Touring in support of his debut album 99.9%, Montreal producer Louis Kevin Celestin AKA Kaytranada, brought his slinky smooth beats to Melbourne for the second of two sold out shows.
“It’s a party alright? So fucking party like it,” teased Lou Phelps from behind the DJ stand to a lukewarm crowd early on. The younger brother of the night’s headliner, Phelps began with a DJ set dipped in dance, hip hop, R&B and pop. Flying Lotus, Empire of the Sun, Major Lazer, and A Tribe Called Quest cuts were mixed together like watercolours. “Hey Melbourne, I don’t know if you know, but I’m also a rapper,” announced Phelps, before grabbing a mic and shifting to front of stage. French producer and fellow support STWO took up DJ duties as Phelps rounded out the remainder of his set by spinning his own rhymes over heaving beats. One to keep an eye on, Phelps may one day rival his older brother in trendsetting circles.
Following a DJ set from STWO, Kaytranada emerged with a sly grin. “Apologies for being late but there was no toilet paper,” he joked, before dropping sensual opener Together. Featuring AlunaGeorge, the track is one of many aural gems that illuminate 99.9%: an album riddled with guest contributions from Anderson.Paak (Glowed Up), Vic Mensa (Drive Me Crazy) and Craig David (Got It Good) among others. The strength of this album is what drew the sold out crowd and punters lapped up every minute, from the bouncy Track Uno to the funky ode to excess, One Too Many. While 99.9% was the focus, some choice Flume and Chance the Rapper cuts crept into the set as well.
There may have been no guest vocalists or session musicians aiding the talented producer to recreate his tracks in a live sense, but that didn’t matter. This was more than just a DJ set; this was a genre-blending celebration of all things worth wiggling your hips to.
By Jack Pilven
Highlight: Having a mid-week boogie.
Lowlight: People pushing in at the bar.
Crowd Favourite: Got it Good.
