Electrifying, exhilarating, intoxicating, and stimulating: visceral, reactionary sentiments concert attendees surely experienced at a recent Rusko gig in the South West. Held in the non-profit venue space, Arizona’s 191 Toole, Rusko swayed bodies, frantically raised hands, and inspired smiles of joy across faces all night long.
Let’s take it back to the basics, with Dubstep, what made Rusko a famous originator in the first place. With ancestral roots in South London, with an official 1998 debut release date, Dubstep’s development can be tied to the combining of United Kingdom “2-step garage” and “drum and bass.” Popularized in the Y2K era, late 90s – early 2000s, Dubstep stylistically references reggae and grime, as well, with an average 142 beats per minute (BMP). While an early version of the genre can be traced back to 1998, in the form of b-sides, it really wasn’t until the early 2000s (2002) that contemporary recognizable Dubstep is found. Towards the latter half of the 2000s, the mid-2000s, a United Kingdom DJ and producer, Rusko, emerged and gained immense popularity. Born Christopher Mercer in 1985 to a very musical family, Rusko lives in London but originates from Leeds, United Kingdom. Graduating from Leeds College of Music, he moved to London where his collaborative musical work with Caspa began.
Releasing a collaborative album with Caspa in 2007, Rusko made his solo debut in 2010 when O.M.G.! dropped. He followed this up with a sophomore project in 2012, and many EPs. This year, Rusko released his latest EP project, Has Made 5 More Songs, via Circus Records. It’s jam-packed with his signature sonic percussion and bass which accompany the collaborations. A celebratory moment, this album is a triumph, as Rusko recently announced his cancer-free success story last year. He had been battling a gastric lymphoma cancer of the entire body. His single from the EP, Hot, is an incredibly bass-heavy, undeniable highlight of the project.
The only way to properly articulate the vibrant experience of Rusko’s show is as an electric-charged, dance party, but a concert, all at once.
Taking the stage shortly after midnight, Rukso rocked the enthusiastically-hyper crowed for the next couple of hours. Seriously, there was not a single still body in the house.
As the music flowed throughout the venue, energetic intensity did, as well. Rusko’s unparalleled stage presence alone is enough reason to want to attend a show of his. His facial expressions and funny face, the turns and dance moves, and skilled ease demonstrate his musical genius and dedication to the craft.
As he is currently touring, there are many opportunities to witness his brilliance live, including August’s Lollapalooza, and September’s Lost Lands Music Festival. Do yourself a huge favor and go! Treat yourself.
– Mo https://www.instagram.com/moe2tha
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