When Sound Meets Light: An Unexpected Full Circle Moment

Yesterday, I shared how the legendary Awakenings events of the 2000s truly sparked my imagination. For those unfamiliar, Awakenings is a powerhouse of the techno scene, a series of events originating in the Netherlands back in 1997. You can dive deeper into their history here. Their primary stomping ground, the Westergas Fabriek in Amsterdam (a fascinating former gasworks, which you can read about here), provides a unique and industrial backdrop for their sonic journeys.

What always elevated the Awakenings experience for me was their incredible lighting design. It wasn't just about illuminating the space; it was a fully integrated part of the sonic experience. The way the lights pulsed and shifted completely in sync with the driving beats created an atmosphere that was nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a level of production that’s not easily duplicated, but it powerfully demonstrates how lighting can profoundly influence how we perceive and feel music.

As some of you who’ve explored the ‘About’ section of this site know, my passion for lighting goes hand-in-hand with my love for music production. And today, I experienced a truly surreal and humbling moment.

My earliest 12" vinyl release has been enjoying an unexpected resurgence lately. But nothing could have prepared me for the news I received from a friend today. Apparently, KI/KI, one of the most talked-about DJs right now, played the Mass Medium remix of my track "The Jumper" during her incredible five-hour set at the Westergas Fabriek... at an Awakenings event last year!

And the story gets even better! Awakenings themselves posted a clip of this moment on their Instagram. Seeing The Jumper reverberating through that iconic venue, the very place that so inspired my understanding of the symbiotic relationship between sound and light, is an absolute honor. It's a full circle moment I never in a million years would have anticipated.

Stay tuned for more musings on sound, light, and the magic they create together!

 

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