Endless Entertainment Blog

Will Curran Recognized as a “40 Under 40” Industry Leader by Connect Magazine

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:08:56 -0700

Will Curran, president, Endless Entertainment, was recognized as an industry leader in Connect magazine’s “40 Under 40” feature in the May/June issue. Connect Magazine is a national, B2B magazine that provides resources and ideas to association and specialty group meetings professionals.

Curran was nominated by his peers in the professional and specialty association meetings world. Numerous nominations were reviewed and evaluated by the Connect editorial staff based on references, industry involvement and other resources. The annual “40 Under 40” feature is not advertising-driven and not connected with any promotional contest, making this truly an honor for those selected.

“The individuals represented in our second annual ‘40 Under 40’ are the future of the association meetings industry,” said Chris Collinson, president and publisher of Collinson Media and Events. “They, together with their colleagues, industry partners and mentors, are helping elevate the profession and move it forward.”

The entire list of recognized honorees and individual profiles can be found at connectyourmeetings.com/2013forty.

Have You Met Ted? - The Power of Referrals

Fri, 03 May 2013 10:57:26 -0700

As Barney Stinson exemplifies in How I Met Your Mother, there is no better way to start a conversation with someone you’ve been wanting to talk to than an introduction. This does not only apply in the dating world, but also in sales. Referrals are one of the most overlooked, but powerful, tools that can be used to gain prospects.

We know; it can be awkward asking a past client to facilitate an introduction to someone you have been dying to meet with, but, if you have provided satisfactory service, why would they NOT want you to help a friend? With a referral, your prospect already has a sense of trust for you because someone else they know and trust believes in your service.

Linkedin is a great way to see who know the people YOU want to get in touch with. Look for the people or companies you have been trying to get in front of, and Linkedin will show you how you are connected to them. Then, it is as simple as requesting an introduction. Utilizing this site can help get your foot in the door with someone you have been dying to sit down with.

After any event, it is important to do a follow up call the next business day to find out about all of the successes and any problems. If you have produced an amazing event for your client, this is the time to ask for a referral! The fantastic job you did is on the top of their mind, and they are more willing to take the time to do this simple favor for you!

It’s not only about who you know, but how the people you know can help you!

Jaws dropped at the amazing 3D mapping of the release of the new...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:19:40 -0700

Jaws dropped at the amazing 3D mapping of the release of the new Volkswagen last month. At the 2013 New York International Auto Show held from March 29 to April 7th, the Golf 7 was revealed through a 3D video show surrounding the vehicle with video mapping on the Golf itself. This system, normally used at festivals and raves, left all of the viewers in awe.

Who would have thought this car release would outdo a lot of events that have happened this year?

Phoenix Comicon & Endless Entertainment join forces

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:25:00 -0700

Endless Entertainment is proud to announce our partnership with 2013 Phoenix Comicon!

This Memorial Day weekend (May 23-26, 2013), Endless Entertainment can be found working with The Phoenix Comicon at the Phoenix Convention Center, Hyatt Regency, and Renaissance Hotel providing entertainment, custom videos, giant screens, and MORE. People from all over the country can be found in the heart of Downtown Phoenix at this all ages event.

Throughout the weekend, guests can attend speaker panels from all different realms — Anime, Comic Books, Sci-fi shows and more! Children can participate in such as Steampunk for kids, Anime for kids, craft rooms. During the day, attendees can enjoy a Zombie Fashion show, prom or obstacle course. At night, those 18 and over can groove at an Adventure Time Rave or a Geek Prom. One of the most anticipated panels will consist of the Babylon 5 stars, and luckily for all of the fans, we will be providing a live video feed for overflow rooms so everyone can witness this once-in-a-lifetime discussion.

