As Madeon writes the final pages of the Good Faith era, he delivered a Brooklyn Mirage performance that was a testament to his growth as an artist.
It’s hard to imagine that almost four years have passed since Madeon debuted his Grammy-nominated Good Faith album. Before the release of his sophomore project, he experimented with his voice on his debut LP, Adventure, but it was his collaboration with Porter Robinson on 2017’s “Shelter” that demonstrated his range as a vocalist.
With elements of funk, synth-pop, and gospel, Good Faith showcased a sonic evolution for the 28-year-old producer; however, it also transformed Hugo Leclercq’s image from a short-haired wunderkind playing behind the DJ decks into a confident, mellifluous frontman. Throughout the 10-track collection, Madeon’s voice creates a window into the world of Good Faith, providing a deeper connection to the album’s themes of self-discovery, fear, and parental love. And this personal connection was evident at his final Good Faith Forever performance in New York—the city that birthed this musical era.
Leading up to The Brooklyn Mirage show, the week was filled with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. However, mother nature had different plans on May 20. Heavy rain poured on the bustling city throughout the afternoon, creating a chilly atmosphere. (It also rained when Madeon performed at the famed Brooklyn venue last September.)
Despite the cold and rain, the weather did not stop fans from wearing their favorite Madeon short-sleeve attire. Daniel Eghdami, who saw the producer five times prior to Saturday’s event, said there’s a special energy when he attends a Madeon show.
“His music always resonates with me emotionally, in terms of helping me feel [the] feelings that I encounter every day…. Getting to hear that music that I love and that I listen to in the shower or on the train ride in such a happy space with great people is [an] amazing [experience].”
Daniel Eghdami
After two-opening performances that featured a two-hour DJ set from Midwestern Goodbye and intricate melodies from indie-artist BAYNK, there was calm energy in the air as the crowd awaited Madeon’s arrival. Maybe it was the weather that created the tranquil atmosphere, but it’s as if the crowd was given a chance to rest before the sensory marathon that was about to begin. Then, the massive video calibration screen disappeared, the lights faded, and the crowd roared when the first notes filled the air.
Right from the start, Madeon was magnetic. The crowd echoed his opening number, “All My Friends,” making the audience forget that the track is about social anxiety. From there, it was a night full of breathtaking visuals, singalongs, and screams that would last until the final note.
It’s no surprise that one of the main attractions of an “EDM” show is the visuals. While some DJs opt for generic designs and patterns just to catch the audience’s eye, Madeon and his visual team, The Architects, create a cohesive narrative that unfolds throughout the show.
Using the full range of The Brooklyn Mirage’s panoramic video wall, these visuals seamlessly transition between various scenes and narratives, enhancing the emotional impact of the music. From sweeping landscapes in “Miracle” to abstract shapes and mesmerizing patterns in “Borealis,” Madeon’s visuals take the audience on a kaleidoscopic journey that mirrors the ebb and flow of his music.
Although these visuals tell a story, they are also up for interpretation, allowing the audience to pursue their own version of Good Faith. A long-time fan, Calvin Ni, said that Good Faith Forever’s immersive experience leaves him with a lasting impact. “He’s just unique, creative, and everything he puts out has so much thought put into it… there’s a lot that he offers to a wide audience. It’s just a great overall time.”
But the real selling point of Good Faith Forever is Madeon’s stage presence. Between the singing, dancing, and playing instruments, Good Faith Forever feels more like a one-person Broadway show. Madeon’s passion and love for music are felt through his choreography, making you question if this was the same person who captured the world’s attention with a viral three-minute mashup. The answer. No. These moves can only come from a music veteran.
With his boundless creativity and relentless pursuit of sonic excellence, Madeon continues to push the boundaries of electronic music. While the prince of electronic pop is writing the final pages of the Good Faith era, it’s clear that his passion, talent, and dedication will keep him at the forefront of the music industry for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
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