Electronic music pioneer Anyma etched his name into history last Saturday, January 11th, as the first EDM-based artist to perform at The Sphere in Las Vegas. This landmark residency, Afterlife Presents Anyma: The End of Genesys, solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in the intersection of music and technology.
Following residencies from revered bands like U2, Phish, and the Eagles, Anyma’s debut not only met but surpassed the high expectations set by The Sphere’s illustrious lineup. In an interview with Variety, Anyma explained, “The Sphere provides a unique opportunity to showcase my vision in a way that’s never been done before. The technology here allows me to connect with audiences on an emotional and sensory level that’s unparalleled.”
The excitement was evident months prior, as tickets for the initial shows sold out within a single day in July. With additional dates added to meet demand, the eight-night residency amassed an astonishing 130,000 attendees. The buzz surrounding Anyma’s performances highlighted not only his appeal but also the global appetite for immersive electronic music experiences.
First Impressions Of The Sphere
Attending the final night of the residency, I arrived at The Sphere ready to witness a new era of live music. The venue itself was awe-inspiring, with its sleek, futuristic design serving as a fitting prelude to Anyma’s performance.
From the moment we walked in, it was clear this was no ordinary arena. Innovative touches, like small square platforms next to coolers that scanned multiple drinks simultaneously, streamlined the concessions experience, while a mesmerizing metal structure projected Anyma’s signature robotic visuals, leaving us marveling at the venue’s technological prowess.
After grabbing Anyma posters at the merch booth, we headed to our seats on the second level. Our view of the venue’s massive LED screen promised a night of unparalleled audiovisual transcendence.
Setting The Stage: Layton Giordani & CamelPhat
The night opened with a standout performance from house and techno maestro Layton Giordani. Known for his technical as a producer precision and high-energy sets, Layton delivered a crowd-pleasing mix featuring highlights like his remix of deadmau5’s “Strobe” and a flurry of unreleased IDs. The audience’s excitement set the tone for what would be an unforgettable night.
Next came CamelPhat, whose performance many claimed was the highlight of the residency’s openers. As the duo delivered irresistible tracks, the visuals began to climb higher, enveloping more of The Sphere’s 360-degree screen. By the time CamelPhat’s set concluded, the stage was flawlessly set for Anyma to take us on a journey like no other.
Anyma’s Performance: An Adventure Through 4 Acts
When Anyma took the stage, the energy in the room was electric. Positioned centrally in the 200s level, our vantage point offered the optimal perspective to experience the full scope of his audiovisual masterpiece. Anyma’s set unfolded in four meticulously crafted acts: Genesys, Humana, The End of Genesys, and Quantum. Each act carried its own unique narrative, brought to life through a seamless fusion of music, visuals, and storytelling.
Act 1: Genesys
The opening act, Genesys, began with the phrase “Welcome to the Opera,” setting the tone for a futuristic odyssey. Eva, Anyma’s iconic robotic figure, appeared onscreen, pounding on the metaphorical glass walls of the Sphere until they shattered, coinciding with a thunderous drop.
This breathtaking sequence was a testament to the Sphere’s capabilities and Anyma’s vision. Tracks from his Genesys albums like “The Sign” with CamelPhat merged perfectly with stunning visuals, creating an atmosphere that felt almost otherworldly.
A standout feature of the performance was the inclusion of two robotic cellists flanking Anyma’s elevated stage. This bridging of organic and mechanical elements underscored the show’s overarching theme: the intersection of humanity and technology.
Act 2: Humana
As the show transitioned into Humana, the visuals became even more intricate and riveting. This act arguably featured the most spellbinding visuals of the night—terrifying yet captivating sequences that included a thousand blinking eyes watching the audience. The hauntingly beautiful imagery complemented tracks like “Hypnotized” with Ellie Goulding, forming an overwhelming sensory experience that left the audience in awe.
Act 3: The End Of Genesys
In The End of Genesys, the narrative took an emotional turn, showcasing jaw-dropping visuals coupled with Anyma classics like “Hear Me Now” and “Syren.” A highlight of this act was Anyma’s unreleased collaboration with RÜFÜS DU SOL titled “You Make Me.” This poignant moment saw two towering robots embrace, a visual metaphor for love that left many in the audience, myself included, visibly moved. It was impossible not to shed a tear as Tyrone Lindqvist’s soulful vocals filled the space, building to a crescendo that resonated deeply with everyone present.
Act 4: Quantum
The final act, Quantum, featured Anyma’s ID remix of The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights,” accompanied by a bright-white celestial kingdom that wrapped around The Sphere and transported the audience to another dimension. The combination of soaring melodies and eye-catching visuals brought the show to a phenomenal close.
A Narrative Beyond Music
The storytelling element of Anyma’s show propelled it beyond a standard concert experience. Franz Hilberath, a dynamic professional celebrated for his ability to craft compelling narratives in the music industry, eloquently captured the essence of the night. Franz’s journey began in journalism, where he contributed to leading publications like USA Today, and EDM.com. His work includes covering international events and interviewing industry legends such as ODESZA and RÜFÜS DU SOL, on top of founding MP3 PR which represents top dance artists, event promoters, and labels, including DIESEL (Shaq), AEG, and Monstercat.
As Franz wisely put it, “Anyma’s performance at The Sphere was a masterclass in experiential music, aligning harmoniously with the Afterlife ethos of deep storytelling paired with cutting-edge visual artistry. The narrative, titled ‘End of Genesys,’ unfolds through two archetypal characters: a glowing, masculine figure embodying mankind and a female figure representing the future of technology and the potential evolution of humanity. Throughout the event, the audience was immersed in a 360-degree environment that spectacularly captured the transition from the twilight of man to the dawn of a new era.
On a deeper, more personal level, the performance explored the essence of what it means to be human. The man ultimately sacrifices his heart to the robot, leading to his own demise but granting the robot humanity through the experience of love and loss. As many diverse performances will grace The Sphere, Anyma has set an extraordinarily high standard, pushing the boundaries of our imagination and setting a visionary precedent for future shows. Well done indeed.”
Final Thoughts
From start to finish, Anyma’s residency at The Sphere was a groundbreaking achievement. The combination of The Sphere’s revolutionary technology and Anyma’s visionary artistry created a performance that was as intellectually stimulating as it was emotionally resonant. Whether you are a die-hard fan of melodic techno or simply a lover of multisensory experiences, this show set a new standard for live entertainment.
As Anyma continues to push the boundaries of audiovisual storytelling, it is clear that his artistry is redefining the future of electronic music. Much like a rollercoaster, this experience had its thrilling highs, introspective lows, and moments that left us speechless. I, for one, cannot wait to see what Anyma’s next chapter beholds.
Photo & Video Courtesy Of Anyma.
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