Tickets are on sale now! Prices are as follows:

Full Weekend: Presale $50, at the door $60
Thursday (Preview Day): $15
Friday: $25 presale, $30 at the door
Saturday: $30 presale; $35 at the door
Sunday: $20
Children 12 and under free with paid adult

Twitter's Vine for Events

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:02:00 -0700

Vine is Twitter’s new short form video app that allows users to create six second long videos with their iPhones. Since it’s launch back in January, Vine’s community has grown immensely and if you haven’t checked out what this innovative app can do for your events, its time to listen up.

Vine gives you the power to create and edit a compelling video right at your fingertips. Simply touch the screen to record and let go to stop. Once your video is finished, share it with your Twitter followers or facebook friends instantly. Vine also added an embed feature which makes adding your Vine videos to your blog or company website that much easier.

Vine is a great app for anyone. Period. It lets you show off your creativity while still forcing you to be brief. And because it pairs so nicely with Twitter, the possibilities for using it are endless! Here are 5 ways you could be using Vine at your next event.

1. Real Time Coverage

Get some great video and create a vine showcasing what’s happening live at your event. A six second video of something exciting or unanticipated happening is oftentimes more descriptive than a 140 character tweet.

2. Demos

Do you have a new product being demonstrated somewhere? Use Vine to get six seconds worth of close, medium, and tight shots of the product in action. Share it with your Twitter followers and encourage them to come check it out!

3. Interviews, Updates, Announcements

Remember, Vine has audio too! Make use of it by talking to the camera. Grab a quick statement from an attendee or keynote or speak directly to your followers instead of simply writing a tweet. Vine now lets anyone be their own field reporter.

4. Creating Conversation

Encourage followers and event attendees to make their own Vines and share them with you. Host a contest during an event and give away prizes for the most creative and informative Vines. This gets everyone involved and your event or product gets that much more publicity.

5. Highlights

Create a highlight reel of an entire event using Vine. You only have six seconds so choose what to put in wisely. Keep a dedicated collection of highlight reels within the Vine app itself to show off to potential sponsors and clients.

Using the Vine App is pure simplicity and a lot of fun! Go out there and get creative with it. Explore and find others who have found exciting ways to get the most fun and function out of their Vines. Don’t hold back on adding this app to your marketing toolbox. It won’t be long before vine reaches Instagram like proportions.

About the Author: Brandon Smith

Brandon Smith is a Student Journalist at Arizona State’s Walter Cronkite School as well as an Event Manager here at Endless Entertainment. Brandon enjoys freelance blogging and writing about social media, public relations, events, journalism and music.

eVu Episode 1 - The Endless Video Update

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:22:56 -0700

eVu Episode 1 - The Endless Video Update

How Much Does the Online Reputation of a Meetings Venue Matter?

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:02:00 -0700

As a meetings or events planner, you already know you can find everything you need to plan a successful meeting or spectacular event online. You may not realize that what customers are saying online about a venue is just as vital as the information you find about a location’s available meeting square footage, costs and amenities.

Check Their Reputation

A hotel or meeting venue’s online reputation should be a key consideration as you prepare to select the ideal setting for a particular client. What past customers are saying about a hotel or other setting—both good and bad— can actually influence the level of service your client will receive. Meeting venues are familiar with what reputation management companies like Reputation.com emphasize all the time: knowledge is power, and knowing what your customers have to say about you gives you the energy and opportunity to make a difference for your business. Complimentary reviews of a hotel incentivize the staff to maintain the property’s online reputation; negative reviews often motivate the staff to quickly resolve problems or make systemic changes to improve or enhance the experience of future guests.

Online Resources

When trying to determine the reputation of prospective properties, visit Tripadvisor.com, search for a particular property and read plenty of helpful reviews. You can also:

Look for a venue’s presence on Facebook and Twitter.
Visit Yelp.com or similar review websites, to see what others are saying about a venue you’re interested in.
Check whether any or all of your choices are part of cvent.com’s list of the top 100 meeting hotels in the U.S.
Look at venuevault.com, to see if the properties are listed under Featured Venues.

