As the editor for WhiteRaverRafting, I’ve been lucky to attended many dance-based events in the Big Apple. I thought I knew what to expect from the Anjunabeats Volume 10 Launch Party. I’m familiar with the Roseland Ballroom, their sound system, the Anjunabeats artists, and even the fantastic EDM scene that NYC has to offer. I had the highest expectations for the launch party, but even they couldn’t prepare me for what I would go on to experience that night.
I closed my cab door, waited on a line that wrapped around the block, followed by a thorough but speedy security check, to then finally submitted my ticket. After walking up the stairs and hanging a left I was greeted by an inviting Above & Beyond/Anjunabeats merchandise table. I paused briefly before continuing on and officially hitting the dance floor – which was desperately calling my name. As I passed through the final row of doors, my journey to the beats was complete. The beautiful, psychedelic house sounds of Beckwith welcomed me and began my euphoric journey.
I took a moment to inhale the atmosphere as warm sounds traveled through the airwaves and met my eardrums. I exhaled at the sight of 2,000 trance lovers moved in time with the music surrounding me. The crowd was nothing but loving and all about the music. Trance fans are truly one of a kind, their appreciation and passion for the genre can be seen and felt clearly through their gestures and facial expressions.
Beckwith’s set properly warmed the Ballroom up, while Andrew Bayer‘s sounds began to light the inevitable fire. There was an incredible amount of energy pulsating through Roseland; at around 12:30 Above & Beyond approached the stage, the dance floor was packed to the brim. When the Group Therapy visuals appeared there wasn’t a happier place on earth.
I was disappointed when only Tony and Jono walked on – I believe many others felt the same. Although the absence of Paavo didn’t take away from the pair’s set, it would have been nice to embrace the energy and positive vibes from the complete trio. Although it is rare to catch the three together, the Volume 10 launch party had so much hype behind it that I thought it may have been possible. Regardless, Tony & Jono made the crowd one, even pausing at moments to wave at fans and blowing the occasional kiss. In tandem with the music, the pair used their signature LED screen backdrop to communicate with the crowd. Messages like “This Is Our Favourite Song From Volume 10”, “Time For Some Group Therapy”, and “You Look Amazing Out There” set the entire venue into a frenzy.
In the middle of Above & Beyond’s set I couldn’t help but notice two girls in the front row holding signs that said “We Are Not Alone 2Nite <3” and “NYC Never Forgot Above L<3VE”. Those signs epitomized perfectly the crowd gathered at the Roseland Ballroom that night. You could say that the entire event found its basis in Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect – the unwritten law behind trance. We found peace through the music and love through each other. We united under the roof of the Roseland Ballroom and embraced the emotion and passion from the artists we deeply respect.
While the goosebumps on my skin rarely subsided during A& B’s set, the moment that will stick in my mind for years to come came towards the end of the night. As the opening notes of ‘Sun & Moon’ began, roars of recognition and approval came from every direction. The vocals kicked in and the singalong was so loud you’d have though you were standing on the sideline of this years Superbowl. As that brilliant, powerful, and emotive trance drop approached I saw tears in many eyes. Right before the climax of the record Tony and Jono looped the silence.
To my surprise they pulled a very lucky fan on stage and greeted her with open arms. The duo put her in control, they welcomed her to the DJ mixer and encouraged her to break the loop. Emotions were high, my heart was racing and as I anticipated the crowds reaction she pressed the button. Immediately a wave of natural ecstasy traveled from the speakers to the crowd an then through my body. At that moment I was thoroughly reminded of why I fell in love with electronic dance music.
As the end of their time-slot neared Tony & Jono jumped into the photo pit to shake hands with fans and sign as many autographs as they could – expressing a true appreciation for their following. They then invited Norin & Rad onstage to close out what was definitely a night to never be forgotten. N&R pushed the party into the early hours of the next morning, dropping bass filled bangers for every person whom opted to rage on.
The Anjunabeats Volume 10 Launch Party provided a diverse flavor or trance, house, and electro through a strong lineup of superstars. It was ran as I had imagined, professionally. They kept an intimiate setting by not overselling the venue – which played a large part in shaping such an incredible atmosphere. Above & Beyond proved as they have time and time again that their Anjunabeats label is a musical force to be reckon with. Their Volume 10 Compilation album will undoubtedly be one of this years biggest releases. With records by Arty, Audien, Jaytech, Ronski Speed, Andrew Bayer, and 7 Skies on the discs, it’s impossible to think otherwise.
WhiteRaverRafting.com – Anjunabeats Volume 10 Launch Party Photo Album
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