Electronic Artist Hayden James released his new single “Waves of Gold” in early July. To commemorate the release, Hayden recorded a live DJ set from Sydney, broadcast on Chill Nation’s YouTube to their nine-million subscribers on July 10, 2020.
The entire production was conceptualised, designed, planned and executed within five days, following the cancellation of a previous concept and sponsorship the week prior. Produced by Nick Macfie of Production Technologies, and lighting designer Paul Collison of Eleven Design, the record was a nod to the current climate of restrictions, but coming as close as possible to reminding the audience of a live performance and what’s to look forward to.
Keen to avoid the cliche warehouse studio vibe, Nick discovered Ballast Point Park, which wouldn’t normally allow such an activation. Fortunately, permits were approved under strict conditions allowing the live record to proceed.
”We chose the spot for the unique and beautiful aesthetic, and the man-made 360’ vantage point which was once a part of the Caltex Oil Refinery,” commented Nick. “Caltex occupied the space from the 1920s through until 2002, where it was landscaped and returned to the community.”
The production was installed, rehearsed, and recorded in one day and in one take. The rawness of that schedule allowed for the live and open feel that was a main aim for the show. Nick stated that the priority was to take a cinematic approach to the capture, but not overproduce the edit, as this show still needed to feel live and not a pre-produced music film clip.
Camera systems were all Blackmagic Design USRA’s courtesy of RJ Studios, with Steadicam operator Ryan Somerfield overseeing the system and Drone operations by Richard Farr of DVE, utilising a DJI Inspire II, under strict regulations on Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.
Antony ‘Surf’ Hulme directed the whole set live, with CCU and systems by Nathan Steele.
”For me, the strength in the 45min set is the constantly changing scenery, being captured at sunset, the change in lighting is so dramatic as we move through the broadcast,” added Nick. “Once we’re in complete dusk the lighting design really takes over and makes the most of the natural canvas and the historic structure.”
Paul Collison provided lighting design and programmed the show, saying it was so great to get back on the tools after being in hibernation for months!
“Because of the schedule and tentativeness of the event, I didn’t get a chance to pre-program much, so everything you see was pretty much programmed blind in the daylight,” he said. “We had to react to the changing light as the sunset in the background. I really wanted to try and keep the look as clean and as natural as possible and so we avoided truss and elevating fixtures, so the first half of the broadcast we can really embrace the natural surroundings. It’s not until the last 20 minutes or so, where we really get to bring in the lighting textures and take the show on a further visual journey.”
“This was another great opportunity to support Hayden as an artist with his releases during this time,” concluded Nick. “With the inability to produce live shows in this environment, it was great to give everyone a break from the endless webinars and conferences that we’re all getting used to at the moment. A little music and a day outside was a welcome change to all involved”.
Check out the full record on YouTube in HD / 4K – https://youtu.be/xsaq-mEt7EA
Thank you to Hayden James, Redlight Management and Future Classic.
Special mention to PropertyNSW and CBRE for their support and for turning this around so quickly.
A huge thanks to ResolutionX, RJ Studios, PremiAir, TFH and all the crew for coming together to produce something special during these uncertain times.
Lighting supplied by ResolutionX Sydney.
1 x MA Lighting grandMA3 ultra light
33 x Martin Mac AURA
14 x ShowPro Collider FC
55 x Astera AX3 Lightdrop
4 x ETC Source 4 LUSTR S2
4 x Unique 2 Hazer
Producer: Nick Macfie
Lighting Designer: Paul Collison
Technical Director: Olin Winton
Camera Director: Antony ‘Surf’ Hulme
Camera CCU: Nathan Steele
Camera Systems: Ryan Somerfield
Drone Systems: Richard Farr
Lighting Systems: Jonathon Parker
Lighting Systems: Matt Glover
Audio / Comms: Marcus Pee
Audio / Comms: Michal Botha
Post Production: Joey Hunter
Camera Systems: RJ Studios
Lighting Systems: ResolutionX
Audio / Comms: Production Technologies
Post Production: Entropico
Generators / Power: PremiAir Sydney
Fencing / Site: TFH Sydney
Photos: Pat Stevenson
