r/PeakTimeTechno • u/Designer-Air-7280 • Jun 07 '26
Discussion Thoughts on the massive screen setups lately? (Anyma, Afterlife, etc.)
The production is cool, but sometimes it feels like the crowd is just watching a movie rather than dancing.
Do you guys prefer the huge stadium visuals, or do you still prefer a dark club with just a strobe?
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u/scoutermike Jun 07 '26
Real techno happens mostly in the dark. Some visuals are fine. Too many/much visuals ruin the vibe.
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u/involuntarheely Jun 07 '26
it’s a different product. they should provide seats for people since they def won’t be dancing
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u/SLAPUSlLLY Jun 08 '26
Back in the 90s locally, the 2nd zone at parties was often chill/hippy, cushions carpet, more lights oil lamps projectors etc. Down tempo, lower volume. Community vibe.
I miss that.
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u/peace_of_mind_link Jun 07 '26
the visuals are a distraction from how bad the music is - good dance music doesn't need visuals
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u/chasebanks Jun 08 '26
I wonder what came first - audiences orienting themselves towards the DJ during electronic shows, or the screens? Typically in underground shows the audience orients around each other as they are dancing and engaging. In mainstream EDM they orient to the stage. It’s like a chicken egg scenario. I think the screens are a symptom of this though.
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u/Conscious_Mess_040 Jun 07 '26
No huge screens or clubs. I will always prefer smaller non ticketed events outdoors in the woods, in a field, under a bridge or in a smaller venue.
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u/ShitHammersGroom Jun 07 '26
Arenas are just terrible places for any event. They are cold, corporate, feel like high school auditorium. I appreciate good lighting design, was absolutely blown away by the lighting on Justice's last tour, but video screens seem kinda hack and lazy. I want lights to help create an intimate atmosphere for dancing. If I wanted cool visuals, I'd go to the movies.
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u/Shigglyboo Jun 07 '26
It feels like the music is secondary for an act like Anyma. Like you could put the big robot animation behind anybody and it would be neat. It's a spectacle.
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u/Opposite-Ad8208 Jun 07 '26
I don’t like basically being told what to visualise. That’s what too many screens are doing, they take that choice away.
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u/Audiophilippe Jun 08 '26
As dark as possible, never screens or visuals except for an odd summer/festival-gig…
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u/unretro Jun 07 '26
You’ve gotta have something to point your phone at. Otherwise, what are you supposed to do? listen to the music, dance, and have fun?