Destructo (AKA Gary Richards) is the electro-house chief in charge of Hard Events, the good people behind Holy Ship!!! and the Hard Miami parties during Winter Music Conference and Miami Music Week.
But Richards is more than just a promoter. He's been DJing and producing his own killer tracks since the early '90s. And this Saturday, he'll be showing off those skills at the Garret's His & Hers weekly party.
It's free. So there's no excuse to not go get down with Destructo.
See also:
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He knows how to put together a tight show, because he knows how to keep a crowd bouncing till the birds sing.
"For me, personally, I like to play more of the vibe-y house stuff and not so banging anymore," he says, adding that the intimate venue upstairs should offer him the chance to lay down his favorite kind of set. "For me, I think that'll be a really good time."
His & Hers is all about giving real music fans a chance to discover something they've never heard before, so Richards is a perfect fit. He prides himself on staying fresh and relevant, not only a purveyor of hits but a downright tastemaker.
"I'm always trying to push the envelope," he says. "I'm trying to get people to dig a little deeper than what they normally get. And nine times out of ten it really seems to work. I played at all these clubs where they're, like, dubstep. And then they ask what do you play, I'm like, 'Oh, you know, like house, like groovy stuff, and just kind of funky techno or whatever.' And they're like, 'Oh, thank God.'"
Richards has witnessed a lot of trends, and he believes most crowds are ready for the next thing. They just need someone fearless enough to take them there.
"People want to hear new shit, but they're just not getting it," he said. "I think a lot of times, the promoters just serve up the same-old same-old because it's easy or they just think, 'Oh, that guy can sell tickets.' I'm always trying to challenge people and get them to hear new things and bring new things to the table."
Richards promises the set this Saturday for the His & Hers crowd will be no different. He's expecting discerning ears to come out, have a few drinks, and let loose. It's the warmup for WMC, after all; the perfect chance to get your feet wet and get stoked for the madness in a month.
"Everything about Miami is cool; I just love going to Miami," he says. "Come hang out with us if you want to have fun."
Destructo. As part of His & Hers. Saturday, February 23. The Garret at Grand Central, 697 N. Miami Ave., Miami. The party starts at 11 p.m. and admission is free with RSVP via destructohisandhers.eventbrite.com. Ages 21 and up. Call 305-377-2277, or visit grandcentralmiami.com.
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