Tomorrowland's NYE Reigns Supreme

By Ryan Hayes

For the second time this year Tomorrowland has set a new gold standard for the industry, pushing the limits of what a digital festival can be. With twenty-four performances over four stages, the seven-hour festival exceeded its predecessor in every way. A slew of small details sold the festival’s authenticity.

The production and direction that went into editing over twenty-one hours of performances into a tight, true to life, festival experience is staggering. Gone were the close-up shots of horribly rendered CG crowds; replaced with panoramas from behind the DJ booth and sweeping footage of a packed, flag-filled, stadium. The audience got increasingly thinner the closer you got to the back of the venue, and when the stream did cut to a close up shots of festival-goers they were real extras dressed in full festival attire, singing along as they danced away to the DJs set.

Aside from the events stunning cinematography and impeccable stage design there were an array of new sounds which were implemented to magnify the viewers perceived sense of live immersion. Ambient noise plays a live part in all live recordings. From the pure white noise of crowds mulling around, to cheering/clapping/whistling, and singing along—this time around the sound design took a big leap forward. Everything popped at the appropriate time, whether it was a crowd reaction to pyro, or a spontaneous sing-along to a festival anthem.

The acts themselves seemingly felt more comfortable in their virtual setting. Altering their audience interactions; Armin repeated “let me feel those hands up,” more than once while also shouting out fans who were chair raving all around the world.

With Tomorrowland NYE the global brand has managed to successfully transfer their full relevancy and clout into the digital realm. The festival was taken seriously by the artists because it provided them with an unparalleled spotlight, and springboard into 2021. With four stages each lined with top tier talent scheduling was suddenly extremely important. Lost Frequencies held down opening duties, and for the first hour he was the only artist being broadcasted. He knew that all eyes were on him, he put in the work, and it showed.

Meduza played the beautiful Atmosphere Stage; a perfect iteration on July’s Freedom Stage. Brighter, and more immersive, the full realization of a virtual house super club. Meduza dropped 4 IDs during his set, positioning the trio for a strong start to 2021. Martin Garrix somehow topped himself—during July’s digital Tomorrowland he dropped 8 STMPD RCRD IDs—dropping a whopping 10 IDs, effectively showcasing the first quarter of his label’s 2021 release calendar. This was the largest stage to date for Tchami to showcase his diversified Year Zero sound; after years of waiting his debut album, Year Zero, dropped on October 23rd, and with no album tour Tomorrowland NYE was the albums largest release party.  

Even the festivals gimmicks received an upgrade. For its inaugural endeavour fans received a 15 minute performance by Katy Perry. This time everyone was treated to forty-five minutes with DJ Snoopadelic. He may not have been the most logical follow up to Duck Sauce, but clouds of digital smoke & a few Snoop Dogg classics can go a long way.   

Although Armin van Buuren’s set may not have been as riddled with as many IDs as his peers, the perennial favorite performed an impeccable set. High energy, easily accessible, and uplifting. Armin allowed synths to do the heavy lifting and cleanse our palates for the year to come. It has been years since I’ve placed Armin at the head of the pack, but he brought trance to Tomorrowland NYE in a big way, and it hit the right cord.

The main stage closed out the night with Charlotte de Witte, followed by Jack Back. It was the precise transition towards after hours energy the night needed. Ultimately Tomorrowland NYE was a big improvement on a predecessor that already stood leagues above the rest. The artists all brought their A-game, and an astute attention to detail made sure the festival delivered on its true to life virtual promise.