Joachim Garraud | Original Photos
As certain DJs and producers continue to grow, the next logical step is to put together a unique live set. A performance that takes their shows to another level. Something special. Different. With everything that’s being done nowadays, what direction is there to go? Some DJs are incorporating a 3D aspect to the visuals of their performances. The show is already technically in 3D, because it is real life. You with me? In my opinion, this can go only so many ways. You know how some movies are coming out in 3D that really don’t need to be? Some things are just fine in 2D, and I was about to find out if this played out to be true at a concert.
The whole experience was taken off the beaten path. He’s backing the Space Invader concept hard, despite it being a very unoriginal idea. Though, It didn’t make it any less cool to get a Space Invader 3D mask. Albeit, a souvenir. This is the kind of different idea that puts performances apart. Something that fans can literally take home with them for keepsake. It was a site to see when Joachim took to the decks and the entire venue had their masks on in preparation for this unfamiliar journey. The 3D aspect was fun, but all it did was add depth to the visuals. I feel like the visual experience would have been exponentially enhanced if I was in the front row and on 2 tabs of acid, but after awhile, I lost interest. Besides, it’s hard to see and enjoy yourself in the mask. This problem was definitely considered, as only certain sections of the show were in 3D. This gave the attendants an opportunity to be able to enjoy some maskless dancing.
Joachim himself is a very energetic performer, which reverberated from wall to wall. His song selection, although, was shotty. The deep, darker techno tracks I was hoping for were few and far between. Lots of Swedish House Mafia, Knife Party, Calvin Harris, etc…He’s as good as a “vegas” DJ is going to get. Plays all the hits with some secret weapons, of course. The most unique part about the set were the segments where he pulled out a keytar and jammed out his own renditions to popular songs in EDM culture. Sometimes he played for longer than he should have, but it took the whole “live” aspect to a more tangible horizon.
My first night at Exchange will not be forgotten easily. This is one of the more beautiful venues in Los Angeles, let alone the world. Three stories decorated with vines, lights, masks, and mirrors in the most creative way possible. The third story is for VIP and bottle service, which brings up the issue of where the whole scene is going. It adds a class structure to something that originated as being about peace, love, unity, and respect. I don’t want to get all classic raver on you, but we’re headed towards a divided culture. Something to think about.
