Following the grand opening of Sphere in September 2023, excitement surged within the electronic music community over which prominent artist would take the stage at this groundbreaking Las Vegas venue. The anticipation was palpable as fans speculated about the lineup, eager to witness the first performance in a space likened to a futuristic spaceship, designed to elevate the live music experience.
Las Vegas is undeniably a dance music hub, characterized by vibrant nightlife and billboards showcasing both emerging and established artists at iconic venues like Marquee, Hakkasan, and XS. The Strip is alive with the energy of electronic dance music, making it a prime location for artists aiming to expand their reach to a global audience. The competitive atmosphere creates a unique opportunity for artists to connect with fans through unforgettable performances.
In an exciting twist, Sphere announced in July that the first artist to headline this revolutionary venue would be Italian-American techno sensation Anyma. This marked a significant moment for Anyma, who had not previously held a residency in Las Vegas, elevating his status within the electronic music scene. The selection of Anyma signifies a shift towards embracing innovative artists who can push the boundaries of traditional performances.
As news of Anyma’s upcoming shows spread, fans outside the dance music genre began to take notice of his work. Although Anyma is a notable figure in the electronic music realm, many were left wondering about his background and what to expect from his performance. Within dance music circles, anticipation grew, with many predicting that his shows would be an exhilarating experience, described colloquially as “totally bananas.”
The expectations for Anyma were monumental, especially following the successful residencies of previous artists like U2, Phish, the Eagles, and Dead & Company. However, the transition from live bands to a DJ performance posed a unique challenge. Remarkably, tickets for his eight-night residency sold out on the very first day they became available, with Anyma reporting an astounding total of 100,000 tickets sold, eventually increasing to 130,000 as additional dates were added.
Kicking off the highly anticipated residency, officially titled Afterlife Presents Anyma: The End of Genesys, the show commenced on December 27, coinciding with one of the busiest periods in Las Vegas. It marked a historic moment as ravers flooded into Sphere for their first taste of live electronic music in this innovative venue, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
On December 29, attendees adorned in rave-inspired outfits, complete with black leather and sunglasses, gathered at the venue between performances from openers Cassian b2b Kevin de Vries and Charlotte de Witte. Each night of the residency featured different support acts, with Amelie Lens becoming the venue’s first officially billed female artist during the December 28 show, further highlighting the diverse lineup Anyma curated for this groundbreaking event.
As the clock struck 11 p.m., Anyma took the stage, elevated on a platform surrounded by glowing cords. The production showcased two accompanying risers, one featuring a cello and the other housing robotic arms that played the instrument throughout the set. This striking visual representation underscored the core themes of the Anyma aesthetic, emphasizing the fusion of technology and humanity that defines his artistic vision.
The performance itself was nothing short of spectacular. It began with a dramatic moment as a robot shattered a glass wall, synchronizing perfectly with the music. Throughout the show, Anyma challenged conventional norms of electronic music performances. Unlike traditional seated venues, Sphere offered a unique experience where even attendees in seats were compelled to remain engaged, as the seats vibrated and pulsed with the bass, creating an immersive atmosphere.
While many attendees danced energetically, a significant portion remained seated, making the overall experience feel akin to a futuristic cinema rather than a typical nightclub setting. This innovative approach transformed the way audiences engaged with electronic music, allowing them to enjoy the dynamic visuals and soundscapes while still experiencing the thrill of a live performance.
Throughout the performance, Anyma and the special guests, including Delilah Montagu and Ellie Goulding, seemed to take a backseat to the astonishing visuals that dominated the stage. Audiences were captivated by the intricate display, often forgetting the artists were even present. Born Matteo Milleri, Anyma has long been recognized as part of the duo Tale of Us, which has been instrumental in shaping the visual and auditory landscape of the electronic music genre through their influential label, Afterlife.
Anyma?s unique transhumanist aesthetic and the interplay between man and machine fit seamlessly within the Sphere?s environment, suggesting that this visual storytelling may have been a significant factor in his selection for the residency. The venue?s state-of-the-art technical capabilities offer artists like Anyma the chance to showcase their imaginative narratives, blending technology and art in ways that have never been seen before.
