Carl Craig x Stacey Pullen | 4AM LAST CALL

If you have spent any time on a dancefloor in Toronto, you know that the city’s electronic scene owes a massive debt to Detroit. On July 12, that lineage comes full circle as two of the Motor City’s most revered pioneers, Carl Craig and Stacey Pullen, descend upon CODA for a '4AM Last Call' session that promises to be nothing short of legendary.

The Architects of Sound

To understand why this pairing is a big deal, you have to look at the history. Carl Craig isn't just a DJ; he is a visionary who pushed the boundaries of what techno could be, blending jazz, soul, and ambient textures into his work under aliases like 69 and Paperclip People. His recent output continues to prove why he remains a tastemaker, constantly evolving while maintaining that signature, cerebral Detroit edge.

Then there is Stacey Pullen. A protégé of the legendary Derrick May, Pullen is known for his 'Cosmic Soul' sound—a style that is as driving and percussive as it is deeply melodic. Watching Pullen live is an exercise in endurance and joy; he has an uncanny ability to read a room and pivot from deep, hypnotic grooves to high-energy peaks without ever losing the plot. Having these two share the booth at CODA—a venue that boasts one of the most meticulously tuned sound systems in the city—is a rare treat. The club’s Funktion-One setup is designed for exactly this kind of deep, immersive sonic experience, ensuring that every layer of their production hits with crystalline precision.

The Annex After Dark

CODA, situated right in the heart of the Annex at 794 Bathurst Street, has long been the sanctuary for Toronto’s underground dance community. While the neighbourhood is often associated with the bustling student life of the University of Toronto and the historic charm of Mirvish Village, the stretch of Bathurst just south of Bloor transforms into a neon-lit hub for night owls once the sun goes down.

Because this is a '4AM Last Call' event, you’ll want to pace yourself. The Annex isn't exactly teeming with late-night food options once you exit the club at dawn, so grab a pre-show bite at one of the local spots nearby. If you’re looking for something substantial before the doors open, the area is packed with excellent Korean and Japanese eateries that will fuel you for a long night of dancing.

Getting There & Good to Know

Getting to CODA is straightforward. It is steps away from Bathurst Station on Line 2, making it incredibly accessible via the TTC. If you are driving, there are several Green P parking lots in the vicinity, but given the nature of a 4AM finish, ride-sharing is highly recommended.

Practicality is key for this one: the venue is strict on entry requirements. You must bring a physical, government-issued photo ID—no photos or photocopies will be accepted, so don't even try. Ticket delivery is delayed, which is standard for high-demand shows to prevent scalping; keep a close eye on your inbox in the days leading up to the event. Once you have that digital ticket in hand, prepare yourself. This isn't a show where you stand around and watch; it’s a show where you lose yourself in the music until the lights come up.