Arriving at the Electric Factory prior to sound check on Friday night (September 7, 2012) we could instantly tell that it was going to be a special evening. UniverCity Entertainment had brought out the big guns. Six cryo cannons, six confetti cannons, hazers, and lasers covered the front of the stage with a large digital wall hanging behind the DJ booth. While the visual aspects of the show would be stunning, there was little doubt that fans were coming out for the music. That’s the kind of drawing power that Steve Angello (of Swedish House Mafia and Size Records fame) has.
The first opening spot of the night went to youngster Max Gold. Whether it was nerves, unfamiliarity with the equipment, or an issue outside the realm of our knowledge, the opening set was a bit of a technical disaster. The sound cut out completely at least three times during his set and the term “train-wreck” was thrown around several times in the audience.
The Electric Factory began to fill up as DJ Johnny V took the stage. Johnny V has been developing a strong local following in the Philly region. For proof of this you need look no further than the fact that he was awarded his slot by garnering hundreds of votes in an online contest. His versatility across several EDM genres helped set the stage for what was a magical evening. This guy isn’t going anywhere (but up). Johnny V will be playing shows all throughout the fall with the likes of Krewella, Tommy Trash, Figure, Sander Van Doorn, Chris Lake, and beyond.
Next up on the night was Fareoh who brought mayhem to the stage for all of his fans throughout his hour and a half set. Unloading choice house tracks and heavy electro beats, he kept the crowd pumping on the dance floor, getting them prepped for Steve Angello.
Finally it was time for the headlining set. The hype for this event had been huge, but would Steve Angello deliver the goods? To put it simply, Fed Ex and UPS better watch their backs.
With the venue packed to the gills, Steve Angello threw down an epic set. From start to finish his track selection, audience engagement, and mixing were spot on.
Dropping hits from Swedish House Mafia, his own catalog, and those of his contemporaries, he stunned everyone in the building (from the novice EDM fans to the DJs in the audience) with his wizardry.
As the cryo-cannons blasted, the lasers beamed, and the confetti and streamers rained down, fans rocked out to every last beat. When Angello finally left the stage just before 2am, fans chanted for “one more song”! Alas, there would be no encore, but an encore wasn’t necessary.
[Story by Mik Polli and David Miller – Photo credit: D. Jacob Miller Photography]
You can view the full photo gallery below (click thumbnails to enlarge):
Independent Philly 
You must be logged in to post a comment.