Looks like Deyv from Eighty-Eight D.C. followed through on the promise he made in the comments section of our Q&A with DJ/producer Martyn last month: Tonight’s showcase for Eighty-Eight’s weekly Loda series will feature a set from the Dutch-born, Virginia-based bass superstar himself, along with a whole host of local talent.

Martyn’s debut album, Great Lengths, is out now on his own 3024 label, and it’s pushing all the right buttons with its masterful synthesis of dub, techno, house, and, of course, bass. But tonight is your chance to hear Martyn’s chest-caving compositions in their natural habitat — the dancefloor.

On March 19th while many local music fans were in Austin at South by Southwest, or were wishing they were there at that mostly rock-centric gathering, others were getting ready to happily attend DC’s 2nd annual Forward Festival, a techno/electronic dance music and more event.  I recently e-mailed one of the event’s organizers, David Fogel of 88.   In addition to the festival, 88 has been bringing djs to the Muse Lounge, 717 6th St. NW, on Thursdays and to Loda at the Gallery, 1115 East-West Highway, in Silver Spring on Fridays.

 1.When did 88 start?  Who did you found it with?
+++ Myself and Albert Sohn officially started 88 in 2005.

 
2. Did you founders grow up in this area, or come here more recently or something else?
+++ Albert and I both grew up in the DC Met, and love this place.

3. Were you pleased with the way the 2nd Forward Fest worked out?
 
+++ Most definitely. That isn’t to say that there aren’t aspects to improve upon and ideas that we had that we’re looking forward to implementing next year. However, the fact that we brought artists from 3 different countries, the west-coast, east-coast and the mid-west to perform with some of our local favorites was great. Forward was another step in helping put DC on the electronic music and digital creatives map. We received nothing but positive feedback from the artists we worked with and most important, the people that came out. 
Read More “Q & A: 88’s David Fogel on their Techno/Electronic Dance Events” »

Electronic music fans have plenty cause to motivate tonight: One of techno music’s founding fathers, Kevin Saunderson, will be DJ’ing at Gallery in Silver Spring as part of the weekly electronic dance music night, Loda. Along with Derrick May and Juan Atkins, Saunderson is a true pioneer who helped surface techno’s sound from the underground clubs of Detroit to international acclaim in the mid-late ’80s.

Loda is a relatively new event hosted by the 88 folks at Gallery in Silver Spring, which focuses on bringing national and international electronic music acts to the area, and “broaden our musical palette and understanding of the larger EDM landscape.” They’ve been featuring some quality acts in past months: from Carl Craig to the UK’s Headhunter, juxtaposed with hot local outfits like Nouveau Riche and Measax + Docindo.Dorsey.

Don’t be deterred by the fact that it’s in Silver Spring … it’s literally right off the Red Line, so no excuses. Details below:

Kevin Saunderson
Drugmules
Plus more TBA
Friday, December 5th
9pm – 3am
Gallery
115 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD
$10
21+