I was having dinner at a Malaysian spot in Chinatown, wondering whether or not I should try to catch Jon Hopkins at Output. Truly, there shouldn’t be anything to wonder about: I’d be happy to pay to see Hopkins live — if I wasn’t already extremely broke from so many amazing musicians playing in the city this fall. What can I say — it comes with having a vast taste in music.
I had just decided to go and pay the extra $10 at the door when my best bud texts me saying that Alt Citizen had it covered. It’s true, stars do align.
I arrived early enough to catch one DJ before, and when he finished, you could tell people were amping us as they waited. Most people get impatient between performers, but I love that pressure of excitement that happens just before a big set. While I watched his gear light up for testing, I noticed, just beyond his crazy array of buttons and knobs, a long line of glass bottles. Maybe Hopkins specifically lists a ton of juice on his rider, I thought, though I couldn’t decide whether he’s more of a orange juice or cranberry kind of guy.
The floor was packed by now, but I managed to secure a spot in the front, where I can feel the speakers pulse against my body (my friends don’t call me “hugwoofer” for nothing). Eventually, Hopkins shows up with his wide shoulders and big smile and casually starts his set. Not only is his music amazing, but I also love his entire visual aesthetic. From the light show at his station to his howling wolf shirt to the precision of his button-smashing, knob-twisting hand displays, there’s so much to take in.
The crowd reveled in every sound he mixed and created, and just as he worked his way through the intro of “Open Eye Signal,” the floor’s energy exploded. We were all shaking, and I’m not sure how long I danced for, but everyone wanted more. Unfortunately, the show was coming to a close, and to see us off, Hopkins played some of his chiller, more ambient songs. When it was clear it was time to go home, I nudged myself through all the drooling fan girls (one of the few times it helps to be small) and scored his last handshake he threw into the crowd before he was gone. Not too shabby for a more or less unplanned night.
Photo and review by Emi Kariya. Follow her on Twitter @tekpax.