NXNE 2008: The Rockstar Hotel @ The Gladstone
By: Ama Scriver
As we all know, NXNE is one crazy hectic weekend. So it was just my luck that when I tried to gain entry to one of my shows, I was denied due to over capacity. Luckily, I was given the inside scoop by Anna Von Frances of Pink Mafia fame that she had booked a hot lineup for this year's Rockstar Hotel at the Gladstone Hotel and that I should come check it out.
Striding down the red carpet, the frenzy could be felt inside and out; I knew I was in for a night. Inside the Café, Hatchmatik and Patrice from Nu Ravers on The Block - both hailing from Montreal and staples in the electro community - were spinning a wide variety of originally produced tracks. It was from here that I decided to wander over to the Melody Bar to see DJ Sandra of NYC. While DJ Sandra's track selection was amazing, she wasn't my favorite performer of the night. I cannot dismiss the fact that she did fill up the room with the hype party track list, but I've heard better in my day.
Upstairs, Fierce Helder and Shit La Merde were spinning off by the gifting suites. Fancy!
There was so much free swag to be had! But there were also murmurs about a special surprise performance taking place in the Melody Bar by Thunderheist. Upon hearing that I said, 'Fuck the free swag!' and decided to head down to the bar.
MC Isis from Thunderheist was just taking to the stage in her beautiful gown with DJ Grahmzilla right behind her. After performing one of their last Toronto shows, this surprise performance was a treat for the true fans. They performed some of their most loved hits like "Jerk It" and "Bubblegum" to warm up the crowd. And Isis knows just how to hype an audience, bringing me up on stage to do the can-can with her before launching into their new track "Little Booty Girl." As I headed offstage, their backup dancers Swagger Crew came on and held it down. All in all: a short and solid performance by Thunderheist.
After, it was back upstairs to watch Fierce Helder and Shit La Merde throw down some '80s and early '90s tunes. Up in front was the entire Fritz Helder & the Phantoms crew getting down to music spun by their girl Fierce.
Looking around, you could see NXNE passes aplenty - as many people were ending off their nights here. Before you knew it, the clock struck 2 a.m., and like Cinderella rushing to get home I was on my way. During my cab ride home, I thought to myself: 'Ah, so this is the life of a rock star.'
Click here for more of SoundProof's NXNE 2008 Festival coverage
