Festival Fever
Sweaty, swaying dance party: Pretty Lights kicks off ACL with Nas and Run DMT
Last night, Pretty Lights hit the stage at Austin Music Hall, marking the beginning of ACL. The Colorado-based DJ, also known as Derek Smith, was accompanied by Nas and Run DMT at the event (marketed by C3 as an "aftershow") that drew a few thousand fans. These aftershows, unofficial second gigs for festival bands, have become increasingly popular over the last few years and now act as a stable for up-and-comers—or, as we call them at ACL, headliners-in-waiting.
A name that you’ll see at the top of lineups for years to come, Pretty Lights has a sound nearly all to his own. With a background in hip-hop, he mixes in funk and soul samples to create a high-energy blend of music that unites fans of many different genres. Due to the use of samples, much of his music is downloadable for free (donations encouraged) on his site.
Tried and tested on the festival circuit over the last few years, Derek’s full set has yet to disappoint. Mixing in classics like “Finally Moving” with new jams such as “I Know the Truth”, Pretty Lights heated up the normally cool Music Hall into a mixing pot of swaying sweaty bodies with arms raised. He somehow found a way to remix everything from Notorious BIG to Pink Floyd to Nirvana without missing a beat. The glitchy beats and heavy synth were irresistible, possessing all in attendance.
The biggest takeaway from last night and every Pretty Lights show is actually quite intuitive: the lights. His recent rise to fame has allowed for additional investment in an LED set-up that is unparalleled. The visuals, a combination of perfectly timed flashing strobes and morphing neon backgrounds set to a city skyline theme, provide an experience to max out the senses.
Those that missed out on last night's epic show still have the opportunity to catch Pretty Lights at ACL today (Friday). His set starts at 7:30 on the Google+ stage so bring your glow sticks and be prepared to dance.
Check out video from the show below:
Want more? Check out videos from the rest of the show.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc won the U.S. Grand Prix on Sunday, October 20, with Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen rounding out the top three.
Photo by Daniel Cavazos