Written by Alexander Leandry and Denzil Chung for Fresh Music Freaks
Last Friday, Fresh Music Freaks contributors Alex and Denzil both had the pleasure of witnessing a truly remarkable set by Deadmau5 at Pier 17. The show was absolutely incredible, and because we both have such different takes and the same love for banging Techno beats, we decided to share our experiences together! It was a unique experience, covering through our own personal lenses, and discussing the after-effects of the show together.
Alexander: Visiting Pier 17 for the first time blew me away! I rarely get to see a live installation by Deadmau5 and this venue was perfect for it. From my past experience, the best place in a venue is the back when seeing the cube on stage. Pier 17 was the perfect size for a Deadmau5 set. Standing in the back with everyone, I was able to see his incredible intro.
Denzil: For me, Deadmau5 was the first artist who brought me into a love for electronic music. I remember playing his 4 x 4 = 12 set over and over again during a pretty dark time in my life, and I would use it to clear my head and draw, write and get inspired. When he had dropped Raise your Weapon during his set, it took me back, and it felt like my electronic music journey came full circle.
Alexander: When it rains many people decide to sell their tickets for a show and pass a good time. For the people who made it out to pier 17 on Saturday, a special experience was delivered. Not one person had to worry about the weather with ponchos being handed out to everyone in the audience. I’ll never forget watching Deadmau5 in the pouring rain on his magnificent mini cube. From going to so many shows in bad weather, I have learned the rain makes the whole environment so much more fascinating.
Denzil: This set reminded me of his Ultra 2016 set that was an amazing all-encompassing balanced set, that made you feel energized, emotional, and happy all at once. To me, this set was just as stellar.
Alexander: Dancing in the rain with my friends around all these strangers was a good start to my night. We were surrounded by feel-good vibes everywhere we turned. At one point during the show, I began to take a picture but couldn’t continue because my favorite song came on – “I Remember ” with Deadmau5 & Kaskade. When a great song comes on during a Deadmau5 set, you can’t help but stare at the cubes visuals in amazement. I definitely enjoy seeing him go through dark techno, and I must go back for another show at Pier 17.
Denzil: I had always heard about the cube. This was my first experience seeing it. The cube was incredible. The visuals enhanced my creative flow in a way. Usually, when I see visuals and I am dancing, the two go hand in hand, and I really appreciated that. I love dancing so much, and anything that adds to the show like a Cube is a huge positive and encourages me to dance my heart out. I had recently injured myself training, and music is a healer. It helps you feel things that transport you to another plane of existence and hearing his music got me to that moment. It allowed me to dance freely without a care in the world, and I felt normal… the way that I feel normal should be like.
Deadmau5, you captured our hearts and brought the Techno even in dreary weather, and we love you for that.