until you graduate.

Two Cal Poly students had a lot to say about the XXYYXX concert.

Meet Jaime Guerrero and Carlos Montes.  They make up the DJ/producer duo known as Starane. They’ve been into EDM for years and recently started producing their own mixes together.

So what did these two think about the concert?

“I like that they brought the experimental side of the [EDM] genre to Cal Poly.   It was really cool that a lot people came to check it out.  We go to these shows to have fun with our friends and share the experience with people.” – Jamie Guerrero.

“It was quite a unique experience.  I’m really glad that ASI doesn’t have the negative stereotype against EDM music like some other schools.  ASI is doing a really good job in allowing this kind of culture to settle, grow, and really show people what it’s about.” – Carlos Montes

Fun fact: They love corgis, the color purple, and obviously, Nutella.

Cal Poly is hosting a big name in the world of EDM this month.  When it comes to his albums, Steve Aoki has had major success with his albums: Wonderland, Cudi the Kid (Remixes), and of course, his original album, Pillowface and His Airplane Chronicle.

That’s not all he has though.

Steve Aoki will be releasing three new hits over three consecutive weeks this January and February, also known as the 3OKI campaign.  Get ready for the release of these full, unreleased songs:

• Jan. 21^st – “A Light That Never Comes” by Linkin Park ft. Steve Aoki (remix extended play)
• Jan. 28^th – “Can’t Stop The Swag,” by Steve Aoki and Coone
• February 7^th – “Feedback” by Steve Aoki, Autoerotique, Dimitri Vegas, and Like Mike

Hopefully some of those new releases will be performed on Jan. 31^st at the Winter White Tour coming to Cal Poly SLO.

Speaking of the Winter White Tour, what’s worthwhile about going to this concert?

First of all, as if Steve Aoki performing wasn’t great enough, this lineup has three killer openers: Dzeko and Torres, AutoErotique, and Max Styler.

As crazy as this sounds, Max Styler is DJ/producer from San Luis Obispo that just turned 18 this week!  His talent is getting noticed by more and more big names in the EDM industry. (Stay tuned for my interview with him next week.)

Secondly, the tour is opening up the floor to one lucky DJ from SLO.  Fans can vote for their favorite DJ to receive the extraordinary opportunity to share the same stage as Steve Aoki for 45 minutes.  Listen to the contenders’ music and vote for who you’d like to see from SLO here. The winner will be announced on Monday, Jan. 27^th. (P.S. Starane is competing for the spot, and my vote went to them!)

And lastly, the concert is going to be packed with energy.  Nearly 2,000 people on the Winter White Tour SLO Facebook page have confirmed that they’re attending the concert.  McGinnis says that ASI is anticipating on selling up to 2,000 more tickets.  With such an immense number of people attending, the hyped environment is definitely going to be an experience that defines your memories here at Cal Poly.

After hearing those reasons, you know you want to go, so let me give you the details:
WHERE: Cal Poly SLO Rec Center

WHEN: January 31st, 6 p.m.

HOW MUCH: $40 for Cal Poly students, $50 for general public

STUDENT TICKETS SOLD AT: PAC Ticket Office, Mustang Ticket Office, or online

GENERAL PUBLIC TICKETS SOLD AT: Boo Boo Records, Cloud 9 Smoke Shop & Glass Gallery, or online

I already got my ticket, so what are you waiting for?

See you all there!

XOXO,
Rachel

P.S. Check out my next blog about local EDM artists in SLO for my exclusive interviews with Starane and Max Styler!