Normally, on any other given Halloween, you’d think that the general teenage population would be out partying in Allston or stumbling around the Theater district. But, if you were at TD Garden on October 31st, you’d know that most EDM fans in Halloween costumes were pushed together in General Admission waiting for Pretty Lights to come on and send bass lines vibrating through their bodies.
Pretty Lights, also known as Derek Vincent Smith, jumped behind his deck and immediately started playing. He started with a slow yet vibrant beat that got the crowd dancing almost right away, and speedily gave the crowd what they wanted: soul-filled beats, vibrating bass lines, and futurists synthesis mixed with dirty broken beats. He gave the crowd the emotion of a trance show and the energy of any insane electro house set.
When he dropped his famous track “Total Fascination”, everyone in the audience, whether they were a 16-year-old girl covered in glitter or a 30-year-old appreciating cool vibes, went nuts. It was like Smith sent electric bolts through the veins and minds of every single person in attendance.
The only thing that was just as fun and pleasing as the music was the classic Pretty Lights light show going on. Instead of the typical colored strobe lights and lasers, Smith flashed elaborate shapes and projected views of cities, bridges and skyscrapers that flowed beautifully with the bumping yet chill beats exuding from the speakers.
As usual, Pretty Lights delivered with a type of music that made your body twist, your head bob with your arms up and your eyes closed. He put you in a state of mindless and emotional dancing. For the majority of the show, he did non-stop mixing of his songs and other mainstream hits, such as “Still Night”.
One of the best parts of the show though, was the encore, where he played “I know the truth” and everyone lost their mind. Everyone sang along and exuded a united passion that can only be found at an EDM show of epic proportions.
As an electronic music fan of a very long time, being a photographer between the rail and the stage was a magical experience. I got to bask in the light and glory of an artist (in every sense of the word) who continues to pioneer what electronic music is today. Overall, Pretty Lights was an amazing experience that left a lasting impression and sent shivers (in the most amazing way) up the spines of everyone at TD Garden.
By: Anna Treyzon