Madison, Wisconsin, is a place I’ve enjoyed since I first made trails into the city around a year ago. Home to the University of Wisconsin, there’s a different feel and vibe to what Madison represents in opposition to the sprawling Metropolis that is Chicago. The very first time I entered Madison, it came under cloak of night. Beneath the pale glimmer of a half-moon, stars scintillating in the twilight sky, the Wisconsin State Capitol building came into view. With Lake Monona to my right as I merged onto John Nolen Drive, it made for a beautiful vista that left a heartfelt impression. Though I was only in town for one night, to support some talented homies from back yonder southwards in Illinois, I decided in that instant that this would be a place I’d like to return to in the future. A prime opportunity for revisitation surfaced on the week ending in February 1. Levity would play at The Sylvee, offering me an opportunity to meet people and explore a place that shines within Wisconsin’s capital city.
I’m Bear Swiftly, the Electro Scribe, and I’m pumped to share details in describing the magnificent occasion that was Levity’s Snow Day 360 presentation at The Sylvee, a stellar venue well suited for any and all looking to enjoy a wondrously good time. Within this episode, part two of my coverage in bearing witness to Levity in two different cities on two successive days, I’ll share with you what made this experience and venue unique and welcoming. Join me in enjoying the depiction of this escapade, and let my words transport you to a warm and happy place on this cold, February day, without the need to even go outside.
Let’s get right into it, I really want to tell you about The Sylvee! This place rocked, and the crowd absolutely rolled. Ten’s across the board! Golf clap and soft applause, SHOUTING AND LOUD NOISES!!! Good job, everybody, y’all showed up for this shift! Starting off, plenty of cost-effective parking options within walking distance, so first hurdle cleared. Security and staff were polite and professional in managing entry. Quick empty and check of pockets, pen and paper returned afterwards, scan of the ticket, and we’re ready to go! Primary objective completed, Mechwarrior. I hope somebody brought candy. Hell yeah, I know we Prada. Louis Vuitton? COACH!!!
On the other side of admission, a large open chamber greeted my eyes with a circular stage dominating the middle. To my right, coat check and merch booth. To my immediate left, a long bar top with ample attendants quickly servicing all in search of refreshment. Drinks were respectable in price. A sizable bottle of water cost $6, cap included, and they had a water refilling station along the right side wall, like those you’d find at your gym. Hydration readily supported and well encouraged. Past the bar, one finds bathrooms, a stairwell leading to higher floors, and another bar. Elevated viewing from three sides offering excellent vantage for spectating the action below. There were even two long rows of cushy stadium seating. If you came to see a show, there would be no obstructions, here. Except maybe a really tall guy standing directly in front of you. Only one way to find out. Roll the dice, and see what you get!
Technological assets for this concert were affixed to the stage and positions elevated throughout the sound chamber. Lights and lasers created some awe-inspiring spectacles to behold. Lasers scanned above the crowd in a multitude of colors, interacting with mist and vapors in the air to create the illusion of a foggy atmosphere at times. At others, it was just straight frickin’ laser beams, bruh! Golly gee, and very cool. The lights offered their own fantastic properties, and pointed upwards during select sequences to create some breathtaking formations. There was a point in Levity’s set where myself and homegirl Red commented to each other, “Are you seeing that? It looks like a whirlwind of lights.” TORNADO!!! These effects were executed efficiently throughout the night, an awesome complement to the performer’s stellar efforts.
The group I had befriended earlier in the day, and I’ll get to them through a different tangent and some shoutouts later, settled along the left side wall. A bench offered rest and relaxation to those souls who were absolutely gettin’ it. Perfect for taking a play or two off to roll some rock, paper, scissors, maybe even shoot some dice, or just stretch and catch your breath for a spell. It was a serviceable spot, with a good view, a bevy of cool cats surrounding, and ease of access to bathrooms and bar. This was a sold out show, and the anticipation was growing with every moment.
Tonight’s lineup was solid: Goonba, Tazu, Milano, and Levity. Goonba served as the opening act, and he’s a hooligan behind the decks. Believe me, he doesn’t mind the terminology. Goon is imperative to his moniker. His performances always feature a bristling tempo and fierceness. He throws dubstep like animated sword slashes. Balling and banging, he’s a real life amplifier. His energy and passionate approach are well represented through his sonic selections.
This was my first chance to witness Milano, and I’m glad I did. Good guy energy and he put forth music with some bite, throughout. I love that. Plenty of dubstep, a touch of riddim, and a whole lot of BASS IN YO FACE!!!! He’s a pleasant fellow to boot. A few times throughout his set, he took the microphone in hand to thank all those that had come out so see and support him. I could sense the gratitude in his voice, and he didn’t linger on the mic long, quickly returning to slaying with his sequencing. After his performance, I crossed paths with him in the balcony above and congratulated him on the electric demonstration. He was gracious and thankful as we shook hands, truly a gentleman, and I expect his arrow of success to continue pointing upwards.
There was a dynamism in the air as we prepared to levitate with Levity. As they navigated the crowd to ascend the rostrum, excited murmurs passed throughout the audience. *It’s Levity time*. Once John, Josh, and PJ came into view, cheering erupted throughout the building. Let me go ahead and get this chant off my chest… LEVITY! LEVITY! LEVITY! They had a gorgeous introduction including a Britney Spears ‘Toxic’ sample that led into Levity’s original, ‘Front to Back’. The room was blacked out, but as momentum built a purplish hue of lights circled the summit of the stage pointing upwards. Once that first drop hit, the room glowed in red. Levity got nasty, and we responded by getting down and dirty with it. Their set smashed with high energy and incorporated plenty originals of their own, many from their debut album Escapism Vol. 1, as well as feel good remixes like Mac Miller’s ‘Best Day Ever’, interspersed with tracks like Rusko’s ‘Cockney Thug’ and a banging remix of M.I.A’s ‘Paper Planes’ that had the crowd juiced.