Site Visit

When you’ve narrowed down your list of potential sites and it’s time for visits to properties that have piqued your interest, be on the lookout for these five elements: image, impression, appeal, amenities and availability/accessibility. At the venue, consider the style, ambiance and size. See if it fits the corporate image your client is trying to portray. That segues right into impression: what are your takeaway impressions of the site? Do you sense a commitment to professionalism and accommodation among every staff member you meet?

The appeal of the property often springs from the overall impression and the extras—the little perks that are promised as part of the meeting package and, especially, the partnerships the hotel might have with local attractions to add some fun to the meeting. Consider how large the conference rooms are and whether the hotel offers adequate audio-visual services. Is there an updated, well-equipped business center and a spacious fitness center with the latest equipment?

Availability should be more than whether the hotel can accommodate the dates you need. You want a decent price, not necessarily a low price. The location has to be easy to access (think close to a major airport), or people may have some trouble getting to the conference.

Before you proceed with a site inspection, however, take time for a thorough online vetting of a hospitality venue’s reputation. It just might change your perception of a property— for better, or for worse.

About the Author: James Mcmahon

James is a financial advisor who manages ad word campaigns and product placements for several ad agencies. He enjoys offering advice on marketing for small businesses.

Five Perks You Get With VIP Passes to Coachella

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:02:00 -0700

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is 2013’s first big tribal gathering for music fans in the United States. More than 50 bands will be playing for two consecutive weekends on April 12th to the 14th and 19th to the 21^st at The Empire Polo Grounds in beautiful Indio, California. Most people are satisfied by going to the festival with general admission tickets. That’s not for me. I always buy all-access VIP passes from VIP Concierge. Why? Because, for me, VIP passes completely enrich the experience in many ways, mostly due to the additional creature comforts and perks that are available to VIP pass holders. With all-access passes, you get to hang out in two separate private areas. One is adjacent to the main stage. The other is in the Rose Garden, beside the Sahara Tent. Here’s a list of five benefits you get with VIP passes to Coachella from VIP Concierge.

Each of the private areas comes equipped with a full cash bar. You can kick back under a big, shady umbrella and have a “Sex on the Beach” while you listen to the tunes. When you finish your drink, all you have to do is say, “Same again.”
The private areas have more restrooms. This is definitely a case where less is not more. Festivals attract people, and people need restrooms—the more, the merrier.
To maintain your strength, you need fuel. The restricted areas have extra food and beverage vendors, so that you can stay well-fed and hydrated.
Both private zones have picnic tables and couches where you can relax and just enjoy the party atmosphere. You’ll meet other people who have VIP passes. You’ll probably get to meet some of the musicians too.
You can watch the show from the side VIP area, so you get a completely unique vantage point. You notice different things when you can see the band from the side. You can also watch the crowd. There’s nothing like people-watching at a California music festival.

I always buy my VIP passes to Coachella well in advance. Now that I’m used to the next level of service, I want to remain a VIP.

Don’t get me wrong. I used to really love going to the festivals and getting sunburned and muddy and waiting in line to use the restroom (OK, I’m kidding about that one). A little shade quickly takes the edge off a sweltering day. Having VIP passes makes the festival seem less like a Boy Scout jamboree and more like a happening event.

I’m looking forward to seeing a bunch of bands this year that I have heard of but have never seen in concert. Of course, I can’t wait for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but after they play, then the show’s over. I always hate it when Coachella ends, but at least I know there will be another one next year, and I’ll get my all-access passes from VIP Concierge.

About the Author: Stacy Marks

Stacy Marks works in the luxury entertainment industry and writes about life in Hollywood. From tickets to movie premieres and award show tickets to celebrity holiday parties, Stacy arranges ultra-exclusive entertainment packages for VIPs in California and around the world.

Why Team Building Is Important

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:02:00 -0700

Team building is essential if you want better team relations, because it is all about the most important asset of your business - your employees.

