Porter Robinson and Madeon, Vogue Theatre, The Shelter Tour, Dec. 6 and 7.
The music scene in Vancouver has always been incredibly diverse. In the past few decades it has broadened significantly, making room for all genres, an eclectic blend of culture, rhythm and sound creation.
One of the newer genres on the scene, EDM (electronic dance music), captivates the minds of listeners of all ages as DJs and artists apply electronically-made sounds to produce material with a futuristic flavour. Breaking and bending these barriers are Porter Robinson, from North Carolina (whose first live show was actually here in Vancouver a few years back), and Madeon (a.k.a. Hugo Pierre Leclercq, originating from Nantes, France). The two electronic music artists performed together along with opening acts DJs Robotaki and San Holo, at the Vogue on Dec. 6 and 7.
In an interview Robinson and Madeon, who have been friends since they met online in their pre-teens, cleared up the differences in styles. DJ’s remix and play with pre-recorded sounds, while EDM artists incorporate pre-recorded sounds and beats into their pieces, as well as create their own music live, by way of keyboards, electronic percussion and (in Robinson’s case) voice.
Upon entering the Vogue Theatre, the diversity of the crowd was immediately clear. From jeans and T-shirts, to light-up jackets and Porter Robinson tattoos, there was every type of music aficionado imaginable present: hippies, ravers and parents all put in an appearance. From all over Metro Vancouver, fans were brought together by the chest-thumping bass, danceable rhythms and memorable melodies.
One unique detail was the way the music, the video backdrop and the neon lights were juxtaposed against the Vogue’s art deco architecture. The theatre’s interior, paired with the sound, created an exceedingly beautiful blend of sensory perceptions. It was as if electronic music was being introduced to the generation of the 1940’s even though the two artists fashioned a very contemporary performance.
The energy and execution that Robinson and Madeon brought to the stage only heightened the overjoyed feeling pulsing through the dancing audience.
The duo have just completed the North American leg of their synergistic Shelter Tour and intend to start up again in Europe in Feb. 2017.
– Alayna Gibbs is a Grade 12 Handsworth Secondary student who enjoys music composition, singing, dance, and playing jazz band trumpet.
