With two performances scheduled this weekend in Montauk, Rüfüs du Sol and Jonathan Toubin are ready to move you.
This Saturday, Montauk will be home to the sound of global and unique musical stylings of two very different, critically acclaimed performers. In celebration of the release of its third studio album, SOLACE, Australian superstar house trio Rüfüs du Sol is bringing its layered, spiritual-esque tracks to The Surf Lodge. Meanwhile over at Sole East Jonathan Toubin is showing off his signature postwar American vinyl, old-school dance vibes that get the crowds moving.
“Probably the most fulfilling part has been hearing how many people have been affected by our music since finishing SOLACE—from battles of depression, relationship breakdowns, relationship starters, death and love. It’s amazing to hear what an impact we’ve had,” says Jon George, Rüfüs du Sol’s keyboardist.
Toubin’s kick comes from a sonic alchemy that defines his style made of old sounds repurposed into something altogether modern and different. “I work only the records I can find, and these limitations make me more creative. And the search for new ones is a scavenger hunt and a detective novel and keeps me interested,” Toubin says.
Toubin is most known for his New York Night Train Soul Clap & Dance Off parties, dubbed the sweatiest and most popular soul dance party in the world. His efforts have not gone unnoticed. The New York Post described Toubin as “NYC’s hottest DJ,” and Rolling Stone dubbed him “the most-liked man in the soul music scene.” According to the DJ, these accolades came unexpectedly quickly. “In 2006 was my first New York Night Train party, and the nightlife aspect of the enterprise took off quickly from there,” he adds. “Within a few months I randomly wound up a professional DJ and party thrower and was working nearly every night.”
Rüfüs du Sol’s continued success that brings out massive crowds at festivals like Coachella comes at a cost, naturally. “There have been relationships that break down and we are constantly creating compromises with friends, family and the ones we love most,” says George.
No word on whether moving fans to their sound this weekend will help mend fences at home or if the set out East will get some creative juices flowing for these headliners, but one thing is for sure: There will be plenty of opportunities for dance music lovers to hit the floor. The Surf Lodge, 6 p.m., August 24, thesurflodge.com; Sole East, 4 p.m., August 24, soleeast.com
Photography by: Photography by Madison McGaw/BFA.com