In these tough economic times, you might think that a whole day away from the office for yourself and staff is unthinkable. It might seem like a lavish expense and one that you can do without. However, a team that does not get on and one that does not work together could cost your business.

When tasks are done within your company, perhaps they are carried out by individuals working alone - so don’t require much team work. However, it is important that you understand that whatever your company and no matter how big or small, your business will be more productive when your team is happy.

A company that has good team work means that there is better communication and it will strive better. If people in your team don’t get on and there are many frictions this can create an atmosphere that is hard to work in. It will ultimately mean that your staff members won’t be working to their potential. That’s why team building activities are aimed to improve communication and collaboration between those working together.

There are many indoor and outdoor team building activities to choose from - including cookery classes, music events and trips to adventure parks. Whatever your company and no matter the ages of your team, you will be able to find an activity that suits your company.

During a team building day teams will be forged for a specific purpose of achieving goals that are bigger than an individual could take on alone.

Individual personalities

Most of your time is spent at work, but because you and your team work so hard it can be hard to get to know your staff and hard to know what they are really like.

At a team building event you will learn more about your team and you will also get a chance to see what members of your team have leadership skills.

It will also give you a chance to find out their strengths and weaknesses. This could be useful information, particularly when promotion time comes around.

Getting to know each other

Team building allows those who may not work together on a daily basis to communicate and interact with one another. They will enjoy the interaction and will get to know their colleagues more. The bond will be different (better) when they return to the office.

Those who previously may not have got on in the past will forget their differences and will work together in order to reach the goal.

Fun and motivation

Not only does team building do all of the above, it all also allows your team to take some time out of the office and from behind their desk; allowing them to tackle something different.

Being stuck indoors and sometimes doing the same thing can being monotonous, so to boost work productivity take them on a team building day. Team building doesn’t have to be something you do every month, but aim for once a year; giving your staff something to look forward to.

About the Author: Magnus Ward

Magnus Ward is a professional writer, blogger and also a globetrotter. Currently he lives in Brighton, UK. In the above post, he has come up with some great suggestions as to how to motivate staffs in office. To know more about team building activities.

A Look Into The Staff - Josh Robinson

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 13:01:00 -0700

We pick up where we left off from the last “A Look Into The Staff” by interviewing one of our innovative account managers. As an account manager, Josh is ready to assist you with everything that you need.

In one sentence, how would you describe your role in creating memorable events here at Endless Entertainment?
My role is to make a client’s life easier throughout the entire journey of making an event happen. Having a relationship with the client from the get go is a good way of building towards the best event possible.

What are the most rewarding moments for you?
It’s that moment at the end of an event when you see that everyone at the is completely exhausted and used up all their energy having a blast. It’s the most amazing feeling to know that everyone at the event had such a great time that they’re completely drained.

What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had with Endless Entertainment?
October 20, 2012. We did 7 Homecomings that day and it was so amazing that we made them all happen!

Lets freshen things up with a more personal question. What’s your favorite leisurely activity?
Golfing. (Side note: Josh is almost always at the golf course when he’s not turning your dream event into a reality.).

Why golf?
It’s a great stress relief and it helps me stay competitive. It’s a sport that I can do on my own and it’s something that I’m always trying to improve in.

How would you describe your dream event?
It would be huge! Nothing would make me happier than having an event that had over 300 thousand people.

Do you live by any quotes?
“He who makes a beast out of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man.” -Samuel Johnson

There you have it! For Josh, nothing makes him tick quite like knowing an event rocked so hard that it absolutely exhausted everyone. Be on the look out for more “A Look Into The Staff” where we’ll continue letting you know what makes our team tick here at Endless Entertainment.

Fan Contest - Naming Our Video Series

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:27:07 -0700

We’re proud to announce that we are in the production process for a regular video series that we’re releasing soon. We will be bringing you - our fans - the latest and greatest in everything in events! Between keeping you up to date with the hottest events, popular songs, and tips and tricks from our staff, you’ll be flooded with tons of exciting news!

