After Sphere opened with fanfare in September of 2023, there was a lot of buzz in the electronic music community about which artist would be the first to perform at Las Vegas’ new futuristic venue.
Many artists would likely have been eager for the opportunity. Las Vegas is a hub for dance music, with prominent artists featured on billboards along Interstate 15 leading into the city, showcasing their residencies at popular nightclubs like Marquee, Hakkasan, and XS on the Strip.
However, the honor went to a fresh face, as Sphere announced in July that Anyma, an Italian-American techno producer, would be the first to headline at the venue, despite not having previously held a residency in Las Vegas.
Following the announcement, there was a shift in discussions as people outside the dance music scene became acquainted with Anyma, a notable figure in the genre but relatively unknown to the general public. Curiosity arose about his background and what to expect from his performance, while within the dance community, anticipation was high for what was expected to be an extraordinary show.
With the bar set high by previous successful residencies at Sphere by artists like U2 and the Eagles, Anyma’s debut generated significant interest. Tickets for the eight-night residency sold out rapidly, with 100,000 tickets sold on the first day of sales in July. Due to popular demand, additional dates were added, resulting in a total of eight shows and 130,000 tickets sold.
Titled “Afterlife Presents Anyma: The End of Genesys,” the residency kicked off on Dec. 27 amidst the bustling holiday season in Las Vegas, drawing ravers to Sphere for the inaugural shows.
Two days later, on Dec. 29, attendees decked out in rave attire gathered at the venue for performances by openers Cassian b2b Kevin de Vries and Charlotte de Witte. Anyma took the stage at 11 p.m., accompanied by a unique setup featuring robot arms playing a cello, setting the stage for a visually stunning and innovative performance.
The show exceeded expectations, with unconventional elements such as seats designed to vibrate with the bass, creating a distinctive experience for the audience. While some attendees danced in place, the majority remained seated, immersing themselves in a futuristic theatrical production unlike traditional nightclub performances.
Anyma, along with special guest artists like Delilah Montagu and Ellie Goulding, played a secondary role to the mesmerizing visuals that captivated the audience throughout the show. Anyma, also known as Matteo Milleri from Tale of Us, showcased a visually striking narrative that complemented his music and created a captivating performance.
The transhumanist theme of the show, blending human and machine elements, resonated perfectly with Sphere’s futuristic ambiance, enhancing the overall experience for the audience. The technical capabilities of the venue allowed Anyma to expand his creative vision, resulting in an epic and visually stunning cyborg narrative.
Let’s explore five standout aspects of the performance:
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The Visuals, Obviously
The visuals at Sphere were truly a highlight of the show, with a captivating display that complemented Anyma’s musical performance. The imagery of the female cyborg character breaking through a wall of glass set the tone for a visually stunning narrative that unfolded throughout the performance. From space travel to lush landscapes, the visuals were both mesmerizing and thought-provoking, adding depth to the overall experience.
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The Special Guests
Guest appearances by FKA twigs, Grimes, Delilah Montagu, and Ellie Goulding added an extra layer of excitement to the show, with each artist bringing their unique flair to the performance. From underwater dance sequences to captivating vocal performances, the special guests contributed to the overall spectacle of the evening.
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Loads of Unreleased Songs, Including a Forthcoming Ellie Goulding Collab
Anyma treated the audience to a mix of familiar hits and unreleased tracks, generating excitement among fans. Standout performances of songs like “Hear Me Now” and “Walking With a Ghost” were met with enthusiastic cheers, while unreleased collaborations, including the upcoming track with Ellie Goulding, showcased the artist’s versatility and creativity.
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Anyma’s Quick Cameo
While the focus was primarily on the visual narrative and guest appearances, Anyma made a brief on-screen appearance towards the end of the show. His digital presence added a personal touch to the
Credit: www.billboard.com
