There are moments in time where the outside world dissolves and euphoria replaces the anxiety of the day to day grind. These moments are colorful threads in the tapestry of life. In these pauses there is peace. There is reflection. There is joy. I had such a moment last weekend when I witnessed the live performance of Goldroom’s music at Something Wicked. Goldroom was thankfully scheduled well after Day 1 of Something Wicked kicked off, allowing attendees to get some of the more highly anticipated artists out of the way. Goldroom was a pleasant surprise during that first day, a day that would cement my love for them.
Appearing before Goldroom was Autograf, a group that is currently on tour with Goldroom through the fall. It’s the perfect pairing, as Autograf incorporates instruments into its live shows and evokes a similar flood of emotions. Autograf’s set melted away the rattling of the bass I had been previously exposed to and released a steady, calming stream of electronic music that put me in the right mindframe to receive what Goldroom was about to deliver.
It was hard to say goodbye to Autograf as the final notes faded into the night, but Goldroom was up next and that was enough to keep the excitement buzzing in the air. Autograf broke down their stage set up and then Goldroom constructed theirs not just with instruments, but with a quiet confidence. Saturday night Josh Legg, the creative force behind Goldroom, was joined by several others on stage, including Nikki Segal, the sole female voice putting her pipes on display. In a word, Nikki Segal is a national treasure. Her essence can be felt through her voice and seen in her movements. She is a woman who commands the stage, as if it is her birthright to be there. Joining her were band members on the guitar, keyboard, and drums. The ensemble worked well together and layered the night with excellent harmonies. Nikki and Josh spoke to the crowd, calling out to listeners to join them in the dance clinic they put on.
Below are videos exhibiting the powerful grace of Nikki Segal and what amounted to a spirited show full of good vibrations. Much of the set was not recorded because the music was too good to stop and live the moment through a screen. The production of the Mystic Meadows stage was scaled down from the two other stages, the Bass Crypt and Shadowlands, but Goldroom executed a bold, beautiful, and captivating set that put the focus on where it should be: the music.
The band played a lot of material from Goldroom’s debut album, West of the West, including Silhouette, Lying to You, 15, and Retrograde. Midway through the set, they played a new song, Spread Love. It was just the song for what has been a topsy turvy, turbulent year. Goldroom resounded with the crowd that swayed, cheered, and stood in hushed reverence. They were a breath of fresh air amidst all the bass music of the evening.
Two days after I witnessed Goldroom in all its splendor, I purchased West of the West, Goldroom’s debut album. Goldroom is based in Los Angeles and the mood of the album is sunny, airy, and soulful, just like Cali weather. Teenage Waste and Tough have the most crossover appeal, easily able to fit into the rotation of infectious pop backed by an invigorating band that you will often hear on FM radio stations. My favorite track on the album is Underwater that features the impassioned pleas of Nikki and an upbeat, funky rhythm, followed by Silhouette. Silhouette is a finger snapping musical romp, even as the lyrics communicate the singer’s longing. If you are looking for an escape and a trip back to summer, press play on West of the West. It was a life changing experience to see music I had only streamed before come to life on stage. Goldroom was not only the highlight of my weekend at Something Wicked, but is a highlight of my life.
More information on Goldroom
Website: http://goldroom.la/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldroom/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/goldroom
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/goldroomtunes
Twitter: https://twitter.com/goldroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldroom/
I was listening to electronic dance music without even knowing it when I was listening to Jock Jams in the 90s. Fast forward to my senior year in high school and I had discovered Fatboy Slim. I have been listening to edm ever since and love writing about new sounds, good sounds, and the music that makes us move.
