Ambient electronica mastermind, Scott Hansen, also known as Tycho, brought his notorious Sunrise and Sunset DJ sets to Summit Music Hall in Denver this last weekend (10/19 and 10/20). The venue that normally hosts hardcore or pop-punk shows took on a two day DJ showcase mirroring Hansen’s Burning Man sets that have become very popular amongst the Burners community, and packed the venue both nights.
Photo courtesy of Lina Skrzypczak
The Burner vibe was definitely present, although the event also made it clear that Tycho’s music appeals to more than just one “type” of person. As a long time fan, I was extremely curious to see what Tycho would bring forth to a DJ set, and how his ambient music would be mixed in with a more dancey vibe for the masses. His last 3 albums are a moderately one dimensional trilogy that is beautiful and moving, nonetheless, but hearing the man mix those ambient anthems with his favorite artists and songs was insane to witness. Amongst playing favorites like Aphex Twin, Com Truise, Weval, and Jon Hopkins, Tycho played so called “bangers” by my personal favorite Bibio. He kept the audience entranced and moving, even when the set took on a momentarily more chill vibe.
In researching the exact setlist, which I couldn’t locate, I did find a reddit thread with a statement from none other than Scott Hansen himself in regard to these sets happening in a few cities nationwide. Hansen states, “I try to make the sunrise set a little more introspective and that may come off as being less energetic. but i realize both sets are at night, in a club, so it’s not like i’m going to be dropping all ambient chill out stuff or anything. i’ll try to keep both equally danceable and interesting. There will certainly be some overlap so you won’t be missing everything from the other night if you just go to one. I will say the second night always kind of feels like more of a party to me, which is fitting for the sunset theme.” In coming across this statement, I felt a clarity towards the set that still left me unable to describe what I, as well as the other show goers experienced that night.
My only qualm is the both sets ended well before 2am, which was kind of a bummer for a weekend show, but what can you do when venues each have rules of their own?
Need a night of dancing through your troubles into a transcending introspectiveness? Tycho is your guy. 10/10 would recommend.
