WECB Live’s First Rave: A glowing, psychedelic success
Graphic by Anya Perel-Arkin
By Karenna Umscheid
On February 2nd in the SPC Theater, WECB Live hosted a rave featuring two talented Emerson DJs. Attendees were provided with a myriad of neon glow sticks and took to the balloon-filled floor to dance to EDM music and classic dance party hits.
Livy Burdo, a WECB Live team leader, shared her excitement for the musical variety that sets this rave apart from past WECB Live events.
“It's something different and it really shows how much we can utilize this [organization] to do all these very different things and I think it’s important to have a variety because it brings in so many different people and it keeps people excited,” she said.
Draped behind the DJ setup were 90’s psychedelic EDM visuals on loop on screen. Standing over the turntables first was Joe Nalieth, known in his work as Potajoe, who shared some insight on his passion for DJing.
“At the end of the day, even if I’m playing for just myself, it’s the best way to enjoy music because I get to manipulate it, I get to assess the vibe of certain tracks and match it to really elevate my mood in a way that playlists simply can’t,” Nalieth said.
The Live team was thrilled by Nalieth’s talent and zest for creating a fun, energetic environment. He played classics like “Die Young” by Ke$ha and “Clarity (ft. Foxes)” by Zedd, as well as newer hits like “Bikini Bottom” by Ice Spice.
Live team leader Jonah Edgar cited Cascada’s “Everytime We Touch” as one of his favorites.
“That’s my national anthem,” he said.
For the second hour, Sam Thorsen, a recent Emerson graduate, put his years of DJing to good use as he created an incredible bass-dropping set.
On his craft, Thorsen said, “Good transitions are always important but song choice is always important, crowd reading and just having fun. Having fun is the most important thing.”
Fun, unexpected remixes, great beats, and crazy transitions all culminate in the DJ’s work to create a special musical experience. Nalieth specifically cited DJing as the best way to enjoy music.
“It’s the best way to enjoy music because I get to manipulate it, I get to assess the vibe of certain tracks and match it to really elevate my mood in a way that playlists simply can’t.”
Nalieth also spoke about the impact that DJ’s get to have an audience, creating new experiences with music for them.
“If people are gonna be able to move, find a song they’ve known their whole life and is something that’s gonna move them, and then hear a new song that they’re gonna wanna listen to more, I think that’s what makes a really good DJ. You gotta mix it up a little, play for everybody and yourself,” he said.
The event was met with rave reviews, especially in regards to the talent and energy of the DJs. Both Nalieth and Thorsen’s sets, combined with the neon decoration and audience hype, made for an incredible night.