Now that you know we’ll be delivering the latest and greatest, we need need your help!

We’ve decided that the best name for our series would come from you, one of our awesome fans. At the end of Friday, March 8th, the team here at Endless Entertainment will make the decision on which name (from the endless list of names) really captures the essence our upcoming video series.

The creative winner that names our series will be receiving the grand prize of a $175 gift card for Hot Air Expeditions. A hot air balloon excursion (perfect for all occasions) will take you hundreds of feet in the air for a spectacular sightseeing experience!

Let the creativity flow and submit your suggestions by commenting below!

The Oscars - The Prizes You Didn't Hear About

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 19:19:12 -0700

And the winner is…

With the spotlight and the camera on Oscar winners like Daniel Day-Lewis, Jennifer Lawrence, and Anne Hathaway, it’s tough to imagine exactly what runs through the minds of the nominees that don’t win. It must be difficult to watch another nominee walk on stage to be awarded an Oscar if you were another nominee in the same category. However, the consolation prizes to those who don’t win are filled with many luxurious giveaways.

“Distinctive Assets - a Los Angeles marketing firm - hands out swag bags, valued at more than $45,000, to nominees who lose. Goodies include trips to Australia, Hawaii and Mexico, personal training sessions, tequila, hand-illustrated tennis shoes, “portion-controlled” dinnerware, acupuncture and aromatherapy sessions, a voucher for a fitness and weight-loss retreat and one-year membership to Heathrow’s VIP service. When the bagless winners start weeping on the podium, you’ll know why.”

With the swag bags filled with tons of exciting prizes, it almost seems like losing at the Oscars just as glamorous. If the swag bags, the awards, and the red carpet weren’t glamorous enough, at the Governors Ball, the formal after-party immediately following Sunday night’s show, there were 1,500 guests and over 1,500 bottles of champagne. The party even had 10 pounds of edible gold dust. Now that’s the kind of crazy part we’d like to throw!

This crazy technology by Levy Lighting could change clubs, bars,...

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:01:46 -0700

This crazy technology by Levy Lighting could change clubs, bars, and parties everywhere!

“Place your drink on a bar or table top and observe as it illuminates below, generating a unique coaster effect that follows you as you move your glass. Great for branding, or simply creating a distinctive touch, utilize iSHADOW on your bar and give your guests a new and contemporary party experience.”

The Evolution of DJ Technology - A Brief Timeline

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:01:56 -0700

DJ technology and techniques have evolved over the years since it started. Who know’s where we’ll be in 10 years? We at Endless could be rocking out with some unbelievable equipment that hasn’t been invented yet! Here’s brief snapshot into the evolution of DJ technology:

1965 First stereophonic disco system debuts at the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York.

1970 David Mancuso starts throwing after-hours parties “The Loft.” He and Alex Rosner set a new standard for clubs everywhere by adding separate tweeter arrays and subwoofers.

1971 First DJ mixer is designed for the Haven Club by Alex Rosner.

1974 Grandmaster Flash develops his “Quick Mix Theory” for cutting and mixing records.

1975 Grand Wizzard Theodore invents “scratching.”

1977 GLI PMX 7000 Mixer. First U.S. mixer to incorporate a horizontal crossfader labeled “Transition Control,” and first affordable DJ mixer.

1986 Rane MP 24 Club Mixer: Cleanest and quietest DJ mixer to date and First use of studio-grade faders.

1998 Pioneer EFX-500 Effector. First DJ effects box that added echo, flanging and filtering to the performing DJ’s repertoire.

2001 Pioneer CDJ-1000 Digital Vinyl Turntable. First CD “turntable” using a touch sensitive platter that accurately emulated a vinyl turntable.

