It told stories, became environments, and was even briefly used as a PowerPoint slide deck. The dual floor and wall screen setup was used as a compliment, not a crutch. However, that comes at the cost of completely stealing your attention like a TV would during a movie. They’ve become a crutch for many artists to drum engaging visuals on the cheap. After I heard that, I could never go back to see it any differently. Sure, the show was quite choreographed, but that gets a pass because Porter used that choreography to tell a story and tell it well.Ī wise industry-vet concert lighting tech recently told me that video screens had cheapened the experience for concerts. There were so many unique applications to this. Want to distort a Google maps flyover of The Armory. Want to dance on a giant MacBook Pro? Sure. This laptop-shaped stage allowed Porter to envelop himself in whatever theme he chose. A floor-based video screen and a backing video screen, and many, many mover lights. Porter’s show elected to go with something incredibly unique.
I’ve mentioned in the past that some artists do the most.
The Visuals were also honestly one of a kind. Video Screens? Boo Hiss.* *Exceptions for Laptop-Shaped Stage
This was a show about growing older in “unprecedented times.” Even Google searches became a part of the show where Porter Googled himself, reviews of his work (shoutout to Anthony Fantano), and even some memes for good measure. The stage turned into a MacBook pro at one point, with a live feed off Porter’s MacBook pro. Themes of young love, depression, being lost in life, and being the first technologically adept generation made appearances throughout the set. Not only did he spend a lot of the show connecting with the audience, but the entire set and its complementary visuals were a (sadboi) love letter to the Millenial generation. For a show in a venue meant for around 9000 people, it felt intimate. Sure there are artists like Illenieum that fall into a similar category, but it becomes very apparent that a Porter show is extraordinary. Porter has grown immensely from being the 18-year-old electronic music prodigy and has genuinely carved out an identity that is genuinely only Porter Robinson.
I’m probably dating myself here with this statement.^ He was the first electronic act I ever saw live, back in the Spitfire days where he opened for Tiesto. However, Porter Robinson holds a special place in my heart. I guess when you’re stuck at home, you’re most likely to listen to something a little calmer than the electronic scene usually provides*^ I’ve grown to become somewhat of a deep house snob over the last couple of years. After all, he is a millennial, and boy did he lean into that.
0 kommentar(er)
