The first annual Hard Haunted Mansion took LA by storm Halloween night. This night was not about ghouls, ghosts, and monsters, it was about killer moves on the dance floor. The lineup was a dream come true. It consisted of some of the biggest names in the Electro scene from around the world ready to bring the beats to the thousands costumed at The Shrine Expo Hall. Justice, Soulwax, Simian Mobile Disco, Deadmau5, Boys Noize, and Crystal Castles topped the lineup, with 27 acts in total.


For more photos by Timothy Norris see here.

I got to LA at about 7 pm. Traffic was a nightmare! I arrived in front of the USC campus several minutes later, only be confronted with another horrid ordeal, $20 parking! Lately, it seems like it costs more to park your car than to drive it. We then arrive to the large line in front of the Hall. Thousands of people dressed in costume, eagerly waiting to get the night started. While waiting in line I spotted one of Buzznet’s favorite personalities - Hannah Beth. Just as I realized it was her, she walked off. I must say, her pictures do her no justice, she is stunning. Right before I was about to be searched I realize I forgot my camera in the car. I was a bit upset, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from having the best Halloween ever.

Once inside we explore the grounds. The festival had 4 stages in total, 2 inside the hall and 2 others on opposite sides of the venue. We quickly knew this was going to be a problem. Only 2 doors gave access from the inside and out. Our first stop, 2manydjs. Although they were a late addition to the lineup, they were a great surprise and had me pumped for what was to come.

“You got it, you want it, you know it’s good, it’s the beat,” Simian Mobile Disco was up next at the Hard Stage beginning the back to back triple threat. I had seen the duo early this year at Coachella and knew LA was in for a real treat. They mixed hit after hit and had the crowd moving the entire time. White lights flashed rapidly behind the unique round set up as the music came winding down. The crowd roared and the disco was over.


For more photos by Timothy Norris see here.

Destructo was the house DJ of the Hard stage spinning in-between sets. I must say he kept the crowd going with not a single dull moment. Next up was the Belgium boys, Soulwax. I can’t even begin to describe how excited I was or these guys. I have never seen them and had heard nothing but rave reviews. They not only met those expectations, they destroyed them. Everyones jaw was on the floor when the masked band performed their live set. This was definitely not the e talking (don’t do it), this was real. They are easily one of the best live acts I’ve seen in a while. This was definitely going to be HARD to follow.

The lights go out and a huge cross is light. The Parisians that are Justice grace the stage along with 2 fans dressed as them. It gave quite the laugh to see that they looked exactly alike. The fans left the stage and it was time to get the party started right. Unfortunately, that did not happen. After seeing them 4 other times, I was expecting them to be just as great. Their set was a huge letdown. They just couldn’t seem to blast out the hits like they have in the past. I hate that I didn’t leave midway and go see Boys Noize.


For more photos by Timothy Norris see here.

Surprise guest! In other words, another letdown. Rumors had it that Daft Punk might have been making a headline appearance. Well it wasn’t exactly Daft Punk as the surprise guest, it was their former manager, Busy P. He opened with, “A-Punk”, by Vampire Weekend, I then knew it was time to go. Deadmau5 was playing inside the venue at the Expo Stage. We made a quick stop and saw tons of people enjoying every second of it. Unfortunately, I was dead tired and knew I would not be able to last. It was time for our night of killin’ to come to an end.


My Halloween costume.

Despite a few disappointments, Hard Haunted Mansion was a great time. I’m happy to say my costume was a success. It seemed like every few minutes people were yelling out, “Greenman!”, or wanting to give me a high five. If you want to experience electro in a very unique way, I highly recommend you check out Soulwax. I am now a believer! Here’s to hoping Hard is back next Halloween!