Duke Dumont at Village Underground

British DJ and producer Duke Dumont became something of a household name in the summer of 2013, which marked the release of Need You (100%) featuring A*M*E and MNEK, peaking at the top of the UK Singles Chart and clocking up over 14 million views on YouTube. Dumont’s more recent tracks I Got U and Won’t Look Back have shared the same chart-topping success and wormed their way deep in to our brains this summer – with the combination of steel drums, Balearic synths and shimmering vocals, Dumont’s signature sound is almost addictive, and it was no surprise that his gig at Village Underground had sold out.

Support came from DJ and Blasé Boys Club member Jax Jones who had the young crowd moving to a mighty set of deep house beats. Strobe lights, flashing lazers and a backdrop of trippy visuals heightened the crowd’s excitement as they bopped along to the summer anthems. With Dumont’s appearance came raucous applause from the audience as he dived in to the set they had all been waiting for. It was apparent that the majority were there for the championed DJ’s more well-known hits, and the reaction was explosive whenever they heard the hint of steel drums creeping in to the mix. But what made this concert so refreshing was the focus on the live performance – not just on Dumont behind the decks, but also on live drummers and vocalists who took to the stage. Particularly, the guest appearance of soul singer MNEK made the crowd roar, and a remix of Haim’s Falling evoked a near euphoric reaction from the crowd.

Soon after the set was finished, chants of “ONE MORE SONG” echoed around the Village Underground, and the DJ gallantly returned with the Blasé Boys to give the crowd what they wanted. Duke Dumont’s signature sound, astounding production and exciting performance style has set the standard for the future of electronic dance, and we can’t wait to hear more.

Gemma Whitfield
Photos: Erol Birsen

For further information about Duke Dumont and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Won’t Look Back here: