Some bands, idealistically want their success to be solely based on their music, but the fact is, it takes much more to get noticed. White Zombie credits their stardom to their music video first being played on MTV’s Beavis and Butthead. OKGo, arguably, still have the best music videos with their zero-g, dog wrangling, and treadmill antics. Coheed and Cambria’s albums are tied to their comic books series the Armory Wars. Starset call their live shows "Demonstrations", as they reveal pieces of the universe they created as part of their performance and immersive experience. In 2018, Starset released an augmented reality app to accompany their live performances. Only through the app, would you see the entire picture. There was more to the stage that could only be seen through your phone.
Starset’s Immersion tour stopped at Kemba Live on August 31, 2024, and it was a futuristic spectacle that immersed people in an experience that involved music, technology, and cinematic storytelling. Their show is something much bigger now. As soon as you walk into Kemba Live!, there is a long holographic display welcoming you into the venue by providing just enough information to provoke intrigue. For fans and newcomers alike, the show was a full-dive experience into the band's unique universe.
The night began with Kemba Live! transforming into an otherworldly space, as the stage was adorned with high-tech elements. Holographic displays, LED panels, and intricate light shows created a visually stunning environment that set the stage for a truly unique experience. It was as if the audience had been transported directly into a futuristic movie set, where Starset was not just a band but the creators of an epic sci-fi saga.
From the moment the makeshift house curtain was dropped, it was clear that this performance would be a journey rather than just a concert. The stage was transformed into a high-tech playground, featuring an array of holographic displays and LED screens that pulsated with mesmerizing visuals. These elements were not just backdrop; they were integral to the storytelling, creating an immersive environment that felt like stepping into a Starset movie. The intrigue was further perpetuated with a backdrop that told more of the full story.
The narrative of the evening unfolded with flair, akin to the plot of an epic science fiction film. Each song was crafted to advance a larger story about humanity’s struggle with technology and its quest for meaning. As the band played, the audience was treated to a genuine visual cinematic narrative that interwove with the music, providing context and depth to each track. It was evident that Starset's live show is as much about the story being told as it is about the music being played.