2004 Numark CDX Turntable. First standard 12” motorized platter with vinyl record and slipmat for controlling CD play.

2008 Serato Video-SL software plug-in for Scratch Live adds the ability to playback and mix video files using a laptop and a TTM 57SL mixer, bringing live video mixing to the turntablist, allowing manipulation of video files from vinyl or CD players. (Video DJing!!)

2010 Rane Sixty-Eight Mixer for Serato Scratch Live is introduced with two USB ports, the first mixer allowing two DJs with their own laptops to hand off sets without any disconnect.

2012 Rane Sixty-Two Mixer for Serato Scratch Live replaced the TTM 57SL with dedicated lit buttons for cues, samples, loops, and dedicated onboard effects. The two USB ports allow two DJs to share the mixer between two laptops, even if they run different software

A Look Into The Staff - DJ Ascension Interview

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:01:45 -0700

Other than the awesome guests, what else does an amazing event need to be come together? It needs the passionate people who put the event together. From the entertainment, to the photographers, to the event planners, and from the promoters, to the crew that sets up the venue, an event needs to be put together.

Who puts their heart and soul into meaningful events at Endless Entertainment? Simply put, we all do. From the DJs who rock the crowds, to the event managers that make sure everything is perfect, to the account managers that are with you every step of the way, we’re proud and always excited to have a dedicated group that loves doing this. We’ll be looking at every team member and what makes them tick through the course of “A Look Into The Staff”. We decided to start this journey by interviewing one of our DJs with very recent successes in his life as an entertainer.

Between his busy life of staying up-to-date with new music, attending tons of meetings, living a healthy lifestyle, and networking with people in the entertainment industry, our own DJ Ascension (recently named “Scottsdale Community College’s Student DJ of the year) found some time to come into the office and tell us a little bit about himself and share with us his recent accomplishments.

Congratulations on your award: Scottsdale Community Colleges Student DJ of the year. How did you receive that honor?

Well, they awarded it to me for several reasons. One of the major reasons was me setting up a night where the Scottsdale Community College DJs can gain real world experience at a venue called AZ 88 and actually get paid for it. They get real world experience spinning to an audience and they’re able to execute techniques that they learned in class in a public setting and get over their fear of engaging with the crowd.

You’re a DJ. You’re a student. If there was one other thing that you are, what would it be?

An absolute lover of music, absolutely. Also a connector. I love bringing people together for the common goal of having a good time. People work, really hard, most of them five days a week, 9 to 5, stuck in rush hour traffic. With so much stress in their life, they really look forward to the weekend. I put my heart and soul into never disappointing them when it comes to the weekend because that’s MY job; that’s what I live for. I do it so people can release all of that stress, everything that gets built up in their life. When they dance, all of that goes away. I love it when people dance like there’s no one watching. It’s been like that ever since someone was banging on a drum, leading a drum circle in caveman days. There was always a pulse that led people to something bigger and better; a collective consciousness of positivity. Now, the DJ has kind of become the modern shaman that leads people to a better place through music and dance.

If there was one song right now that I need to look up right now, what would it be?

Oh man, that’s tough. That is THE toughest question for any DJ. Like “What is your favorite song?”

What is your favorite song, as in one song that just came out that everyone should look up?

I would definitely look up Dillon Francis and a lot of his songs. “Like Home” by Dillon Francis, I really like that track.

Be on the look out for the next interview coming out! We’ll be looking into one of our account managers. From the moment the events are just ideas, to actually rocking out the event, and to making sure their clients got everything they wanted(and more), our account managers are with you every step of the way.

Superbowl Blackout - Did Halftime Cause The Surge?

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 09:40:00 -0700

Did the Halftime show cause the power surge?

Though some are blaming Beyonce’s electrifying performance for the strange power outage at the Super Bowl, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says you shouldn’t blame B.

Goodell said Monday that the halftime show did not affect the Superdome’s lights, as the performance used its own generator to light up the stage.

