Westend Brings His Unique Tech House Vibe to Detroit’s Magic Stick, Creating an Unforgettable House Party Atmosphere
Westend made his entrance from the green room to the stage at Magic Stick in Detroit at precisely 9 pm, meticulously selecting the ideal track to kick off the night. With a confident glance at the dimly lit dancefloor, he shared a light-hearted moment with his manager, quipping, “It’s been a while since I started this early.”
There’s a significant difference between headlining large festivals and opening for a club event. When the crowd is sparse, it’s a different atmosphere, often filled with just bartenders, security personnel, and sound engineers. However, Westend was more than ready for this crucial stop on his open-to-close tour, starting with a vibrant disco house track that instantly lifted the room’s energy.
Westend’s confidence stems from the strong community he has cultivated around his music. Aware that his fans would show up early to reconnect with acquaintances, he was spot on. By the third track, there were already more than “Trace Amounts” of enthusiastic attendees sporting sunglasses. Loyal fans filled the dancefloor, exchanging bro nods of appreciation. The two-steppers arrived early and stayed late.
It’s not about the quantity of the fans that see you play, it’s about their quality and y’all are top notch.
Westend
As the evening progressed, rich frequencies enveloped the venue. Deep bass reverberated through the floor, complemented by crisp highs. The sound engineering was meticulously adjusted for the evolving genres. The sweet spot between the VIP table and the stage provided exceptional clarity throughout the venue.
Minimalist cocktails were served in simple glassware, lacking garnishes, straws, or napkins, a thoughtful touch that enhanced the underground ambiance of the night. The club was adorned with bucket hats and neon tie-dyed beach balls, evoking a vibe more reminiscent of a sunny beach party than a chilly November evening in the Midwest.
While some music fans dismiss tech house as monotonous, true enthusiasts appreciate the genre’s nuances — and Westend delivered exactly what they craved. He spun crowd favorites like “Rhythm Machine,” his winter hit with Max Styler, and his cult-favorite remix of Peggy Gou‘s “(It Goes Like) Nanana,” as he expertly increased the BPMs and seamlessly shifted through genres.
As Midnight Approached, Westend Transitioned to Heavier Beats for the Second Half of His Set
Transitioning to heavier bass house and culminating the night with drum and bass, Westend showcased a broad spectrum of his musical style. His adaptability and skill in reading the crowd enhanced his track selection, allowing attendees to lose themselves in the rhythm. One moment, he had the crowd grooving to funky four-on-the-floor beats, and the next, hands were in the air for “Show Me Love,” a soulful remake of Robin S‘s 1993 classic by HELLMATE, Santiago & Carlitos, and Chantal Lewis-Brown.
As the night drew to a close, Westend remained on stage, enthusiastically distributing stickers to fans and engaging with each one personally. Amidst the sea of bright eyes and radiant smiles, deeper connections were established. His performance transcended a mere show; it was a true celebration of community.
