Girl Talk Performs for New York City

I got kicked in the face last Saturday night; it was awesome.

No seriously, I went to see Girl Talk live last week, and it was one of my favorite nights of the year thus far. For those who don't know, Girl Talk is a one man DJ — actually, he's officially called a "laptop producer" — named Gregg Gillis. He's a former biomedical engineer who started mixing music as a hobby. As of 2008, he is a "full time music man."

I found out about Girl Talk in 2006, and since then I can't get enough. His CDs are all entirely sample-based — on his latest one, Feed The Animals, he uses over 300 samples from popular radio songs, old country ones, and that catchy tune from the Apple MacBook Air commercials. I know mash-ups are popular right now, but his were the first I ever heard and they're still my favorites.

Aside from his obviously experienced ear and talent, he is famous for putting on unreal shows. Before I went to see him freshman year, my mom called me to report that she'd read in the local newspaper that Girl Talk's live show is a "wildly interactive blow-out that's notorious for flying beers, fans storming the stage, and nudity." She begged me to be careful, and of course I was fine, but let's just say, that description doesn't even begin to cover it.

Seeing Girl Talk for a second time was just as incredible as the first; although I didn't make it on stage this time, I did get kicked in the face by some brave crowd-surfer who was dropped (on top of me!), and lost my friends for a little bit. Who wouldn't have fun at the biggest dance party of the year? I can't wait to see him live again.

What's your favorite concert experience? Do you like Girl Talk? Have a favorite mash-up I should definitely listen to? Let me know!

xoxo,
Vanessa
Web Intern