The Levity boyz have at least a few traits in common with other loving souls. Adventurous spirits, enthusiasm, outstanding energies, and passionate and persevering mindsets. It effervesces from within and flows forth freely. These characteristics are part and parcel to my own decorum. I like being friendly and good-natured, and appreciate these aspects in others. Approaching life with optimism and positivity makes any adversity or struggle that comes our way that much easier to deal with. Bounce back quick from setbacks, don’t dwell on negatives. Believe in yourself, and anything is possible.
One of the things I admired most about this performance was how Levity rebounded from the night before. I’ve already covered the happening that went down at Radius in Chicago in my last episode, so there’s no need to revisit. As a matter of fact, we need to have a short memory as often as possible when things don’t go exactly as planned. All we can really do is focus on our own part in the process, and let the rest work itself out. Don’t mire yourself in “what-if’s” or “what could have been”. Use your energies to manifest, “what will become.” Levity did just that and piloted an outstanding performance from behind the decks. They were fresh, vivacious, fun, and vibed out with the crowd until the very end near 1AM. Levity’s fandom is growing day-by-day, and I know at least one member of the crowd who discovered them as his very first entry into our electronic scene. Surely, there will be many more like Flow to follow.
And now for some shoutouts to the crew who kept me company throughout this trip. First up, Red, a nickname well suited for her fiery personality and brilliant shade of red hair. Red and I go back about a decade. We have mutual friends and have crossed paths many times at concerts and festivals over the years, but we’ve never attended an event together. After a conversation about letter writing in the weeks prior, she invited me to join her and her homies for this experience. I accepted, and met up with she and her homegirl ZenGen in the late afternoon on February 1.
Whenever I meet new people, especially in their homes, I always offer to lend a helping hand. “You got some dishes need doing?” ZenGen had a better idea. Nearly as soon as I said hello and set down my overnight bag, a task began forming. ZenGen had some technological assets that she had been waiting for the right time to set up, and my presence provided impetus. You give this Bear a task, and I’ll happily take care of it. Oftentimes, I’m a battery pack powering objectives and operations that need to get done. Why wait until tomorrow to accomplish what we can today? ZenGen had all the basic aspects needed to form a home-based studio, and we took a few moments to reorganize her desk, align midi-controller and keyboard, subwoofer and speakers, and basically lay the foundation and groundwork for the future funneling of all her creative impulses. From one creative mind to another, we are happiest when we are creating. I was absolutely thrilled to be lending my assistance to her cause through this initiative.
Later on, the rest of the company I’d spend this night’s entertainment with came over for a little pre-game session. For my first impression, I found them all to be lovable and animated characters, and it was a blast getting to hear some of their rave stories. We all have e’m, the shenanigans that ensue when we are in lively company keeps us going throughout our darkest days. Another time down the road, I’ll share with you the tale of Vegitacorn and Spoonboy. Yeah, that one is an absolute banger, and one of my favorite stories to retell.
I’d reconnect with Mitch, who I previously met at Lost Lands in 2018. Him and his lady friend, Kelsie, wouldn’t be joining us at the show (they have business with Australia), but it was good seeing Mitch after so much time. You never really forget your festy fam. Julieanna and Kaden absolutely had me cracking up with their hilarious and sometimes profane back-and-forth. Dax and Janie were pleasant and down to earth, and evoked memories of some of my own friendships from back home. Jesse was ever so sweet and lovely, and had a smile that could crack one of Buckingham Palace’s royal guardsmen. Then there was Sam and Juan who both have nurturing souls, always making sure those around them are well attended to. I’d meet Tamara later on at The Sylvee, and I found her demeanor and presence to be admirable. I accidentally misnamed Juan, Sam, in the moments preceding Levity’s performance, and we both agreed I should take a lap around the venue to get myself sorted out. Truthfully, it was all fun and kidding, but I took that freaking lap anyhow! It was good times hanging out with these kit kats, and I hope to cross paths with them in my future missions to Madison.
Levity has made for a phenomenal experience each and every time I’ve witnessed them live. Whether it’s been their performing at Electric Forest, Chicago, Madison, or other festivals, it’s been exceptional in every instance. They are rising stars in this industry, and I expect them to continue pushing their limits and capabilities further upwards. I’ll leave you with this before I sign off: the ability to be buoyant will aid you in many situations. What do I mean? Even when we’re serious and getting down to business, make sure you’re flowing in the right direction.
Having a light heart can be a sign of strength, especially when you put forth compassion and consideration towards those around you. And if you do happen to get bogged down a bit by what’s happened in the past, take a few deep breaths and do your best to let it go. You’re alive and well, and pursuing your best self today. That should be your focus, although it doesn’t always have to be 24/7. We are evolving, transforming, and ever-changing throughout our lives. Who you are today, will still be part of yourself a decade from now, but there will be great moments of maturation you’ll get to enjoy throughout the process. Make the most of your time. Balance focusing your energies on yourself with celebrating amongst friends in welcoming spaces, and you’ll often find your journey a pleasure to experience. Even our worst days offer us valuable lessons that will aid our processes. With all that being said, I hope to see you at an upcoming event, although I’ll be staying local to Illinois for likely the next month or two. This is Bear Swiftly, the Electro Scribe, signing off. Sayonara all you Samurai.
Be well, be successful. Bear Swiftly.
–Electro Scribe–