“There’s no indication at all that this was caused by the halftime show. Absolutely not. I know that’s been out there that this halftime show had something to do with it. That is not the case,” Goodell assured fans.

Beyonce’s performance has been applauded by critics, who say it was the best Super Bowl halftime show in quite a long time.

On Stage Video - Woo Your Crowd With A Visual Experience

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:01:00 -0700

What makes music videos such an awesome form of entertainment? It’s because great music videos appeal to more than one of our senses; our sense of sound and our sense of sight. When watching music videos, the viewer is no longer entertained just by their favorite songs. Instead, awesome visuals or stunning scenes that complement the music engage the viewer in two completely different ways!

It’s the same case for events. An awesome way to make a memorable event even more memorable is by adding captivating video to amazing lights and booming beats. Video allows anyone at the event to remember one more unforgettable element from a legendary night. Video on stage does so much more than amp up the energy on the dance floor. It also enhances the experience for attendees that don’t dance and it gives them a great alternative to keep engaged rather than standing around and listening to music. If you don’t dance, why would you want to watch people dance when you’re listening to great music when you have the option to watch the video on stage while jamming out to your favorite tunes?

How do WE do video? We can do anything! Between our 100% waterproof LED screens that we can design in any way (literally any custom design), to our projector screens that we can set up anywhere on stage or on the dance floor, and even to creating and incorporating any custom video or footage that you can think of, the possibilities with video are endless.

LED Screens:

We can set up our LED screens in any shape from one GIANT screen, to spelling out letters, or spreading out LED towers throughout the stage. Any arrangement you can imagine can be created.

Projector Screens:

Whether you want the projector screens on the stage, on the other side of the dance floor, or even bordering the dance floor, we can make sure the visual stimulation accompanying the music is everywhere. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the chance to visually captivate everyone in your audience and neither do we. With a touch of technology and a spark of creativity, we can enhance an event’s atmosphere for every attendee.

Custom content:

If content exists that can amp up your crowd but it’s specific only to your event, we can incorporate that! Whatever media you have that you want on screen, we can put it on there.

Behind The Scenes Look At Electric Daisy Carnival On Stage Video Mapping

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:01:00 -0700

When Brazilian electronic musician Amon Tobin took the stage at the Greek Theatre for his headlining set in October, fans couldn’t see much of him. That’s because he was concealed behind panes of opaque, electrically charged specialty glass, part of an enormous Cubist lighting contraption that filled the stage.

From a booth in the crowd, technicians projection-mapped images onto the milky blocks, turning the stage into a color montage cued to the music, punctuated with images of space travel (fitting, as Tobin was wearing a full-body astronaut suit).

The project, ISAM 2.0, is part of Tobin’s ongoing experiment in disappearing into a live setup and using visuals to enrich the music’s story rather than just performing songs.

He’s not alone in that vision for how electronic music can command a stage.

L.A. company V Squared Labs collaborated with Tobin on the show, designing the physical and digital architecture of the visuals and integrating it with his live mixing. Beyond Tobin, the company just retrofitted the new EDM-heavy Hollywood club Sound and has done similar setups for electronica acts and events such as Skrillex, the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, Hard events and the dance-heavy Sahara Tent at the annual Coachella festival in Indio. In essence, V Squared — a small outfit with a staff of nine — is creating the future of live shows in an era where music is made and played on software.

“He didn’t want to be standing in the front of the stage,” V Squared founder and designer Vello Virkhaus said of Tobin and his set. “He wanted to be a part of it. He became the stage.”

Although V Squared Labs has built more traditional setups for rock acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Coldplay and the “American Idol” sets, the dance space is where the company shines. It often creates projects, such as Tobin’s, by designing a “virtual object” in software and crafting visuals around it. Then the company builds a scaled live installation to match it and projects the results (cued to certain musical patterns) in ways that make it look as if the stage is alive.

