Tokyo’s largest nightclub commonly referred to as Ageha has become quite the spot for hosting a wide array of recognized producers in aim to satisfy attendees with their dynamic production style. With Ageha’s Year End Party in full on effect, bass connoisseur Ghastly was called as well as some of Tokyo’s finest producers which included Tha Boogie Bandit, Allen Mock, Herbalistek, Mephi, Natsumi and much more.
Before heading to the venue, hundreds of bass and house lovers gathered nearby the famous Shibuya Crossing to partake in the pre-show festivities which usually includes going to a local Izakaya (Japanese Pub). With a direct shuttle taking you right outside Ageha’s doors, the thirty-minute bus ride is rather enjoyable as new acquaintances became a part of your bass-family over the evening. Cruising through the heart of Tokyo, the contagious energy driven by attendees on the bus ride was definitely not one to forget.
Entering the iconic venue, I was happily greeted and welcomed to five different stages which ranged from the main stage referred to as ARENA headlined by Ghastly, the immersive stage ISLAND and my personal favorite WATER which also contains a full on swimming pool (mind you it is just meant for show). After sipping on Japan’s signature highball at the central bar, it was easy to become drawn into Los Angeles native Tha Boogie Bandit as he began to heat the ARENA with his signature bass house and hybrid trap influence. As the night continued away, I went to explore Tokyo’s rising collective known as ARANCK. While these seven producers vary in genres from deep house and explosions of bass, a rare set took the floor as Tokyo’s very own Kengo and RIIl invited Space Yacht’s Jaykayel onto the stage. As the three producers threw down a series of IDs and groovy tracks to get the crowd going, the sense of community was definitely strong as the stage began to rumble with deep bass-lines and innovative instrumentals.
Following a solid house set at the WATER stage, it was time to go back to where it all started. As swarms of attendees began to rush to the ARENA, it was evident everyone knew Ghastly was about the throw down one of Tokyo’s hardest sets to conclude the year. Let me tell you that my expectations were blown away from the start. After luring his fans in with several originals such as his collaboration with Brohug on ‘GET DOWN,’ this genre-defying producer was only getting warmed up. With crowd control at Ghastly’s fingertips, he spiced things up with a GRIZTRONICS house flip to make the crowd bounce to his beats. As smiles could be seen across the room, Ghastly made sure to play his set according to the vibe the crowd was giving off. By providing an immersive experience filled with enhanced visuals and rumbling sound, the night could not have gotten any better for those bass and house enthusiasts.
Shot by @agehatokyopress
While some attendees may have stuck to one stage the entire night, the amount of talent around the venue was mind blowing. Withdrawals from Ghastly’s eclectic set were definitely present afterword, however his recent collaboration with NITE OUT on ‘I WANT YOU’ definitely brings his energy and signature sound right to your ear drums.
