By Natasha Hodge, Third Year History
Selling out the basement of Bristol Beacon, 26-year-old Duskus emerged from the shadows to share his uplifting sound to a room full of eager listeners. Based in London, the DJ, producer, and multi-instrumentalist infused the audience with lively melodies, stopping in for one night only on his UK tour.
Featuring elements of classic 4x4 house, the DJ layered various instruments and sounds to create a transcending effect. Introducing himself, Duskus (real name Simon White), immersed the crowd with energising tracks from EP, Healers Vol. 1, released back in November 2023.
For fans of Fred again, Joy Anonymous, and Overmono, the DJ certainly compares as an artist quickly on the rise.
Seeking to take people away from the mundanity of their usual four-walls in favour of a transportive journey, the artist's ability to ground listeners in the here and now is what makes him so distinctive.
As quoted in Crack Magazine, his music is a “transcendent and transportative slice of sonic escapism filled with beaming electronica and ethereal house-driven warmth.”
Addressing the audience, “I love, love, love Bristol”, mid-way through the set he shifted to a slower tempo. Despite this, the crowd continued to bounce along with the beat and a surge of whistles and hoots followed the single, ‘Holding U’, a track from 2021 which he rarely plays live.
With an exciting setlist that hooked the crowd from the jump, Duskus’ DJ performance was certainly a form of escapism from the hustle and bustle of city life. An artist predominantly known for invoking elements of the outdoors in his music, his inspiration from nature centres his music in the present.
Welcomed eagerly by the crowd, a highlight of the evening saw a fellow fan spring out and lean over the decks to swap sunglasses with the DJ’s own iconic pair.
Posting a shoutout to his Instagram story the following morning, Duskas politely asked if the mystery man would identify himself before he left the city, so that he might reclaim his glasses before heading over to London for the next stop of the tour.
Leaving Bristol Beacon's audience in lifted spirits and longing for more, the intimate evening of music making proved a perfect distraction from the everyday.
Featured Image: Natasha HodgeHave you ever stolen an accessory in the crowd at a gig?