The results vary as widely as the artists V Squared Labs works with. Its Electric Daisy and Coachella installations are seas of lights interacting with artists’ mixes. The challenge at such festivals is in visually entertaining tens of thousands of fans while also giving an identity to a rotating cast of artists.

“If you’re at EDC without a video screen, the average punter couldn’t tell the difference between half the artists up there,” Virkhaus said. “The lights, the video and the sound are an inseparable part of the enjoyment. But I think the overall essence can eclipse that of a guitarist doing a solo.”

As dance music and EDM festivals increasingly become a permanent part of American musical life, their integration with high-end visuals is opening entirely new avenues for artists to express a vision — and for venues to create immersive spaces for that vision. You’re not watching a performer, you’re watching a visual embodiment of the music — and that might be one way to make sure an artist in a fast-moving scene doesn’t disappear so quickly.

“I think the real achievement of the show was that it successfully presented music that is quite specialized and unusual to a wide range of people,” Tobin said. “We found a way to sell out venues all over the world without selling out what’s at the heart of the performance.”

DJ Ascension, and president, Will Curran stop by the 12 News...

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 16:03:36 -0700

DJ Ascension, and president, Will Curran stop by the 12 News morning show on Black Friday to share their favorite holiday tunes to get everyone in the mood for the holiday season.

Datsik is ready to spend the nights on his upcoming Firepower...

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 13:01:16 -0700

Datsik is ready to spend the nights on his upcoming Firepower Records Tour in a vortex. For real. The Canadian dubstep DJ and producer (ne Troy Beetles) hatched the idea for the vortex-shaped DJ booth he’ll be using on the tour on an airplane flight earlier this year with good pal and fellow DJ/producer Excision.

“I was mulling over ideas and came up with this really cool concept…like a massive vortex, with all the visuals spiraling inward towards me,” Datsik, who recently tried the technology out during tour rehearsals in Los Angeles, explains to Billboard. “It’s really trippy. It looks like I’m floating in the middle of this concoction.” The images are projected both from in front and from behind, he adds, which makes the presentation “look seamless, really unlike anything I’ve ever done before. I basically wanted to make the trippiest possible thing I could, and this is the idea that came to mind.”

But Datsik does acknowledge that it presents a different kind of challenge for those working inside the vortex. “Honestly, I have to focus on what I’m doing or I’ll probably fall over,” he says. “I’m in the middle of all these visuals that are swirling inwards, pulsing. I look above me, to my left, to my right — everywhere around me, there’s visuals. It’s really weird but really cool at the same time. But I’ve got to make sure I’m focused on what I’m doing, otherwise a) I’ll fall over or b) have a seizure.”

The visuals for the tour, which begins Aug. 30 in Denver, will be produced by V Squared Labs, which also works with Skrillex, as well as a 50,000-watt P.A.. Datsik, meanwhile, promises a different kind of set that will showcase “tons of unreleased music” from his Firepower label artists along with “75 percent of my own tracks,” including from his debut full-length album “Vitamin D,” which came out in April.

”I usually play what I’m feeling at the time,” Datsik says, “but with this tour specifically, because it’s such a stacked lineup and there’s so many other DJs, I’m going to play a lot of my own tunes.” The Firepower lineup includes Delta Heavy, Terravita, Bare Noize, XKR, Getter and AFK, among others.

Datsik recently finished a remix for Linkin Park’s “Until It Breaks,” and he’s starting to eyeball his future work, which he says might step away from dubstep.

“I’ve been making it for a long time now, and I feel like everything is changing a bit,” he explains. “I’m trying to step out of the box and do something different. I’m making a lot of hip-hop again, which is awesome because that’s kind of where I came from. And there’s trap music now, so I’m going back on all my old tracks and making trap remixes of them, which is cool.” Datsik estimates he’s “25 or 30 percent” of the way towards a new album but adds that “I don’t know if I’ll put out an album. I may try to do a really cool (song) release and get tons of remixes for it. I haven’t made my mind up on it yet.”