Live Review

Channel Tres, KOKO, London

The iconic venue transforms into a disco dance party for the Compton-born artist’s sold-out show.

Words: Elly Watson
Photos: Burak Cingi
31st March 2023

Channel Tres is already your favourite artists favourite artist, with fans ranging from JPEGMAFIA, to Tyler, The Creator to Robyn, and features with the likes of Tove Lo and SG Lewis. Known for his self-coined genre of ‘Compton House’, mixing West Coast influences with his love of electronic beats, he told us back in 2022: “We know what traditional house music is, but I do a version of house that’s not so traditional. It’s just me, you know?” It’s clear from the sold-out show tonight at London’s recently revamped KOKO that a lot of people are joining his famous pals as fans of Channel’s unique style, and the crowd is bustling with people ready for a midweek party. Channel delivers on just that. Strutting on stage in a diamond-encrusted shirt and leather trousers, he’s backed by two dancers who keep the energy high with choreography throughout. It could seem cheesy, but there’s something about Channel and his impressive moves that is so incredibly cool that even the hipsters at the back are compelled to bop along. With disco balls flanking the stage, it’s a non-stop party, with tracks like ‘Controller’, ‘Brilliant N***a’, and ‘Fuego’ shining bright in his set list. “We don’t smell no weed in the crowd, what the fuck is going on?” Channel asks before diving into his - aptly titled - thumping track ‘Weedman’, and wowing with singles from his recently released ‘Real Cultural Shit’ EP including ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ and ‘All My Friends’. Dipping off stage momentarily for an outfit change, Channel is evidentially having just as much fun as those watching him, smiling and joking with the crowd as the good vibes continue. “We’re about to have a dance party in this motherfucker!” he beams as he launches into set standout ‘Topdown’, seemingly finishing the show before running back on stage to tease his upcoming new banger ‘Holy Moly’. It’s a triumphant set, one that leaves you sweaty and smiling, and sure that you have just witnessed something exciting. Merging disco vibes with his effortless swagger, Channel creates an energy that’s so magnetic that, as the crowd pour onto the street outside KOKO, everyone is talking about the scenes they just witnessed. “I’m living my dreams!” he told the adoring crowd towards the set’s end, and with a show as incredible as this, it’s a feeling he better get used to.

Channel Tres is already your favourite artists favourite artist, with fans ranging from JPEGMAFIA, to Tyler, The Creator to Robyn, and features with the likes of Tove Lo and SG Lewis. Known for his self-coined genre of ‘Compton House’, mixing West Coast influences with his love of electronic beats, he told us back in 2022: “We know what traditional house music is, but I do a version of house that’s not so traditional. It’s just me, you know?” \nIt’s clear from the sold-out show tonight at London’s recently revamped KOKO that a lot of people are joining his famous pals as fans of Channel’s unique style, and the crowd is bustling with people ready for a midweek party. Channel delivers on just that. \nStrutting on stage in a diamond-encrusted shirt and leather trousers, he’s backed by two dancers who keep the energy high with choreography throughout. It could seem cheesy, but there’s something about Channel and his impressive moves that is so incredibly cool that even the hipsters at the back are compelled to bop along.\nWith disco balls flanking the stage, it’s a non-stop party, with tracks like ‘Controller’, ‘Brilliant N***a’, and ‘Fuego’ shining bright in his set list. “We don’t smell no weed in the crowd, what the fuck is going on?” Channel asks before diving into his - aptly titled - thumping track ‘Weedman’, and wowing with singles from his recently released ‘Real Cultural Shit’ EP including ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ and ‘All My Friends’.\nDipping off stage momentarily for an outfit change, Channel is evidentially having just as much fun as those watching him, smiling and joking with the crowd as the good vibes continue. “We’re about to have a dance party in this motherfucker!” he beams as he launches into set standout ‘Topdown’, seemingly finishing the show before running back on stage to tease his upcoming new banger ‘Holy Moly’.\nIt’s a triumphant set, one that leaves you sweaty and smiling, and sure that you have just witnessed something exciting. Merging disco vibes with his effortless swagger, Channel creates an energy that’s so magnetic that, as the crowd pour onto the street outside KOKO, everyone is talking about the scenes they just witnessed. “I’m living my dreams!” he told the adoring crowd towards the set’s end, and with a show as incredible as this, it’s a feeling he better get used to."}]

Tags: Reviews, Live Reviews