Around the world and back

The Slyvee in Madison continues to put on huge shows this week from the vocal range of 'Lizzo' to the technical wizard of 'Zedd', we were lucky enough to be invited to the sold out show for 'Zedd' and what an experience it was.

To warm up the crowd for the international DJ was a young Swedish duo, 'NOTD'. For a young duo they have grown from strength to strength, supporting world rounded acts to remixing some of the biggest songs in the world. Their latest track, 'Keep you Mine' was a hit from the first note, charging up the audience for 'Zedd'. It will be exciting to see them wrangle a crowd of this size on their own one day.

With the crowd pumped and stage set it was time to go 365 into 'Zedd's' immersive world. From impressive visuals and effects to the basic rhythm you could feel the electric atmosphere on the back of your neck tingle. This was one of the shows to remember from a global act growing in super star status.

Weathering Well

The electronic atmospheric music wizard ‘Tycho’, aka Scott Hanson has launched himself into unknown territory with his fifth album, “Weather”. The new album is a dramatic step forward as it features vocals from ‘Saint Sinner’; this is uncharted waters for Scott as he has only previously released instrumental bodies of work. However, it seems that the change of direction has proven a big step forward for the artist; both fans and critics have fully supported the artist as the sound has grown along with the venue sizes.  I believe this could be the tipping point for Scott to become the next global phenomenon DJ if he would so choose to continue this trajectory. 

Naturally, the show must travel just like the “Weather”. Luckily for me one of the shows of the world tour landed in my city, Madison, Wi. The support act ‘Poolside’ excited the crowd enough before ‘Tycho’ and his live band step forward from the shadows. Starting off with a classic song of “Awake” energized the crowd into ‘Tycho’s’ mantra. Although there was little communication from the artist to fans they were rolling through the ‘Tycho’ discography with ease. It truly was an visual and audio pleasures to witness the music come alive in this perfect atmosphere.

 

Always A Day To Remember

I could be biased but 'A Day To Remember' are one of the coolest band on the planet. They have become one of them rare bands to rise from their own scene, "metal" and create a unique sound which appeals to everyone. From the heavy breakdowns to soothing ballads, singalongs to all round fun guys. This was the third time seeing the band but first time headlining their own show and it seriously was headline worthy.

The day for us started with some drinks in the sun and food at 'The Old Distillery' which could do with some improvement when it comes to food, it was either bland or overpowered garlic, but $3 beer is always helpful. Once we finished up all fresco we took the small walk to The Slyvee, still in its infancy as a venue but certainly not from the acts that have come through the doors, selling out shows every week it seems! Tonight was no different with the 'Raising Hell In The Heartland' tour. 

The first band to start the show was a UK band, 'Boston Manor', who I have interviewed many moons ago on a street in my home town, it is good to see how far they have come. There show reflected that ethos as well, working as a tight knit group of brothers playing passionate radio friendly rock. Second support tonight was, 'Knocked Loose' a raw energetic bunch of guys looking to cause trouble. Their sound is heavy and rough around the edges, not something i can get into live but okay to have briefly on a playlist.

Then it was time for the show to get kicked up a notch! From the get go, 'ADTR' were not going to take this tour/set lightly, they went all out playing hit after hit from their full discography. What excited me most was the amount of tracks they played off their official debut album, 'Homesick' an amazing and ever playable album to play on full. The band had everyone in the small venue captivated and on board with letting loose, giving out t-shirts, getting a fan on stage for their birthday and an emotional acoustic sing along for good measure. The show was one of the most memorable I have ever been to and I was drunk! Thanks to 'ADTR' for giving us a night to remember.