Mampi Swift, Star Eyes, live sets from Jungle 2023 Los Angeles
VIDEO and AUDIO live sets of Mampi Swift, Star Eyes, and R.A.W. live at Jungle 2023! Recorded on June 3, 2023, in a small warehouse near the heart of Los Angeles. Content below!
Ahh jungle and drum and bass. It seems there has been a resurging popularity in the genre recently, but did interest ever go away since the style emerged in the early 90's? I'm not sure.
I know that since the beginning, jungle offered an alternative to the inherently repetitive 4-on-the-floor beat of house, techno, and trance. As a drummer and percussionist, I was intrigued by jungle's complex breakbeats and chopped-up rhythms. It was very different than anything else being played at raves and clubs at the time.
Junglists were dedicated. I imagined they saw themselves as graduates of breakbeat and techno, whose taste had evolved into something more sophisticated.
The undisputed leader of the LA movement was and continues to be R.A.W. I've written quite a lot about him, I won't repeat myself. Suffice to say he has mythical status. If he showed up at a party, you knew you were in for something special. You could be sure he would bring things no one had heard before, as well as mix in anthems that he himself elevated into anthems.
I eventually drifted away from jungle simply because it was harder for me to dance to. I found the slower, consistent beat of deep house more seductive. But I admit my preference is purely subjective, purely personal taste.
Yet, the genre always maintained a following. Today, jungle events seem to happen quite regularly. And every year drum and bass has noticeable footprint at EDC, with 2023's lineup including Andy C.
This show was the second in a series of three underground jungle events in LA scheduled for Summer 2023. Not insignificantly, the production crew includes members that have been around since the early days. These folks know a thing or two about throwing all night dance events. As expected, all the requirements were met: smallish warehouse in a commercial district 15 minutes from Downtown LA, massive sound system, a few lights and lasers, and top-tier talent. What else is needed?
Last month's installment featured three amazing dnb artists/dj's I hadn't heard before: Kallan HK, DJ Dazee, and Empress. I didn't know them not because they aren't well known. I'm simply ignorant of the dnb scene, that's all. Dazee's set can be found on YouTube and SoundCloud, Kallan HK's live set is on SoundCloud. Highly recommended.
Likewise, I was unfamiliar with the two headliners this time: Star Eyes and Mampi Swift. And like before, I was blown away.
Star Eyes' set was a master class on drum and bass dj'ing technique. I often frequent dj forums on Reddit and elsewhere. Sometimes I'll offer advice to newbies asking "how to dj". In most cases, I want to tell them how I learned to dj – by watching the pros, up close, for hours.
And that's just what I did. I was there in the room recording, anyway. Of course I was fascinated by how the dj's cue'd up and mixed records. Back in the day, when dj's were positioned on the floor next to the dancers, one could stand to the side and watch – and study – the dj's moves.
The problem today is that most times, dj's are physically separated from the audience, either by a big stage or distant booth. A wannabe dj can't stand and look over a dj's shoulder anymore. Now, we fans are down in the pit looking up at the dj, with no clear view of the decks and mixer.
Well, videos like these are the next best option. The side angle provides an excellent view of the dj and decks, making it possible to observe their craft.
One is mesmerized listening and watching Star Eyes seamlessly bring each track in and out, with flourishes of filter tweaks and fader cuts.
And Mampi Swift? Oh my days!
I told him afterwards his set was like a religious experience for me. I don't even listen to jungle and dnb that much. But holy smokes, I had never heard anything like that before. It was some powerful stuff. I have to go back and give the set a few good listens to fully comprehend the experience. I can just say that the tracks were really extraordinary. The production/sound quality was tops, technically speaking. But the sounds, arrangements, samples, and the builds... It was a mind-bending trip. A sonic journey through the lens of drum and bass, yes, but a fascinating musical journey regardless of the genre.
As is the tradition with this genre, the music is accompanied by emceeing. Originally, I was indifferent to emcees rapping over drum and bass. But it's grown on me. Indeed, if I heard it without an emcee, it would probably sound like something was missing.
Saturday night we were blessed with two local emcees trading off – MCMC, and MC Word. The guys add a lot. It takes talent to come up with the lyrical flows, remember them, and execute without fumbling. And good adlib is very entertaining. Balance is usually best, and fortunately MCMC and Word know when to let it rip and when to lay low.
Local legend R.A.W. opened the event. Respected veteran Scooba closed it out. Audio of their sets can be found below.
The recordings came out nice. The video is decent – my gear is entry level 1080 HD, old technology. Still, better than nothing. The audio sounds good – strong levels, no issues besides the dj mic levels getting hot occasionally (beyond my control). The audio of the YouTube and Soundcloud versions will be different, with the SoundCloud versions sounding slightly better.
If you missed this event, now's your chance to experience some of it. I hope you enjoy!
The next installment of Jungle 2023 will happen July 8. Featured artist will be Kenny Ken (UK). Visit Jungle2023.com for more info. I'm not sure if that one will be streamed live or recorded for sharing later. In any case, follow Rave Tapes on Instagram, SoundCloud, and Facebook to know when new content goes live.
Mampi Swift Live Set – Jungle 2023 LA dnb warehouse rave
Rave Tapes · Mampi Swift Live Set - Jungle 2023 LA Warehouse
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Star Eyes Live Set – Jungle 2023 LA dnb warehouse rave
Rave Tapes · Star Eyes Live Set - Jungle 2023 LA Warehouse
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R.A.W. Live Set – Jungle 2023 LA dnb warehouse rave
Rave Tapes · R.A.W. Jungle 2023 Live Set - LA Warehouse - June 3 2023
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DJ Scooba Live Set – Jungle 2023 Los Angeles
Rave Tapes · Scooba Live Set - Jungle 2023 LA Warehouse
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Jungle 2023 – June 3, 2023 flyer
