Debut of Subtronics Tesseract Tour
The Armory, Minneapolis, MN, USA on 2/16/2024
Disclaimer: All merch mockups are just fan service not for sale with official logos unless a license deal can be made. We can make the art into many different styles of clothes if you like something! To view all the photos from the show visit here.
Best Quote of the night…
“Make some noise if you miss Griz as much as I do”
Our epic adventure to The Armory to see Subtronics kick off his new Tesseract Tour was filled with excitement, laughter, and some unexpected surprises. With my wife, Louie Fontana, Gorilla Pimp, and myself crammed into the car, we set off on our journey after my brother graciously offered to watch the kids until their sleepover handoff to their neighborhood friends. Little did we know the night that awaited us.
As we made our way to The Armory, the wind playfully teased us along the road, but it was nothing we couldn't handle. The anticipation grew with each passing mile, knowing that we were about to experience an unforgettable night of music and mayhem.
Arriving at The Armory, we were immediately struck by the grandeur of the venue. It's no wonder it's one of the best indoor venues in the country, and especially in the Midwest. The history of The Armory is fascinating, from being the most expensive building in Minnesota at one point, to hosting iconic events like concerts, political conventions, and even sporting events. It even served as the home court for the Minneapolis Lakers and was featured in music videos by the likes of Prince and Aerosmith. The Armory's rich past added an extra layer of excitement to our already high expectations.
Once inside, After a slight mix-up with messages due to work vs personal numbers we were lucky enough to get a hold of the wonderful VIP Coordinator Suzie, who got us upgraded to the coveted generals hall VIP. The addition of a coat rack directly in Generals Hall was a very appreciated upgrade!
The night kicked off with my wife dealing with an unexpected wardrobe malfunction and Skellytn, a hard-hitting female DJ who set the tone for the evening. Her beats were infectious, and we couldn't help but dance along.
Distinct Motive took the stage next, bringing a mix of pleasant wompy tunes with an upbeat, almost old-school hip hop vibe. The energy in the crowd was palpable, and we were fully immersed in the music.
Jon Casey followed suit, and it was clear that he had earned his spot in the lineup. His performance was electric, and we couldn't help but be in awe of his talent.
The progression of the openers is always a tricky thing to navigate, as each artist brings their own unique style. In my humble opinion, Skellytn outshone Distinct Motive, and the show would have flowed better if the order was switched. But hey, what do I know? I've seen shows where openers' talents are intentionally dampened to create a false build-up of talent. Sneaky, sneaky.
But the real excitement came when Hedex took the stage. My boy Louie Fontana was beyond thrilled, and his excitement was contagious. The energy in the room reached new heights as Hedex unleashed his musical prowess, leaving us all in a state of pure bliss.
Wooli, true to form, never disappoints. His set was a rollercoaster of bass drops and heart-pounding beats. With the familiar sounds of Excision, Skrillex, and Illenium with a Phoenix worked into the visuals completed the masterful set! It was impossible not to get lost in the music, letting it consume our souls and transport us to another dimension.
Our kids would have loved the mammoth and Jurassic era creatures that consumed the visuals! Other artists sampled included The Cranberries and as a sample of Flo Rida’s Good Feeling bursted out we were all in agreement that Good Feeling was definitely the vibe of the entire venue. It also brought back memories from Mankato Ribfest with the BDE Boys when my daughters got to dance on stage with Flo-Rida.
And then, the moment we had all been waiting for, Subtronics graced the stage. The cheers from the crowd were deafening, and the excitement was palpable. He started the new tour out with one of my favorite things the big DJs do. He started off with a little intro story like you are being told about the epic journey you came to be a part of, and almost as if being here, we are in one of the great stories like Homer’s Iliad ourselves. Hearing another sample of Skrillex doesn’t surprise me considering he is closing in on double digit Grammys and holds the record for the most Grammys by any artist in his genre.
Let’s talk production now! The light bar cubes and lazers coming together to encapsulate Subtronics in his own Tesseract like creation was a great production level detail! Hearing they were setting up Monday for this Friday show doesn’t surprise me with the quality of production. Subtronics holds a special place in our hearts, as his music accompanied us during the early days of the pandemic when my wife and I moved in together. Our first rave together was a drive-in rave at the old Somerset grounds, and Subtronics' beats were the soundtrack to our budding love.
Subtronics, also known as Jesse Kardon, is a true master of his craft. His fusion of cutting-edge sound design with hard-hitting dubstep and riddim is unparalleled. His live performances are a sight to behold, showcasing his technical skills and leaving the audience begging for more. With releases on renowned labels like Ultra Music, Never Say Die, and Deadbeats, Subtronics has solidified his place in the music industry.
But Subtronics is more than just a talented artist. He is a leader in the industry, pioneering the way for safe events during the pandemic with his drive-in and pod events. His headline Cyclops Invasion Tour was a massive success, selling out venues across the country and setting the standard for safe and unforgettable experiences.
When he's not busy producing "angry robot noises," Subtronics can be found spinning poi and playing kendama, taking dabs, and leading his ever-growing band of loyal followers known as the 'Cyclops Army.' His dedication to his craft and his fans is truly inspiring. I enjoyed him giving a shoutout to Griz since I’ve thoroughly enjoyed slinging Griz merch at Secret Dreams I hope one day I get to make some stuff for the Cyclops Army!
I had the privilege of meeting the SIMshows promoter in VIP and loved that he was dressed as a cyclops for the Cyclops Army! We have seen a lot of SIMshows over the years and appreciate their work.
Our adventure to The Armory to see Subtronics kick off his new Tesseract Tour was filled with laughter, unforgettable performances, and a sense of unity that only music can create. To top the night off I finally got The Armory’s Pokémon GO gym to the Silver level, not bad for living 4 hours away! It was a night to remember, and we can't wait for the next epic adventure that awaits us. Until then, we'll keep dancing to the beats of Subtronics and spreading the joy and laughter that music brings.