San Holo Brings a Night of Upbeat and Iridescent Brilliance to LA’s Kia Forum

On Friday night, Dutch DJ, musician and producer San Holo transformed Los Angeles’ Kia Forum into an iridescent splendor following the release of his most recent EDM album, aptly titled, EXISTENTIAL DANCE MUSIC.

The barricade was lined with fans dressed in San Holo’s signature black merchandise and glittering rave clothes by the time the first opener took the stage. Electronic artist OddKidOut primed the crowd with his versatile tracks and psychedelic visuals while JVNA captivated fans with her high energy soon after, clambering up beside her DJ deck to better interact with the audience as upbeat remixes of popular artists like Paramore echoed from the speakers. Right before San Holo’s set, experimental artist-producer Whethan showed off his popular mixes of songs such as Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” while also featuring his musical accompaniment to live vocals by singer-songwriter Elley Duhé for their collaborative track “Money on the Dash.”

The visual experience of San Holo’s set was an aspect that I had been greatly looking forward to, and it could not have disappointed. The expansive LED screens were shrouded by transparent fabric, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Colorful projections of lyrics and people danced across the background and the auditory experience was only enhanced by the sight of shifting lasers, confetti, and even bursts of pyrotechnics. San Holo was an active performer for an electronic artist, constantly contributing his electric guitar work and live vocals to put together his popular songs for a crowd that both danced and cried within the same span of 95 minutes. It was a grand spectacle, especially for someone who wasn’t well-versed in the live EDM scene, and San Holo had plenty of love to show Los Angeles at the biggest show he had played to date.

Toward the end of the show, San Holo mellowed out with an acoustic set. Joined by a backing band, flashlights, and lighters illuminated the crowd who comfortably accommodated the tonal shift. The whole arena was lit up by the audience appropriately for San Holo’s biggest hit, the hopelessly hopeful 2017 track “Light,” and concert-goers wiped away tears as they sang along in the loudest chorus to come together all night. San Holo made an hour and a half of existential contemplation out to be something vibrant and beautiful with thousands united in acknowledging, accepting and dancing away their worries for a night that they’re unlikely to forget.

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