My First EDM Show With Above & Beyond

        After living a few years in Denver I was exposed to all kinds of music and arts. Despite making EDM and performing several EDM shows I never had an opportunity to see a huge artist I admired. The first couple of months living in Denver I immersed myself with musicians that were popular on a record label called Anjunadeep. I immediately fell in love with their distinct sound, online shows, and the way they interacted with their fans.

        One day a good friend of mine decided to play me music from a British DJ/production duo called "Above & Beyond". He told me they founded the label I grew fondly for, and another Anjunabeats , which was a similar label but played more upbeat music. After hearing many songs of theirs, and mixes I was sold. After hearing news of a new album tour my friend "The Captain" purchased tickets for everyone in our friends group. By now I've seen several artists that I liked in clubs, but I never attended a show with huge stage production. Massive lighting, sound, the whole bit.

Source: (Stop Breathe Bump)

        After coming home from work one evening, I was surprised to see "The Captain" at my apartment. He then informed us that we would be seeing Above & Beyond at Red Rocks! I was overjoyed (because this was my first show, it was a group I loved, and at one of the best venues in the world). We then bumped some of their tunes, and he headed off. After weeks of bumping their music daily, and waiting the date was here.

        The whole ride to Red Rocks from Denver was hype! We bumped all our favorite songs to hype ourselves up for the show. I was in awe once we arrived at Red Rocks. Being from South Carolina, seeing mountainous structures was amazing! We then pregamed in the parking lot, and readied ourselves to the walk up to the venue. The steps wouldn't have been so bad if we didn't pregame beforehand, but once we reached the top & saw the stage it was worth it. I knew I was going to be in the trenches for this show.

Source: (EDM Identity)

         To be honest I didn't pay too much attention to the openers, but they were all favorites of mine. When Above & Beyond came on it got insane. People I didn't even know were hugging us, we danced together, no shame. It was like we were all there and that was to listen to great music and to dance. They dropped hit after hit, had call and responses, and singalongs. This by far was one of the best concert experiences I've had to date. 

        Experiencing a concert like that was life changing for me. To see high caliber musicians perform and see a fan base that loved their music, and seeing them reciprocate that was beautiful. I can see why people get overly emotional at their concerts because you experience love, peace, happiness, joy and a whole range of other emotions. I also believe hearing music in that setting made me a better musician, because now I always make music with a "big picture" in mind. I always imagine how my music would sound on the massive red rocks system, how the fans would dance to each song, and how I could change the atmosphere with the songs I create. If you ever have a chance to see them in concert. Do it. You won't be disappointed.