Though the warehouse at Rawhide has been the backdrop for many EDM events in Phoenix, the way the RB team and Chris Lake’s team curated the space was distinctive and reminiscent of a true warehouse rave. It was dark, moody, and broody. The crowning jewel of the setup was a flying V of lights that hung above the crowd and gave the room a delicious glow.
From the moment the night kicked off, the energy at Rawhide felt like it was being carefully wound tighter and tighter, just waiting to explode. We were treated to a dynamic opening with Austin Feldman b2b Just Manning, who set the tone early by flipping Tame Impala’s “Dracula” into a house-forward BPM, transforming something dark and driving into a groove that immediately pulled the crowd in. The transition out of Dracula melted into a deep house rhythm, with playful little teases of Tame Impala’s viral sample sprinkled in. It was just enough to catch your ear and keep you guessing.
Kyle Watson stepped up to the decks next. He got right to work dropping “In Da Ghetto”; the crowd erupted, singing along instantly. It was one of those moments where you could feel everyone lock in at once. Everyone’s hands are up, voices loud, bodies moving without a thought. Watson gave the crowd a stellar warm-up, building anticipation and groove in the room.
Chris Lake popped out earlier in the evening for a quick second to show some love to the b2b duo. He was a busy man before taking over the decks. After waving a quick hello to the crowd from the stage during the Austin Feldman b2b Just Manning, he made his way back out during Kyle Watson’s set and bopped around GA for a bit. Lake does a stellar job of remaining a part of the community while delivering top-quality energy in everything he does.
Then Chris Lake stepped up, and he was immediately going 100 miles per hour. An iconic drop got teased for what felt like forever, building tension until the crowd was practically begging for it. Then, out of nowhere, a quick sample of Ray Volpe’s “Lasers” slipped in—and suddenly, BAAAAM—the lasers exploded overhead. “Beggin’” landed exactly how you’d expect: an instant crowd favorite that had everyone bouncing in unison. And then there was the cheeky brilliance of it all—Chris Lake’s unmistakable two-note tease of “Turn Off the Lights.” He peppered it throughout the set, sometimes barely there, sometimes loud enough to send the crowd into a frenzy. I just about lost my mind when he dropped “In My Head,” as I had had that track on loop leading up to his performance. It’s my favorite track off the Chemistry album!
By the end of the night, Rawhide felt transformed—sweaty, buzzing, and fully surrendered to the groove. Chris Lake didn’t just play a set; he controlled the room, reminding everyone exactly why his shows feel less like performances and more like shared experiences you carry with you long after the lights go out.
His final stop of the [Chemistry] Tour is this Friday, December 19th, in Vancouver. If you can make it, snag that ticket ASAP! His full Chemistry album is available to stream as a consolation prize if you’re not so lucky.
Check out our full album of pics from the event here!