Fast-rising electronic artist NK Riot stormed the Amoeba Records Hollywood stage recently to celebrate the tape release of his acclaimed album, βReality Pagesβ. Never has Amoeba been so lit.
This was a victory lap of sorts for a local hero on the verge of taking the nation by storm. Playing the worldβs premiere record store is a dream for anyone, but for an independent artist, itβs massive.
This showcase was a testament to the strength of his music and the devotion of his fanbase. The aisles were packed with rabid admirers.
Playing behind a holographic display, flanked by self-made and modified electronic instruments, he tore through the albumβs biggest singles.
βAmerican Dreamβ hit like a ton of bricks. Itβs his hookiest song, full of arpeggiated lines, an anthem for our troubled times. This song builds to a climactic, from-the-heavens guitar solo.
The albumβs title track was similarly riot-inducing. The four-on-the-floor number is the most sing-along friendly of the bunch, and the crowd joined in in full voice. There was palpable joy in the room.
At one point the stage was packed with dancing, screaming fans. The moment was triumphant, a visual representation of the community heβs built.
As the show wound down, the crowd rushed to the register to pick up copies of the tape, which came with a miniature, cool-ass holodisplay.
The masked man sat down and signed every damn copy, posing for pictures and chatting through his custom chrome headpiece. I couldnβt help but feel like this was the last time Iβd see him perform outside an arena.
All photos by Piero F Giunti.
