Fred again.. Shines Light on the Scene’s Future

Fred again..’s recent run of shows in the Bay Area heightened optimism for the future of the dance music scene.

For the past week, it seems like almost every conversation has circled back to Fred again.. People are talking about his shows in the Bay Area – whether they went or wished they had – and his upcoming show at the LA Memorial Coliseum. Whenever he announces a show, it causes a frenzy with tens of thousands virtually queueing up to get tickets.

It’s a wonder how someone who went solo after producing hits for others amassed this much fame in just a few years. Some would even look at Fred again.. critically and wonder if it’s all hype. After experiencing the mania around his San Francisco and Frost Amphitheater shows, it’s abundantly clear that it’s all deserved.

I’ve been a fan of Fred’s since hearing “Marea (we’ve lost dancing)” but getting to see him at Stanford really cemented it. His set was diverse and sonically captivating with moments of high energy and then softer piano interludes that gave some room to breathe. A minimal stage design put the focus on Fred, his partner on stage, Tony, and the magic they made.

For a good portion toward the middle, Fred made his way to front of house, turning Frost into a 360° experience. Here he dropped never-before-played tracks as the crowd reveled around him. The setting was perfect. The trees around the amphitheater made everything more intimate. Fred himself said he’d “never felt more blessed” than to play a venue like Frost.

Photo Courtesy of Fred Again..

It all makes sense now, why fans adore Fred again.. and what he brings to the table.

After a handful of failed attempts to see him – too far outside the tent at Coachella 2022 or in the mess that was the warehouse at Portola the same year – this show was fantastic. It was one of the most unique dance music shows I’ve seen in quite a while. It showcased his talent as a musician and performer, holding his audience captive for the entire time. It made me feel reenergized for everything that’s to come.

Having been in the scene for over a decade and having seen it go through tides and changes, I’ve found myself recently less attracted to certain aspects of it. The culture of certain crowds, especially around trending artists, can be a large deterrent. But what Fred showed me was a renewed hope. His appeal is far-reaching, and seeing different facets of the scene come together to enjoy what he does, is really refreshing. He manages to bridge the gap not only with varied demographics but with genre preferences as well. House, bass, and trance heads alike all find common ground.

Photo Credit: Theo Batterham

These shows also increased my optimism for the Bay Area’s continued growth as an electronic music destination.

I wasn’t able to attend his surprise show with Skrillex, but it was amazing to see how quickly it all came together. From a tweet teasing new music to a whole production in the middle of San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza, the whole thing was incredible. Friends who went felt like it was a historic day in the city and were grateful the artists had chosen SF.

People like to disparage San Francisco, but for those of us who live here, we know the criticisms don’t hold a ton of water. This Fred again.. and Skrillex show, on top of Fred’s three Frost shows, really made that clear.

If you too have caught onto the craze, seeing Fred again.. live is a must. He’s set to play his first stadium show this weekend in LA and has teased more US dates. Keep an eye on his socials below for more announcements to come!