SHOW DEVELOPMENT

As an adolescent, Ziaire was always in awe with how popular songs would be performed on award shows. It was only once he started understanding remix culture and digital audio workstations, that he was able to understand the potential of this craft. Development of live shows can bring artistry to the next level. Some standout shows that shaped him would be: Kanye West performing “Runaway” at the 2010 MTV VMA and Kendrick Lamar’s 2016 Grammy Performance. Shows like these pull the audience into a world only a skilled team craft. Ziaire sets out to create these experiences in an economical and efficient way.

With 18th Vineyard, I set up a playback environment which would allow the group to perform fully produced songs live. The session consisted of a tempo adapted click track, Audio in for running synths through effects, a vocoder, tracks and synths and samples for each song. Highlights of the program include the synth rack and the DJ version. This system would change patches as sections of songs would switch. This allowed for smooth transitions and less staring at a screen. Ziaire also transferred the normal set arranged system into a DJ session. This allowed the group to change up the order of songs live and still all for all the synth and program changes live.

With Erin Coburn, I was bought in to add modern day electronic and synth textures to traditional country rock group. Expanding the landscape of what their audience was used had to be very nuanced. This took shape through live sound shifting through synths (Korg Minilogue XD, Sequential Prophet X, and Arturia V collection) and saxophone and pedals. With sound design and close listening, Ziaire was about to develop a sound that became a iconic moment for the band.