Life In Color: Behind the Scenes – Washington, D.C. – September 29th, 2012

RFK Stadium has hosted several of the largest Life In Color shows to date. Tonight would be another recording breaking night as over 12,000 + people were in attendance to see some of the hottest DJs on the planet such as Dada Life, Bingo Players, and Lucky Date.

The entire day leading up to the opening of the gates is filled with tasks that include unloading trailers full of equipment, hanging banners / decorations, and testing paint blasts with the local fire marshalls.

Life In Color can have up to four parties going on throughout the United States on any given night. Most tours feature several buses and semis filled with production equipment.

Tour buses lined up before the show (front).

Unloading equipment (rear).

Larger shows allow for more production such a camera cranes, stage performers, and of course MORE Paint!

Practice Makes Perfect; Stage performers challenge each other on a daily basis to push the limits.

Party Supplies; precise amounts of paint and confetti are prepared before each show.

Paint drums are filled to the max and are attached to professional grade fire hoses.

It looks like the paint cannons work as an empty parking lot is blasted with a small test shot.

There is only one rule on Life In Color tour…

Well, two if you’re a DJ…

The sun sets as the show is about to start in D.C.

The entire production staff are connected to one another from front to back of house. Believe it or not, a tour of this size, with this much production, rarely has a show without issue, although those in attendance would never know…

View from the booth.

In summary, the amount of production that goes into Life In Color’s events has exceeded any tour I’ve seen in the past few years of covering live events. The recent name change from Dayglow to Life In Color signifies a new chapter in one of the largest touring parties in the country. If you’ve never experienced Life In Color, I highly suggest attending one of their events when it comes to your town. You won’t be disappointed with the caliber of the show; the production, stage performances, and headliner are always spot on, providing patrons with a good time, and leaving them with painted faces.

The Entire 150+ Photo Gallery of the Life In Color Tour Featuring Dada Life Can Be Viewed Here
Life In Color Featuring Dada Life

The Entire 150+ Photo Gallery of the Life In Color Tour Featuring Dada Life Can Be Viewed Here
Life In Color Featuring Dada Life

Avicii at Radio City Music Hall – September 26th, 2012 – New York, Ny

Avicii made history this past week becoming the first DJ to ever headline a show at the historic Radio City Music Hall in NYC.

Even with the venue having seats, the club element remained intact. Hundreds of pulsating lights and lazers created an epic backdrop for the dance phenom as he appeared atop his giant head. His set featured a healthy dose of Swedish House Mafia with the likes of “Greyhound”, “Antidote”, and “Don’t You Worry Child” being in rotation. Other tunes that stood out as favorites were Torro Torro’s “Go Deep” remix which has been taking dance floors by storm, along with Sander Van Doorn’s track with Julian Jordan “Kangaroo” (banger). Avicii also played fan favorites “Levels”, “Fade Into Darkness”, as well as his collaboration with Robyn, “Hang with me”.

Fans gathered out front of Radio City Music Hall before Avicii’s first of 5 iconic shows over the end of September.

The stage setup was a sight to see as it featured aspects of LED Mapping, several sets of strategically placed lasers, and of course a giant head which appeared to facially recognize the audience over the course of the evening.

Avicii poster outside Radio City Music Hall.

One thing I really liked about a dance show being held at a venue of this caliber, was that there literally wasn’t a bad seat in the house. The rows generously elevated as you went further back into the crowd, as well as up in the balcony sections. Security was lax, allowing patrons to dance in the isles and have a good time for the majority of Avicii’s set.

Recently, a lot of artists started using LED mapping (projecting visuals onto a surface around the dj) which offer an additional layer of visual excitement to the live show.

In the past year, I’ve seen Skrillex (with two different LED Mapping setups), Shpongle, Datsik, Eoto, and Amon Tobin all use this element to create a unique visual adaptation to compliment their live show. Avicii’s setup was arguably one of the largest and most elaborate out of any I’ve seen over the course of the year. Like Skrillex’s “mothership” and Deadmau5′s “cube”, Avicii has his “head” which has also become a fan favorite.

In summary, it was my first time experiencing a show at Radio City and Avicii did not disappoint. The audience catered more to an older crowd, as with most shows I’ve seen in NYC, and was a welcome change of pace. His set was spot on, blending new and unreleased material with fan favorites. All four tiers of Radio City were seen dancing, which I’m sure was a continued trend over the remaining four nights.

The Entire Photo Gallery of Avicii at Radio City Music Hall Can Be Viewed Here
Avicii at Radio City Music Hall

The Entire Photo Gallery of Avicii at Radio City Music Hall Can Be Viewed Here
Avicii at Radio City Music Hall

Figure, The Killabits – September 22nd, 2012 – Philadelphia, Pa

Johnny V (House of Hearts) with Figure.

The Killabits, an artist on Figure’s Doom Music label, destroyed the stage at the Grand Opening of Soundgarden Hall in Philadelphia.

One reason why many believe this venue will be so successful, besides the fact that it’s B.Y.O.B. , is that up and coming promoters such as House of Hearts, Actual Records, and Jump Up Productions are involved with almost every show. By rallying the local support, Soundgarden Hall set themselves up quite nicely for a jam packed schedule of events with the likes of Datsik, The Crookers, Pendulum, and Zomboy just to name a few.

House of Hearts Posters from the first time they brought Figure to Philly.

Kiel Sterling (House of Hearts)

Aaron Ruxbin (Actual Records)

Soundgarden Hall offers plently of beverages that mix well with your drink of choice.

A packed house as Figure takes the stage.

During the night, several performers entertained the audience including a special appearance by Kryoman, who walked through the crowd blasting the fans with cold compressed air.

House of Hearts family members throwin’ up gang signs.

Figure dropped several exclusive tunes, vips, and remixes during his monsterous set. I enjoyed the DeepDarkBassHeavy sound of Figure’s music and embrace his constant reference to classic horror movies via song titles and artwork.

One could argue it was one hell of a kick off party for Soundgarden Hall, but in reality more of a welcome home for Figure.

The Entire Photo Gallery of Figure at Soundgarden Hall Can Be Viewed Here
Figure at Soundgarden Hall Photo Gallery

The Entire Photo Gallery of Figure at Soundgarden Hall Can Be Viewed Here
Figure at Soundgarden Hall Photo Gallery