The Spotlight: Friend Within

This is ‘The Spotlight.’ Many artists pass through D.C. on a weekly basis, but this column highlights one specific artist who happens to be playing in the district during the week so that you may join their journey in influencing the house music landscape. 

Friend Within is one of the biggest names in house music right now. Hailing from Liverpool, the UK based producer has had releases on Dirtybird, Method, and Pets Recordings and has been endorsed by the likes of Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Disclosure just to name a few. Thanks in no small part to his colossal banger of a tune, “The Renegade,” Friend Within has been steadily on the rise in the United States while he has established his talents abroad having played to sold out crowds in Ibiza, Chinese Laundry in Australia, and recurring sets at XOYO in London.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/114358672″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

And while he maintains an air of mystery, one thing is certain: his shows have gained a certain amount of notoriety for their incredible energy and vibes enriched in the juices of classic house music (something that is made very clear on his most recent release “The Holiday”). He daftly combines elements from the old school and the newer, bass heavy electronica to invent himself in a genre that breathes – and currently lives off – deep sound; this makes him a wonderful showman and, even more importantly, a self-aware producer who rolls with the punches.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/130475708″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

He will no doubt usher in an incredible evening tomorrow night when he plays at FLASH thanks in no small part to our buddies over at Nu Androids. For more information, please visit here.