Martin Garrix brought Austin Millz as support for his San Francisco shows, and perhaps it was an unexpected pairing initially, but the result was electric.
Harlem’s Austin Millz has been lauded for blending funk, hip-hop, and soul with dance music. His originals are genre-bending and evoke euphoria. Martin Garrix, who needs no introduction, played a seminal role in shaping the big room landscape and continues to be a dominant force. Both artists are talented and can put on a show, but pairing them together? Maybe not so expected.
When Martin Garrix returned to San Francisco’s Bill Graham Civic Auditorium for four sold-out nights, he brought along Austin Millz to support the first two. As excited as I was as a fan of both, I was curious how their styles would meld and shape the night. Regardless, I knew we were in for a treat, so on Thursday, June 13, we headed up to the city for what would end up being a spectacular night.
Despite it being a weeknight and starting his set at 8pm, the crowd was packed to see Austin Millz.
Donning a crochet black vest over a white tank top and his signature white sunglasses, Millz stood atop the raised platform. His name flashed behind him, and circles were made on the side screens, giving the stage the appearance of a boombox. With minimal production, the focus was all on Millz and the set he was throwing down.
From start to finish, it was a party. With club-ready flips of his originals and trending tracks like Tyla’s “Water” or Fred again.. x Swedish House Mafia’s “Turn on the Lights again,” Millz got the energy up and moving. We also heard some throwbacks like Junior Senior’s “Move Your Feet” and his remix of Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day.”
Austin Millz’s set was perfection, full of high-energy beats and singalong moments.
We couldn’t stop dancing and felt like it was the perfect introduction to who he is to those who perhaps weren’t familiar with him. I was surprised by the club vibes he brought into such a large venue, with the set feeling like a late-night DJ set. There was broad appeal due to the mix of genres and eras represented. He hit it out of the park and definitely walked away with new fans.
By the time Martin Garrix came on, the crowd was primed and ready.
For nearly two hours, Martin Garrix captivated us with pyro, stunning lasers, and, of course, hit after hit. Hearing much of his classics made me so nostalgic for the big room wave of the 2010s. Where Austin Millz was understated, Martin Garrix was a spectacle. Where Millz was grounded in house and funk, Garrix threw down bangers. And where Millz brought New York dance club vibes, Garrix brought festival main stage.
Both were different but incredibly entertaining and managed to be cohesive. I think the biggest thing I took away from this show is that there is huge value in booking varied artists as support. Sure, it’s great to hear your favorites within a genre all together in one night, but there’s beauty in experiencing different facets of dance music. Major kudos to Martin Garrix for inviting Austin Millz to open. Though an unlikely pairing at first, they proved otherwise!
Austin Millz is on his Fresh Air Tour now! For more information on dates and to purchase tickets, visit his official website.
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