Bass-Culture Collective Obvious Productions Celebrates 3 Years in Pittsburgh

Photo Cred: Normaling

Since its 2012 inception, Obvious Productions has become a catalyst and igniting force for underground music and diverse art culture in the city of Pittsburgh. Specializing in event production, artist management, and streetwear, Obvious has hosted major boast-worthy acts over the past three years – their finely crafted selection of electronic artists has represented a multitude of music realms throughout 2013-14 (from Shlohmo, to Jimmy Edgar, to Buku); and notable performances in 2012, including Jacques Greene and Edgar Um’s headlining show at Lawrenceville Moose, and dirtybird Records’ head honcho, Claude Vonstroke, who made us, the ceiling, and the walls sweat at Pittsburgh’s beloved afterhours hideaway, Hot Mass.

Photo Cred: Machinedrum

On Friday, March 27, Obvious will host their third anniversary celebration in the ‘Burgh, and it’ll be a killer show… (J. Phlip said so, herself, when she graced us with her presence in PGH last week)

The evening’s lineup does not disappoint. Check out a mini preview of the headliner and performing artists below, and gear up for what’s sure to be an Obvious birthday bash for the books.

MACHINEDRUM

A North Carolina native with an extensive musical background, Machinedrum (aka Travis Stewart) was raised with instruments and surrounded by musically influential family members. He began his career in 1998, and has since been touring the world, releasing music on labels such as Brooklyn-based boutique label, Normrex (in college), to most recently, Ninja Tune. Machinedrum has also partnered with the likes of artists such as Azealia Banks, Praveen Sharma, and Jimmy Edgar for multiple other projects. Peep his eargasmic Boiler Room set in Berlin (2013) below:

NORMALING

Baltimore club music duo, Rar Kelly and Lemz, parallel each other’s moods to create free flowing music through conscious connection. The two released their 6-track debut EP last July, titled “Corpus Callosum,” which features a collection of diverse sounds woven together in perfect harmony – Baltimore club, house, hip hop, and Miami bass, to name a few. If you’re familiar with Normaling, you know that Rar Kelly has roots in Pittsburgh, having lived here for four years and citing it as his favorite place to perform. Take a listen to “Corpus Callosum” below:

JAMES GYRE & MR. OWL

Resident DJs/producers, James Gyre & Mr. Owl, are planning an extra special b2b set to get this party popping off. Both of these artists are talented and unique in their own way, but each represents the Obvious collective to the fullest extent. Give their sets a listen below, and you’ll see what we mean:

James Gyre:

Mr Owl:

MR. OWL – LIVE @ OBVIOUS PRESENTS MALA 6-21-12 by Mr. Owl on Mixcloud

The Obvious bash is going down at Hot Mass and kicks off at 11PM; as always, expect to dance your face off until the wee hours of the night. This party will sell out, so make sure you arrive early! Entry will be $20 at the door.