by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer
GULFPORT (GG) — There’s a new music scene on the shore, it’s Area 34!
On Friday, November 7th, Area 34 held its monthly Four on the Floor at Club 34, featuring artists DJ Currie, The Jezereck, Charles Logan, and headliners Dos Leches.
The dance floor was open and ready to be scuffed up to the mesmerizing beats spun. One may leave with temporary deafness, but with a smile on their face nonetheless. Lights danced as records scratched, from remixes of catchy tunes to cataclysmic bass drops; there was something for everyone to move their feet to.
Charles Logan opened, bringing the crowd in, followed by DJ Currie, who put them on the floor with his meshing of catchy tunes.
Drew Davis, half of the rising dynamic duo, Dos Leches, was found bumping to DJ Currie’s beats, enjoying and supporting his pre-show. Before jumping on stage, the uprising DJ exclaimed, “I feel excited. I think we’re going to have a good turnout. We’re going to have a great set. It’s gonna be a good time.” When asked how it felt to headline tonight’s event, he replied,”Excellent. It’s our first headline event, so we’re very excited, and it should be a great set.”
Drew and James, better known as Dos Leches, are emerging artists who can be found performing at various events across the coast, from clubs to even museums. Drew began their set, bringing the heat, making the crowd raise their hands as he busted out Lil Wayne and tantalizing beats that tempted their feet. As James finished the set, he kept the energy up as a mosh circle formed, jumping to his tunes.
Whether you prefer oat milk or dairy, Dos Leches was sure to have you moo-ving. The night commenced with The Jezereck, as the disc-spinning sorcerer turned the crowd into night owls.
Four on the Floor returns every first Friday of the month.
But what is this growing storm that is Area 34? It is the Mississippi Gulf Coast hub for EDM, Dubstep, DnB, Bass, Techno, and House music. Founded by four passionate artists: Peauxboi, Hiyote. Gargoyle Mode, and Jezereck.
Their mission runs deeper than sound. They’re rewriting the story — and changing the beat — for what music can mean here. Jesereck put it simply: “EDM is alive on the Coast. We are a mix of genres between House, Dubstep, Drum and Bass, Trance, Techno. We accept everybody, and it’s one big family working together.”
For Area 34, that sense of family is the whole point. “It doesn’t matter where you came from or what your upbringing is. It’s about being yourself and being accepted for who you are.” said Hiyote. “We’re just really a community, and I know that sounds really cliche, but that’s what we’re trying to do, making a space where people can gather and talk to everybody.”
Their goal isn’t just to grow a following, it’s to earn the same respect other genres already have. As Peauxboi passionately put it, “We want to change the narrative. People don’t understand that electronic dance music has not only saved lives and made people money, but it’s been one of the most peaceful demographics of live entertainment in this state. I’ve done hip hop, blues, R&B—everything—and I’ve never had a single problem at an EDM show. It’s about changing the narrative.”
And that inclusivity carries through every mosh pit and melody. “We live close to New Orleans, one of the biggest EDM hubs, but here artists from Pensacola to Nashville can find a place to play.” added Peauxboi. “Sure, EDM has its wild side, but what it really is about is as soon as you get kicked in the face in the mosh pit, you’re gonna look at that dude that kicked you in the face, hug him, and be like, thank you, and now he’s your best friend. Where else does that happen? That’s what it’s really about—understanding and connection.”
Next up for the crew is Abduction, their two-day event in February. “It’s a two-day mix of genres—the first night more experimental, the second heavy dubstep and rhythm. Two stages, so everyone can find their vibe.” explained Hiyote. “This will be a one year reunion for us doing our first big show here. Last year’s show was the biggest EDM event in 20 years here. We started with 20 people; now we’re selling 700 tickets a night.”
They’re not stopping there, “We’re starting biweekly live streams and have a DJ Academy, taking new artists from the open decks and cultivating them into headliners. We’ve turned people from bedroom DJs into artists who can play for hundreds. That’s no joke.” added Peauxboi.
Not only is Area 34 aiming to generate a space for all and grow, but the founders are dedicated to finding untapped potential from all over and providing the tools to cultivate that here in Mississippi. As Hiyote said, “Our reach is growing beyond Mississippi. At Hulaween in Florida, DJs from Tampa came to our Camp Wubble to play and show their talents. We’re helping people transition from underground to bigger shows while keeping the underground alive.” Gargoyle Mode eloquently stated, “Building a scene here gives everyone the chance to create something sustainable. The youth are the future. This area has no lack of talent—just a lack of access—and we’re here to provide that community.”
It’s a fitting evolution for a state that has birthed so many genres. Hiyote pondered, “It’s profound that Mississippi, the birthplace of music, didn’t have an electronic scene. In two years, we’ve become the biggest EDM promoters in Mississippi and Alabama. The talent was always here—it just needed an outlet, and now it has one.”
And while many artists have chased dreams out of state, Gargoyle Mode says they’re determined to change that: “We lose great artists to other states. To keep our culture alive, we have to give them something worth staying for.”
Peauxboi smiled and summed it up best: “Let’s give them the soil for them to put their roots into.”
This is what Area 34 is doing, cultivating not just a sound, but a scene. One that is adding a new layer to the culture of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and it isn’t going anywhere. Electronic music isn’t just buzzing on the Coast — it’s booming worldwide.
The International Music Summit (IMS) reported that, “Electronic music is steadily becoming a bigger part of the global festival landscape… 18% of the lineups of the top 100 festivals were electronic artists in 2024, up two points from 2023 and five points from 2021.” The genre also “added a gross total of 566 million fans across Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook in 2024,” and now holds “the top or second-highest count of Spotify followers in 9 of its top 13 markets.”
Can contact Area 34 on Facebook and Instagram.
(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
