Introducing MP3 TAKES, our event review series where we dive deep into the exhilarating world of music festivals and live performances. In an era teeming with music events worldwide, our aim is to help you navigate through the noise and uncover the most captivating experiences. Join us on this adventure to highlight the backstage stories, memorable moments, and unique elements that make each event one-of-a-kind.

Charlotte, North Carolina played host to a monumental night of bass-heavy beats, captivating visuals, and all-around good vibes at the Deadbeats Carolina Open Air event this past weekend. 

The Venue — Charlotte’s Iconic Blackbox Theatre

Located in the heart of Charlotte, the Blackbox venue provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable night, creating an intimate and immersive atmosphere for the performance. Daytime performances were hosted in the venue’s backlot, with ample space for dancing, food trucks, resting & recharging, and bounce houses, which coupled perfectly with the crisp air of October in North Carolina. Deadbeats Carolina Open Air is the second outdoor event Blackbox has hosted.

To say that the Blackbox Theatre has improved the Charlotte music scene would be an understatement — it has completely changed the landscape of electronic music in the Carolinas since opening its doors in summer of 2021. With two levels of standing room for prime views from anywhere in the house, Renkus Heinz tops, Bassboss subs, and a genuine & friendly staff, the Blackbox has solidified itself as the premiere venue in Charlotte for electronic music.

Ready for another @zedsdead set tonight at @deadbeats Carolinas Open Air ☠️ pic.twitter.com/sm2mmtJJFJ

— DiscoDonniePresents (@DDPWorldwide) October 15, 2023

Day 1 — Hamdi, EAZYBAKED, Zeds Dead and More

Friday night boasted a stacked lineup starting off with producer and vocalist TINYKVT, sauce master Onhell, bass music’s current hottest UK producer, HAMDI, along with EAZYBAKED. Australian producer BLANKE presented their drum and bass alias Æon Mode before Zeds Dead took the stage.

READ: EAZYBAKED — How Childhood Friends Are Taking Their Chemistry, Careers to the Next Level

The after parties were held inside the Blackbox, a 1,000 capacity space with gorgeous production. With ONHELL solely slated as the opening act of the after party, fans were pleasantly surprised to witness ONHELL b2b EAZYBAKED before Zeds Dead closed out the first night well past midnight.

DAY 2 — Wreckno Couldn’t Make it, But the Show Goes On

With a slight chillness in the air, day 2 lined up to be an equally magical day. Unfortunately due to unforeseeable transportation issues, WRECKNO and Grail Sounds were unable to make it. 

Chef Boyarbeatz started off the day with some saucy bass lines, followed by Ouza, who was a last minute addition and did not disappoint. Altered States matron Mary Droppinz brought the heat and had the whole crowd dancing, and soon after VCTRE guided fans into the night with a heavy-hitting sunset set. 

ÆON:MODE IN CHARLOTTE

The growing energy and excitement for dnb around the states is palpable. Thanks for having me @deadbeats 💀

🎶 @ODD_MOB & @imOMNOM
Losing Control (ÆON:MODE Remix) pic.twitter.com/3Q9sHtQICl

— ÆON:MODE (@aeon_mode) October 16, 2023

Next up was Denver based duo Smoakland, who was featured in the MP3 MAG Print Edition Vol. 2 last year. The heavy dubstep and D&B outfit energetically primed the crowd for the 3rd Zeds Dead set of the weekend. Fans made their way inside for the second night of after parties with performances by VCTRE and Zeds Dead to close out a memorable weekend. 

All in all, the weekend was a testament to the unwavering energy of Deadbeats’ events & community, as well as to the Blackbox’s pivotal role in making Charlotte a hub for electronic music in the Carolinas. The event will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone in the local music scene and a testament to the power of electronic music in bringing people together for an extraordinary and immersive experience.

Feature photo Shot by John Knab.

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