Ray Volpe at Echostage
By Mark Perkins
Photo Credit: Mark Perkins
On Oct. 25, just two days before my birthday (thank you, Volpe), Ray Volpe held his Forever, Voleptron show at Echostage. I had been hyped for a while to see Ray play since he’s known for his lasers that just make the show so much better. He is a predominant dubstep/bass DJ who keeps the energy kicking all set; it is truly impressive. I mainly wanted to hear “Lazerbeam” live since it is one of his more famous songs, right up there with “Song Request,” two pretty good tracks in my opinion. This happened to be my second time seeing him as well, so I had pretty high expectations.
As the opener, Jessica Audifried, started her set, I was already brimming with excitement. She was far from just an opener; she had all of us dancing like we paid tickets just for her, and personally, I love it when openers steal the show and make the main act work for their energy. It is also a chance for you to find a new
Photo Credit: Mark Perkins
favorite artist! I am not familiar with the titles of her songs since this was my first time truly hearing about her, but I was definitely blown away. As a DJ that mixes as a hobby, it was very impressive and inspiring to see her controlling the energy while she danced around and had her own fun.
After dancing for an hour and a half straight, Ray made his appearance. He started his show with visuals showing off his name and a song to hype up the crowd. I had not heard that song yet, but I am not complaining. He genuinely had the place shaking when the drop hit. I was in disbelief. After his very proper introduction, he played banger after banger. I did not stop jumping until my back started to hurt. This was one of the first shows I have been to (besides Skrillex at EDC Korea) where I had to force myself to record since I was enjoying dancing so much. The main thing I am so glad I captured was his lightshow of lasers; it was so insane to see. I think he used every laser machine Echostage had, I am serious! He played the songs I expected, like “Lazerbeam” and “Song Request,” but also plenty of his new album Forever, Volpetron.
The show felt like it was 20 minutes long despite going on for 90 minutes. At the end, I found myself gasping
Photo Credit: Mark Perkins
for air as the crowd erupted into the iconic chant “ONE MORE SONG”. And he delivered two! The bass came back and shook us until he was finally done. I could tell that I was not the only one who had the time of their lives due to everyone looking drained when the main lights came on, haha.
This rave was beautiful, full of the music that I love the most in EDM, pretty and elaborate lasers, and amazing energy all around. I know that raving and dubstep are not for everyone, but if it is for you, Ray Volpe is a person you absolutely have to see at least once!
