I’ve been particularly blessed in the dance music events that I’ve been a part of in my time both as an employee of Your EDM and in the years before as just a fan. I’ve seen US debuts, biggest headline shows for artists, special engagements, what have you… but probably my favorite thing to see is an artist taking their music and doing something different. Pete Tong took his own music and some absolute classics since before EDM was even “EDM” and brought them to life with the help of the Heritage Orchestra last Thursday night at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Transposing electronic music for and orchestra is no easy feat, but it sounds absolutely incredible when it’s done right. With the help of conductor Jules Buckley, the Heritage Orchestra, special guests Aloe Blacc, Moby, Bipolar Sunshine, AlunaGeorge and more, Pete Tong showed that these producers do a lot more than just “push buttons” and uncovered the beauty within.
The set list from the show hasn’t changed much since last year, but that’s okay because it’s never been done in LA before anyway. Starting off with Fatboy Slim’s “Right Here, Right Now” straight into Eric Prydz’ “Pjanoo” into Robert Miles’ “Children,” ATB, Frankie Knuckles, Daft Punk, Faithless, Derrick May and more, Thursday night was a true time machine in the history of dance music. 
I’ve confessed my love for live electronic music in many of my previous articles, whether it’s Above & Beyond acoustic, Modestep, or Crywolf (orchestral vs full band vs one-man MIDI triggered). The one thing that ties them all together is the connection with the audience, that tactile feeling of instruments and producing sounds in the moment… I love the typical EDM DJ thing as much as the next guy, but seeing something like that is on another level.
Photo via Jamie Rosenberg / @jar.photo
