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Channel Tres | A Photo Diary From HARD Summer

Beats, Bass, and a Y2K Throwback

Written by

Lily Brown

Photographed by

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Styled by

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This is me sitting in SoFi Stadium taking a beat and mentally prepping before my set at HARD Summer.

From August 3rd to August 4th, 2025, HARD Summer electrified Inglewood’s Hollywood Park, right next to SoFi Stadium, with its signature blend of hard pulse-pounding performances and innovative sounds. As a cornerstone of the West Coast festival circuit and Los Angeles’ premier electronic music event, HARD Summer showcased a diverse lineup that spanned from electronic heavyweights to underground icons, along with must-see crossover acts and live performances. The festival’s infectious energy and throwback Y2K vibe transformed the venue into a captivating sonic playground for music enthusiasts. Representing the city’s rich musical heritage, Compton’s own DJ and rapper, Channel Tres, absolutely lit up the stage.

Aligned with HARD Summer's expert music curation and packed with some of the most dedicated artists, Tres has truly been making a name for himself in the music world, especially with his breakout hits “Topdown” and “Controller.” Known for his seamless blend of West Coast cool and infectious beats, he’s become a staple in LA’s vibrant music culture. From working with big names like KAYTRANADA (who he’s currently touring with), Polo & Pan, SG Lewis, Tyler the Creator, and Ty Dolla $ign, Channel Tres is redefining the sound of the city. His recently dropped debut LP, Head Rush, signals a bold new chapter. Tres infuses his signature smooth vibe with fresh, innovative sounds and encapsulates all of his past eras, blending them in a fresh, creative way while also paying beautiful homage to his music journey.

With his latest music video, “‘Joyful Noise’ | THE SPARK,” Tres returns to his roots in Compton, the city where everything started for him. Brought to you by Rockstar Energy Drink, the brand that fuels those who want to thrive in the moment, this video captures Tres performing in the very place where he first discovered the transformative power of music. Alongside other artists, Tres revisits the sites that shaped his sound, delivering his newest hits in the spaces where his voice found its rhythm. 

From HARD Summer to stages across the country, Tres continues to spread this energy wherever he goes. Showcasing a smooth baritone and some hard-hitting beats mesmerized the HARD Summer crowd. With a natural ability to blend genres and an effortless cool that just screams West Coast, Tres easily combines funky rhythms, deep bass lines, and his signature hip-hop style, creating a performance that’s pure electricity.

Game time huddle with the fam. My choreographer, dancers, and best friend Toney Handsome.
Acid in my Blood.
Me on stage in sync with the pyro.
This part of my life this little part is called happiness.
During All My Friends I came down to the crowd. It was such an epic moment of the set to be surrounded by everyone screaming the lyrics to my song.
My friend and collaborator on Holy Moly, Ty Dolla $ign came out to perform our song together.
Taking a breather on stage while also working on my posture.
After my set, I went to go see Wax Motif perform.
Catch me if you can! Credit for photos is Jason Castro.
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Channel Tres, HARD Summer, West Coast, Compton, Head Rush, Lily Brown
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