Cal Poly alumni Bryan Lai and other local DJs performed at BA Start on Saturday, September 12, accompanied by dance clubs such as Cal Poly’s United Movement.

Back2Bass Comeback was an opportunity for United Movement to show off their creativity and choreography skills in support of Lai’s event. Elise Donaho, the president of United Movement, says performing at local events is important to bringing the community together through music. 

“Creating community through dance and music is like the greatest power to bringing people together and so I think it’s the perfect thing to facilitate this kind of community building and just a celebration of the things we love in life, music and dance,” Donaho said. 

The creator of Back2Bass Comeback, Lai talks about the importance of creating a space where everyone can come and enjoy Electronic Dance music (EDM), while also building a community. Back2Bass’ mission to incorporate progressive EDM and local artists didn’t end with the DJ sets. Lai broadened the scope by inviting Cal Poly’s cultural clubs.

“They were the first people to welcome me with open arms and when I started djing their house parties, then it turned into formals, and then now it turned into a whole production and show that we get to showcase,” Lai said.

Lai also talks about the challenges of introducing progressive EDM to a community where house music is extremely popular. Progressive EDM is a subgenre of electronic dance music that builds up slowly and contains new layers of sounds. 

“I’m gonna be controversial for a moment, SLO is basically known for house,” Lai said. “I feel like that’s what you hear when you go everywhere and I felt like a lot of DJs and musicians and producers don’t have a chance to showcase what they have because either one, these organizations don’t want to hear that, or they’re not interested.” 

For two other local DJs, Jeff Caceres and Aaron Caparac, also known as AC/JC, Back2Bass is the start to an official DJ career. 

“It’s really cool to kind of see my dreams coming to reality and see what the future may hold for me. But also him as well,” Caparac said. 

Lai encourages people with different backgrounds to come to his events because he wants to build a community.

“Back2Bass is basically a representation of no matter who you are,” Lai said. “No matter if you’re from the Bay or from Southern California, you’re gonna come here, you’re gonna have some fun and you’re gonna throw down.”

Lai plans to continue bringing this event back to SLO in the future.