And indeed, the performance was a showcase of innovation and creativity, highlighting five key aspects that stood out during the show.
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Unforgettable Visual Experience at Sphere
Image Credit: Courtesy of Anyma The visual aspects of the show were nothing short of extraordinary. Sphere is designed to highlight an artist?s visual storytelling, and previous artists have noted the challenge of matching their musical performance with the stunning visuals that the venue provides. Anyma?s performance, while musically impressive, was undeniably elevated by the breathtaking visuals.
The performance commenced with the introduction of a female cyborg character, who made a dramatic entrance by breaking through a wall of glass. This captivating moment ignited the audience’s excitement and set the tone for the rest of the show. As the narrative unfolded, the cyborg character soared into space, creating a sense of exhilaration and disorientation, while transitioning through various stunning landscapes, including a lush garden, a bustling cityscape, and a fiery inferno. This imaginative journey was interspersed with surreal visual segments, such as screens filled entirely with blinking eyeballs, creating a captivating atmosphere.
The presentation artfully blended human ingenuity with a narrative that explored the relationship between organic life and technology. The climax came when the male character placed a beating heart inside the cyborg, symbolizing the triumph of humanity and drawing an enthusiastic response from the crowd. The synergy between the music, visuals, and storyline made for an unforgettable experience that resonated deeply with attendees.
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Star-Studded Special Guests Enhance the Experience
Image Credit: Courtesy of Anyma The lineup of special guests added an exciting dimension to Anyma’s performance. Notable appearances included FKA twigs, who mesmerized the audience with her underwater dance sequence to Anyma’s remix of “Eusexua.” Grimes made a brief but impactful appearance in a glowing box, captivating viewers with her ethereal presence. Live performances from vocalist Delilah Montagu, who delivered a stunning rendition of her collaboration with Anyma, “I Believe In You,” brought the audience to their feet.
Meanwhile, Ellie Goulding’s dual presence?both onscreen and live?further heightened the excitement as she debuted an unreleased collaboration with Anyma. The fusion of these celebrated artists with Anyma’s innovative sound created a rich tapestry of musical experiences, ensuring that the audience left the venue feeling exhilarated and inspired by the diverse talents showcased throughout the evening.
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Exclusive Premieres of Unreleased Tracks Highlight the Show
Image Credit: Courtesy of Anyma Anyma’s performance was enriched by the debut of several unreleased tracks, which elicited some of the loudest cheers from the audience. Among the standout moments were his songs “Hear Me Now” and “Walking With a Ghost,” which resonated deeply with fans, creating an electric atmosphere. The setlist also featured his remix of Fred again.. and Swedish House Mafia’s “Turn On the Lights again?,” showcasing his ability to blend styles seamlessly.
Much of the performance was filled with new material that had not yet been identified by Shazam, suggesting that Anyma has a wealth of fresh music ready for release. The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the unveiling of “Hypnotized,” a highly anticipated collaboration with Ellie Goulding, marking their first joint project. This captivating track is set to be released on January 10, further solidifying Anyma’s position as a leading figure in the electronic music scene.
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Anyma’s Unique On-Screen Appearance Captivates Audiences
Throughout the visual narrative, Anyma’s presence was strategically minimal. The central characters, a human man and a cyborg woman, captured the audience’s attention as they shared intimate moments throughout various stunning sci-fi environments. Unlike other artists who have blended live footage into their performances, Anyma only appeared onscreen once at the show’s conclusion, transforming into a digital representation of himself, complete with tattoos, which provided a memorable and impactful finish to the show.
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The Significance of Anyma’s Performance in Electronic Music History
Image Credit: Courtesy of Anyma The inclusion of an electronic artist like Anyma in a venue such as Sphere signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of electronic music, which has long fought for recognition in the mainstream entertainment scene. The undeniable success of his residency, marked by sold-out shows, reflects the genre’s growing appeal and robust health, particularly in the live performance sector. This event also showcased how modern electronic performances seamlessly integrate large-scale visuals and immersive setups, positioning Sphere as an ideal venue for such innovative experiences.
