SENSELESS WAS DIVINE

Senseless was this unstoppable force of raw, refined artistic impression. Set in the gorgeously restored Evergreen Brick Works, a partly open-air historical building set amidst urban ravines of east Toronto, the venue breathed unembellished warehouse elements - scrawl and graffiti, old metal-plated contraptions and decayed devices, holes in walls like tunnels to the other side and a metal frame gracing and supporting the ceiling that, when illuminated at dusk, became an art installation itself.

Rodriguez Jr. dished out the perfect early set with a layered, swirly, groove-filled sound that ramped the party up as people started to fill the floor. Frank & Tony kept the silky flow and gave us a ride that was all beauty and depth. 

Visual elements were on point with compelling lighting, multi-layered cubes behind the main stage, lit triangles framing the booth, projected-light art installations throughout the venue, a couple of suspended, weaved rope installations mingling with the dancefloor along with an aerial silk artist.

Alberto Jossue brought the second room home with a perfect groove, followed by Nitin’s heavy bass-driven house. With so many artists to choose from and experiences to sense, I got to see most everything and though I missed a few sets, all the artists contributed to the atmosphere. So much to do, so little time. It was a wicked party with great music, decor and electric vibes.

Back on the main stage, Frivolous performed his live set with creative flair, at once melodic and deep. Tube & Berger were fun, bouncy and elevated the mood followed by my favourite set of the night, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, who took us on a trip - from sophisticated, industrial, driving techno, to a refreshing remix of St. Germain’s 'I Want You To Get Together', to some heavy disco inspiration at the end. A trippy, melodic and gorgeous end to a trippy, melodic, gorgeous event.

Local food vendors were on the periphery and by all accounts the dishes were divine, ice cream was a hit, and the bars speedy. Subpac’s booth won people over with their wearable, immersive music technology that transfers low-frequencies to the body, adding a more somatic and physical dimension the listening experience.

From taste to touch, sound to sight, and the occasional evanescent aroma, from the venue, music, lighting and attention to sensory dimensions overall, For The People created a richly textured experience, ultimately designing a vivid, different and spirited event for Toronto's house and techno scene. I'd go back for seconds in a heartbeat.

Check out the truly magical Senseless photo album here with work by DED PIXEL and Alec Donnell Luna !