Justice, Kaytranada, and Sam Gellaitry Light Up the Sold Out Viejas Arena at San Diego State
Last Tuesday, San Diego had the pleasure of hosting two revolutionaries of modern electronic music, Canadian-Haitian DJ Kaytranada and the French DJ duo Justice, at a sold-out Viejas Arena. With the help of Scottish DJ Sam Gellaitry, Justice and Kaytranada were able to make standing still impossible and dancing irresistible.
But the bewitchingly fun night all started with the Sterling-born DJ and producer, Sam Gellaitry. Gellaitry brings a unique twist to the traditional house scene by incorporating atypical synth beats as well as experimental samples. Songs like “CURIOUS” mix quick experimental cuts and an airy Toro y Moi feature to create a pure dance track for all. Gellaitry’s set was a fun warm-up and great transition into the first co-headliner of the night, Kaytranada.
Hailing from the great city of Montreal, Kaytranda is a current pioneer of dance music, fusing classic hip-hop and R&B samples with modern electronic beats and Kompa-inspired drum patterns. He spun a well-balanced selection of his songs as he ascended up and down on the spaceship-like DJ station.
The night featured everything: Kaytra classics like the Teedra Moses remix “BE YOUR GIRL“, TIMELESS essentials “Dance Dance Dance Dance” and “Witchy, as well as some songs off his newer album AIN’T NO DAMN WAY like “TARGET JOINT” and “SPACE INVADER“. Any other day, Kaytranada would be headlining his own show but that’s what made this one special, there was still one more headliner to perform.
Consisting of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, Justice is a French DJ duo that incorporate rock, pop, and disco influences into their French house sound. And as tradition, they begin their show by lighting up the cross and blast “Genesis“.
We were then absolutely pelted with flashing lights, sharp laser beams, loud soundscapes, and an explosive atmosphere that seemed to never end, all essential parts of a monumental Justice show. The custom screens and lighting setup complemented everything Hyperdrama like “One Night/All Night” and “Neverender” while the deafening speakers amplified older songs like “Phantom” and “We Are Your Friends.” To cap off a night full of adrenaline and excitement, Justice ends with a reprisal of one of their most well-known songs, “D.A.N.C.E“.
Justice has been touring nonstop for over a year at this point, but they still make every show one to remember. After their encore, Gaspard and Xavier dedicate time to meet, greet, and say hello to all the fans along the barrier. It’s heartwarming to see even the biggest of artists still show appreciation for their fans. A wonderful sight to end a long night of fun.
