Destructo definitely knows how to go HARD.
The Los Angeles local not only produces a techno-house blend that’s perfect for both daytime pool parties and late-night club hops, but he’s also the face behind some of the most banging parties across California (and the rest of the world) as the founder of HARD Fest events.
Gary Richards, as he’s otherwise known, has been DJing and throwing shows since the early ‘90s, when the scene was young. The biggest, and seemingly most awesome of those, was an all-night, New Year’s Eve electronic party to ring in ‘93 with thousands at the Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park in Orange County. Needless to say, it was one for the rave history books.
Destructo didn’t start producing music until more recently and dropped his debut EP, Technology, in early 2012, then played Coachella just days later. The sounds can be smooth and laid-back or drilling and aggressive, but always carry a sleek edge.
Richards is a bit of an electronic renaissance man. He was picked up by the legendary Rick Rubin to be an A&R for Def American Recordings, where he went on to break talents like Basement Jaxx and Dub Pistols. Later, he kick-started two labels, Nitrus and 1500 Records, and put out tunes from like-minded artists from around the world.
Breaking talent is what he’s continued to do to this day. Instead of big, arena-smashing names, his HARD events feature the artists that his finely tuned ears have chosen. With a wide range of events from Holy Ship! cruises to the newest addition, Day of the Dead, Destructo shows no signs of slowing down his HARD franchise or his own artistic endeavors.
