The best gig I’ve seen in Iowa City took place at Gabe’s. In October 2021, indie rock darlings Beach Fossils and Wild Nothing co-headlined a show, and the dreamy shoegaze vibes were immaculate. It was one of those atmospheres that I immediately wanted to bottle up, so I could relive it again and again. Two brilliant bands, a full venue, everyone decked out in their coolest outfits. Perfection.
Despite attending a string of memorable shows in the city since then, nothing has quite managed to emulate that Beach Fossils and Wild Nothing experience. It’s hard to describe what was missing — the music was quality, the crowds were attentive — but that sublime (perhaps utopian) environment remained elusive.
That is, until I returned to Gabe’s to catch the bass DJ Seth David on Friday, March 7. Maybe it was the EDM genre, which is underserved in Iowa City. Maybe it was the marginally milder weather. Maybe it was the handcrafted gin cocktails at the party I dipped into beforehand (thanks Drew). Whatever confluence of factors were responsible, I thank them — because this was a night that finally captured that ephemeral magic I’ve been chasing since 2021.
Seth David’s appearance at Gabe’s was part of the Englert’s Track Zero initiative, a concert series launched in the fall of 2023 designed to “introduce Englert audiences to fresh, rising artists who are defining the next wave of alternative music.” The brainchild of Englert’s former programming coordinator Elly Hofmaier, Track Zero has already delivered some memorable shows to Iowa City. I’ve been thrilled by drummer Kassa Overall and rapper Zora at The James, and adored seeing synth pop duo Tennis at the Englert.
Track Zero’s name is a clever reference to secret songs hidden on physical albums that require manual navigation to access — without prior knowledge, the casual fan would miss these buried treasures. Current programming coordinator Grace Merritt utilizes her diverse taste in music to bring these “track zero” artists to an Iowa City audience who may otherwise be unaware of them. It’s a hugely successful initiative, and I can’t wait to see which other alternative artists are welcomed to our city in the future under its banner.
Before Seth David’s headline show, we were treated to an extended set by Oh My God Am I In Public Right Now!?, a self-described “Iowa City DJ collective of girly pops and genderqueer sillyheads who are committed to wonks, wubs, wazoos, yeah yeah yeahs and the occasional hurrah.” With a giant Pride flag hanging from their decks and rainbow-colored fans fluttering, the collective ensured that diversity and empowerment were centered and celebrated throughout the night. On shift at Gabe’s were DJ M3OW, DJ Diva Cup and DJ y2kels, and the trio curated a dynamic selection of EDM infused 2000s pop.
The crowd — a sea of mixed drinks, vibrant outfits and flashing digital cameras — matched the music’s millennial aesthetic, and greeted each remix with more energy than the last. Any set that includes — for a light sample — The Pussycat Dolls, Timbaland, Lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas is getting a strong review from me. Now that’s what I call music! Mixing for the better part of two hours is no small feat, but Oh My God Am I In Public Right Now!? breezed through the set, setting the scene perfectly for the evening’s much anticipated headliner.
Between acts the crowd was treated to an impromptu costume contest. The concept and judging criteria were never particularly transparent, but it proved a lively distraction while Seth David finalized his equipment and announced the winner. All set, he greeted the crowd: “Y’all ready for some crunchy dubstep? Can we get into it?” and launched into a thrilling hour of bass music. It was an unrelenting set: delivering massive track after massive track, he didn’t give the audience a moment to catch their breath. Familiar songs were rendered alien, warped into vessels for huge drops. The contemplative indie of alt-J shook the floor; the classic pop rock of Queen attacked the senses.
Sipping a High Noon and dancing at his DJ decks, Seth David’s charismatic presence heightened the show’s intensity. His love for the craft was abundantly, infectiously clear. Announcing a “brand new one,” he shares “Get That,” a collaboration with Capochino released on Cyclops Recordings in February. Comments on the song’s Soundcloud stream — “fire,” “PHATT,” “nasty” and “straight gasssss no pedal needed” — aptly sum up the shock-and-awe feeling generated throughout his blockbuster set at Gabe’s.
“I’m not done, we’re about to get real sexy up in here,” he yells before dropping a bass laden version of “Birthday Sex” by Jeremiah. The crowd, to a degree I’ve rarely seen, were utterly hypnotized by the music — heads bounced and limbs flailed as everyone locked into the bassline party.
Track Zero’s shrewd booking was rewarded by a truly devoted audience as, once again, the innovative series knocked it out of the park. I just wish, like Beach Fossils and Wild Nothing four years ago, I could replay the night over and over again.
