HARD Summer: Boys Noize, Jokers of the Scene & Oliver Praise Festival's Diversity

Posted on Aug 2nd 2012 3:00PM by Theo Bark
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Launching its first two-day event in its five-year history, HARD Summer kicks off in L.A. on Friday (Aug. 3), boasting perhaps the year's best dance/electronic music festival lineup this side of DEMF/WMC, featuring headliners Boys Noize, James Murphy, Bootsy Collins, Joey Beltram, and of course, Skrillex.

"HARD is probably the most forward-thinking electronic music festival in North America, and has always been one of the first to support young talents in the U.S.A.," Boys Noize says of the festival, which he also headlined last year. "It's been always amazing playing HARD, and it's a good feeling being surrounded by other great indie-electronic acts, as well."

Though the two-day lineup is a bit top-heavy, with some of the most notable acts performing on Friday, and the more "EDM"-leaning artists scheduled for Saturday (besides Squarepusher), the variety of veteran and up-and-coming electronic and hip-hop acts booked this year is laudable.

"The lineup for HARD Summer is one of the best, and by far the most diverse amongst the recent trend of North American dance music festivals," Canadian techno act Jokers of the Scene tell us.

HARD Summmer 2012 Official Teaser

In addition to the headliners, Friday's lineup also features beatmakers Lunice, Jim-E Stack & AraabMUZIK, DJ's Craze and A-Trak, bands Little Dragon, Miike Snow and Bloc Party, and rappers Danny Brown, Action Bronson and Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire.

"HARD events are always so well put together and organized, and they really go out of their way to bring in good talent," Los Angeles disco/synth act Oliver, who have played as many HARD shows as Skrillex (four), continue, praising HARD organizer Gary Richards for his willingness to take risks with his bookings.

"Gary Richards has always been so open-minded towards new music, if he likes something he'll bring them on board, whether or not they can sell a bunch of tickets."

HARD Summer takes place Aug. 3-4 at the Los Angeles State Historic Park in downtown L.A., starting at 5PM PT. For tickets, lineup or more info, click here.

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