The US artist is responsible for 2012's irresistible and completely inescapable meme/banger Harlem Shake, its monster bass line and lion's roar samples inspiring an internet dance craze, and hitting the number one spot on the US Billboard charts.
The viral Harlem Shake clips usually involved participants sitting in boring scenarios, offices or lounges, until the song's beat drops, causing erratic dancing, props, and often, outfit changes. News agencies and even the Norwegian Army can be found on YouTube participating in the craze, which saw a Fonterra worker temporarily sacked for posting a video of him and others participating at work.
While the track has become something of a curse for its creator, Baauer has proven himself as more than a one hit wonder. In late 2013, Baauer collaborated with rap producer Just Blaze to producer Higher, a hard trap rave littered with Jay-Z vocal samples. Expect a PA-shaking assault of dirty subs and triplet hi-hats.
Wide-ranging Canadian producer Ryan Hemsworth, himself something of an underground New Zealand music fan (Hemsworth has recently been collaborating with Wellington producer Race Banyon aka Eddie Johnson of Lontalius), joins Baauer at the show. Known for his unique remix treatments and ADD songwriting, blurring the lines between disparate styles of hip-hop, indie rock and radio-friendly pop, Hemsworth is touring in the successful path carved out by the impression of his solo production LP Guilt Trips in 2013.
• Following a long hiatus while two of its members took a European adventure, Dunedin supergroup Dinosaur Sanctuary (featuring Kane Strang and members of Ostrander Aardvark and Astro Children) perform a homecoming show on Wednesday night at Re:Fuel.
The foursome, which released fantastic debut album A Public Toilet Told Me Nothing Gets Better on cassette via Dunedin label the Attic last year, write scratchy hook-laden pop, led by Strang's speak/sing vocal delivery and poetic lyricism. Swaggering like the Arctic Monkeys, and cutting angularly like the Strokes, lead single She Goes For Egos showcases both Strang's dry sad humour and the band's ability to write explosive and brash pop choruses.
Joining Dinosaur Sanctuary are post-punk trio Bad Sav, fresh from an incredible noisy-room set at the final Camp A Low Hum festival in Wainuiomata and an opening spot for The Clean in Wellington, and young punks Not From Space.
• Sexxx Haus, the new electro project of ex-Dunedin resident Lisandru Grigorut (formerly of $noregazZzm and TFF) is hosting a self-described ''Cosmic Cybertopian Pluradise Hydro Rave'' on Thursday at Queens.
In support is Leon Neon, whose 2013 album Pixelation is a must listen, and Deathkid.
Be there
• Baauer and Ryan Hemsworth New Zealand Tour, Tuesday, February 25, Sammy's Bar, Crawford St. Tickets $20 from www.dashtickets.co.nz
• Dinosaur Sanctuary, Bad Sav, and Not From Space, Wednesday, February 26, at Re:Fuel. Free entry, 9pm.
• Sexxx Haus, Leon Neon, and Deathkid ''Cosmic Pluradise Rave'', Thursday, February 27, at Queens Bar. Koha entry from 9pm.
