When it comes to incorporating cutting-edge technology into a live show, very few can even come close to Eric Prydz. As well as being one of the world’s most popular electronic music DJs, the pioneering producer is thoroughly committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the live experience, employing bespoke, state-of-the-art 3D projection technology, coupled with dazzling lighting and lasers, to create his signature HOLO show.
Following the artist’s appearance at Sónar, Barcelona, for the festival’s 30th anniversary in June 2023, Prydz once again linked up with the Sónar team, this time bringing HOLO to the Middle East for the first time ever. A collaboration with Sónar and local promoter M Premiere, the show took place at Dubai’s Expo City and fittingly served as the closing party for one of the biggest tech events on the planet, GITEX GLOBAL.
Tasked with transforming the Expo City site into Prydz’s famous Holosphere was Artes, which supplied audio, video, lighting and SFX, along with ES:ME Entertainment Services, which took care of rigging, and All Events Services (AES), which designed and built the vast stage structure.
For Nelson Mendes, General Manager at Artes, the project was very much a labour of love. “There was an extremely competitive tender process for this project, and we had to be not only very quick but also accurate with our response,” he told TPiMEA, during a chat at the Artes office in Al Quoz a few days prior to the show. “This is a hugely impressive production and an important moment for Dubai, bringing Eric Prydz’s HOLO to the region for the first time ever. Everyone on the team was delighted to take on the task and there has been a real buzz of excitement around the warehouse that runs from top to bottom.”
Photos: Artes, AES
