When the call came from Pyrotechnico for a laser programmer, John Dickson stepped up to the challenge, taking the helm for Calvin Harris's electrifying sets on Saturdays across both weekends. But the excitement didn't stop there.
As the anticipation mounted for Sunday's headliner slot,Coachella threw a curveball with a last-minute change, replacing Frank Ocean with the now infamous "TBA." It was then that Derek Abbot fromStudio.577 reached out to John Dickson, offering a tantalizing opportunity to program for an undisclosed act at Coachella.
With secrecy shrouding the details, John eagerly accepted the challenge, diving headfirst into the unknown. Eventually, under the guidance of production manager Dan Ostroff, the grand vision emerged: a 360 degree design that would envelop the festival grounds in a mesmerizing canopy of laser light during a performance by Four Tet x Fred Again.. x Skrillex.
The plan took shape: 12 of ER-Production's AT-30s would line the downstage edge, while two circle trusses, each adorned with 10 Kvant Spectrum 30s that Excisions team had flown in overnight, would hover above the old Frank Ocean ice rink. The goal? To craft a ceiling of laser brilliance that would ignite the night sky and captivate the masses.
The thrill of the unknown fueled our team as we embarked on our most exhilarating adventure yet. With no prior knowledge of the music,every moment of the performance was a live improvisation, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already unforgettable experience.
Coachella 2023 wasn't just another event; it was a testament to creativity, collaboration, and the boundless possibilities of live performance. And for John Dickson and the teams involved, it was a journey we'll never forget.
For Calvin Harris's performances at Coachella 2023, John Dickson was hired by Pyrotechnico to execute the laser programming, utilizing a technical setup that featured 12 AT-30 laser projectors strategically positioned on the downstage edge, alongside 4 AT-30 projectors placed upstage and 5 additional AT-30s mounted on lifting columns for enhanced vertical movement. This setup, powered by ER-Productions' equipment, was designed to ensure synchronized lighting effects with the music, creating an immersive visual experience. The programming focused on precision alignment of laser sequences with the performance, enhancing the overall show quality while maintaining a seamless integration of light and sound.
