Live Words and Photos: Shadow Editor
Top world-ranked EDM DJ and Producer Illenium,(born Nick Miller) has broken new ground in the last few years in the world of electronic music with his crossover approach and blending of different genres from Rock and Metal to dubstep and progressive. Illenium proves that these genres can coexist and calling it rocktronica fits it pretty well. You take songs and collaborations with Pierce the Veil and Spiritbox for instance, and that opens up a world of opportunities to a new wave of fanbases.
We don’t normally cover much EDM at all, but this a tour that is very well produced, not only does Illenium play live with a full live band, bass/drums and keyboards, guest vocalists, and a violinist, but the high octane pyro and light beam showcase are exquisite for a live setting. The crossover delicacies come through very nicely to this point, to me the show does not feel like a true EDM show or rave. Don’t get me wrong this night was fully amped up and the mix of styles presented was very admirably done, but it’s the versatility here that makes the show entertaining.
Opening for Illenium was French DJ Imanu who plays a more traditional electronic set, followed by Colorado DJ Said the Sky who fuses Dubstep, Future bass, EDM trap music, and Pop-punk, among others. Said the Sky did a nice job warming up the night for Illenium, kicking the momentum of the night into high gear towards the back end of his set, enjoyed the visuals of his performance as well.
Illenium wastes no time as the first 10 minutes of the set are filled with Pyro and high energy. Later in the set guest appearance via its violinist and guest vocals Tori Kelly, the show keeps pushing forward with a high-end light beam show in between the insane amount of pyro used in its production. Some of its best moments I enjoyed is him playing guitars, no he’s not up there shredding or anything but is not every day you see an EDM DJ pick up the fretboard and have in on the fun.
This was a very well-done setlist, from the high-end production value to its full lineup ensemble, to the visuals everything here on this Wednesday night felt like a party. Not one person was not dancing and having a ton of fun. The Orion was lively and, to be honest with you I would hope they get more varied musical artists here to showcase more of itself to the city. Not opposed to more EDM music if it brings the same level of production. This was a very enjoyable night that left nothing but positive feelings.
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