Saturday, January 28th, Rise Rooftop, DJ Andrew V and Candi Pop Presents teamed up to present an exuberant Taylor Swift themed rave that proved to be a wildly eccentric and immensely enjoyable time. Rise Rooftop has established itself as a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the vibrant nightlife scene in Houston, offering panoramic views of the city, delicious cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. Despite its recent inception, the venue has already made a big impact on the city’s social scene and has received glowing reviews from customers and critics alike. Big names like Wooli, Nikki Romero, and Cascada aren’t the only thing you can find here. Lately, Rise has been trying something a little different from other venues, by hosting tribute sets, and themed parties, such as the Shrek Rave on October 1st, and their most recent endeavor, the Taylor Rave.
Taylor Swift (for those living under a rock for the last decade or so) is an award-winning American singer-songwriter who has captured the hearts of millions with her unique blend of country, pop and folk music. With a career spanning over a decade, she has released numerous hit albums and singles, and has toured the world, performing for sold-out crowds. Her music is beloved for its catchy melodies, relatable lyrics,
and empowering messages, making her a perfect theme for a rave.
We arrived around 10:30 and were pleasantly surprised to see the party already in full swing. The room was filled with a relatively young and highly diverse crowd that was definitely “dressing for revenge”. Hearts were poured on the floor, mixing with the spills from drinks of those lost in the vibes and freely dancing. We saw “Lovers” in heart shaped glasses, bedazzled and “Bejeweled” faces, some swifties were also dressed as Taylor herself in shimmery and cheetah print jackets, and even a light up fuzzy coat, showing us every version of Ms. Swift that night.
Andrew V was a phenomenal DJ for this event. Not only was he spinning “All Too Well” on the decks for the show, he promoted the show and also self produced the custom Taylor remixes and mashups we heard. He stayed true to the originals in his remixes so everyone could enjoy some familiar music and he led the audience down memory lane, starting with Taylor’s debut album, and working his way through her many eras. Right at 11 PM, we entered the “Red” era, “Holy Ground” blasted through the speakers, red lights and lasers shot through the hall with fans screaming and dancing to every word. Next, “1989”’s “Welcome to New York” bellowed through the speakers sending every swiftie into excitement. “Getaway Car”, from none-other than Swift’s “Reputation” album played and the crowd belted the entire bridge. DJ Andrew V hit all of the classics from “I Forgot that You Existed” to “Picture To Burn”. He even played a remix of his personal favorite, “Should’ve Said No”, and spun “Shake it Off” into a fun trap ending. Our favorite to note was his bass remix of “Wildest Dreams” with a heavy rumble, reminiscent of Taylor’s own heartbeat sample in the original song. Swift’s newest album “Midnights” was also featured, with “Karma”, “Paris” and “Vigilante Sh*t”, so overall there was a healthy balance of material to be enjoyed by new and veteran swifties alike.
The visuals behind DJ Andrew V included reels of Taylor’s many performances, clips from iconic music videos, and footage from the Reputation Tour. The production team expertly combined the color-themed lasers, mood lighting and an occasional blast from the fog machine with the big chorus drops. Although you typically find intense visuals and busy displays at raves, that was not necessary at this event. Many patrons were singing to their neighbor or laughing with their friends, and most were not even facing to see the screen– they were too busy enjoying and living in the moment. Even those who came to the show solo were wrapped up in their emotions over their favorite songs, dancing and singing along.
For those taking a break from the dance floor there was plenty to do and see, with custom neon signs and decor. True Swifties were enamored by the many references to her lyrics. Rave goers lined up to take photos with the “Starbucks Lovers” sign, referencing the misheard lyric from her record breaking hit “Blank Space”. Just left of the crowd, another neon could be spotted: “We are never EVER getting back together”…like ever. No detail was forgotten, with red balloons and even a neon vendor to keep the theme going throughout the venue.
“long story short,” the Taylor Swift rave was a lighthearted and enjoyable experience that offered a much-needed escape from the labyrinths of our minds. Rise Rooftop, Candy Pop Presents, Taylor Rave and Lights & Music Collective went above and beyond to make the show personal with neon signs and Swift-themed decor that brought the party to life. The venue was a perfect fit for the party, and the “cringe factor” was flawlessly executed, proving that cringe IS dead, afterall. With such a successful event, we can’t wait for the next themed rave.. a SpongeBob rave!
A big thank you to everyone who made sure this night was one to be remembered!
Daphne Blakborn is a driven and motivated individual, known for her passion and dedication to her work. With a strong background in music history and writing, her innovative ideas and unwavering commitment to excellence have garnered recognition from her peers and have helped drive her success. In her free time, Daphne enjoys cuddling dogs and playing instruments. She is always looking for new challenges and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
