Review: PORTER ROBINSON
SMILE! :D World Tour - Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Presented by: TEG [LIVE] & triple j
7th February 2025
Author: RA
Photographer: RA
32 Year old Porter Robinson From Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC, USA is not only Grammy Nominated 2019 - for Best Dance Recording on Virtual Self, “Ghost Voices” but he is an incredibly talented DJ, Record Producer, Musician, Singer and host of live streamed Secret Sky and Second Sky Festivals. His music blends together a nostalgic synth sound reminiscent of early 80’s gaming/computer consoles, using a wide range of tools, midi keyboards and plugins, incorporating his vocals, and now guitar, among the many other instruments. His latest work of art; album “SMILE! :D” released online July 2024 and hard copy in August 2024, is a collective masterpiece of his many talents and although slightly removed from previous styles, his essence and creativity shines through his emotional journey on this rollercoaster Electro-pop album. Drawing from his latest studio album ‘Smile! :D', ‘Nurture’ released 2021, and ‘Worlds’ released 2014, this first world wide tour is set to highlight the music Porter made famous whereby, seamlessly skipping his way past ‘genres’ to craft his own unique style through the years. Supported by Ninajirachi a talented Australian EDM artist and presented by TEG [LIVE] & triple j, I’m about to find out how it all comes together live on stage here with my 22 year old son, at the iconic Hordern Pavilion, one of my fav’ music stomping grounds.
Image: Tour poster
It’s a hot sunny day, and the hoards of fans are already queueing in two sections, VIP and general ticket holders outside the venue. We got here pretty early, knowing there were some serious Porter fans in Sydney (to mention the bias straight up, my son happens to be one of them) and those that have travelled across the globe for Porter to be at as many concerts as they can. I overheard there would be about 4136 people attending tonight and 200 of those are VIPs, a pretty good turn out for the Hordern with a full capacity of 5500 (at max volume it's tight, this is about the perfect number of ticket holders for a show with breathing space). All the VIP holders are ushered into the venue collecting their special goodies as they walk in, including a tour poster and laminate, which everyone wears with pride. My son hands me his poster to keep it safe during the show. As I make my way in, all the VIP holders have their ‘front of stage positions’ except for a few that have chosen prime viewing in the seated section. One of the many features I love of the Hordern is the ability to choose to sit or stand at any time, almost anywhere in the venue without needing a specific ticket. The crowd tonight is a range of 18+ teens to late 30’s who are already budding up with their neighbours to hold positions for drinks and meet other like minded friends.
Image: Nina Wilson (NINAJIRACHI)
Nina Wilson, stage name Ninajirachi is a 25 year old Australian Electronic producer and DJ claiming break through success via triple j’s Unearthed High Competition consecutive years - 2016 and 2017 with “Pure Luck”. Her debut album ‘Lapland’ came out in 2019 and here she is tonight opening up for Porter Robinson! Pretty impressive. Her set is about as basic as I’ve ever seen, on such a large stage, just one lonely desk supporting what looks like from down here, up to 5 Pioneer DJ mixers/consoles being at least 2 CDJ-3000’s, a bunch of cords and power boards and two stage monitor speakers at either side of her desk… But, this is all she needs.
Image: NINAJIRACHI
Image: Crowd for NINAJIRACHI
One single young lady walks out wearing casual shorts, an over sized t-shirt and shoes covered to just below the knees with a sort of material boot look to them, keeping true to her unique style. Behind her she has a videographer. The crowd erupt in anticipation. It’s pretty dim lighting as she is mostly in the shadows, don’t get me wrong, it’s great mood lighting, especially with all the smoke that has filled the stage but these pics are going to look a little grainy.. An LED board behind her lights up. Ninajirachi kicks things off with Ninacamina. Her mixing is so smooth, by the end I couldn’t tell when the next track had finished or begun, bar the change in rhythm or tempo but the crowd sure knew every mix, recognising the pop/funk tracks used as they raved (bopped) along. ‘girl EDM’ Lights up the LED panel and I heart EDM. As her set continues on bringing out mixes from her latest album ‘girl EDM’ released April 2024. With the crowd now breaking out a sweat, it’s a great start to the evening and time to cool off in the interlude.
Image: NINAJIRACHI
“Is it just me, or is this song so fitting for a tour called Smile?” I heard a young man say on my way outside, as Nat KIng Cole’s “Smile” remixed version played. I took notice and realised that every song in the interlude had ‘smile’ in either the title or lyrics, including “Smile” from Lily Allen. A very clever choice of music and yes, very fitting. Heading back in, the Hordern was now pretty packed. The FOH sound and lighting desks had a few extra people in there and I could only just make my way down the side to the pit. The stage was being prepared for PORTER ROBINSON and a giant pink/purple inflatable cat, named ‘Paws’ took up roughly 1/3 of left side stage. On right side stage, a drum kit sheltered by plexiglass towards the back, and a platform centre back with a keyboard, guitars, bass, and mics. Front and centre of the stage was a single mic, a bottle of water with a hand towel and hiding just behind the cat was a curious contraption which looked like a semicircle of round light globes on tubes.
Image: PORTER RONINSON, BAND AND PAWS (inflatable cat).
An electronic buzz filled the Hordern as red lights flicker across the stage, four musicians run across to their instruments, ‘SMILE :D’ Intro begins as Porter skips out on stage with the crowd chanting “bump dum dada dum da da dah dum” to the catchy ‘Knock Yourself Out’ tune. “One two three let’s go” calls out Porter. The crowd have erupted in cheers, screams, and they don’t miss a beat to sing along. Porter’s presence is energetic, capturing the crowds hearts and excitement as he leans in to engage. His vocals are beautiful and crystal clear. He calls out “Sydney how are you?” another roar from the crowd as he seamlessly talks between singing. The audience know every lyric. The atmosphere is already amazing. Porter counts down “four three two one”, before cannons blast pink and white confetti into the crowd. The LED at the back has a running of -SMILE! :D- across it and selected lyrics. Porter’s songs are designed for others to enjoy and sing along. He grabs his custom designed ‘split apple’ Fender Stratocaster for ‘Perfect Pinterest Garden’ and slings it over onto his back. The panel lights up with a city scape, and the lyrics display on the LED. Onto ‘Kitsune Maison’ he uses his C.K Martin & Co acoustic guitar. This is a song about materialism and adapting for acceptance, where he jokes about and says all the things he tried but nothing helped, except maybe his Brazilian butt lift, ending the song with “just trying to look good got a BBL, trying to look good not to feel bad”.
Image: PORTER ROBINSON
He dedicates the next song ‘Mona Lisa’ to Peter Griffin, of which, on his mic stand, are plectrums with Peter Griffin’s face (fun fact for those that weren’t up the front to see). A much slower more gentle song, the bridge brings about a bunch of inflatable balls released over the tops of the crowd, at the end he states “They told me for sure Sydney was not getting their balls back” as he goes on, to talk to the audience. He does his best Aussie impression mimicking an audience member whom had asked for “Spitfire”, while another crowd member calls out “shoey!” Porter’s reply, “Keep the Aussieness in your Pants.” The unsuccessful audience are given a cover of ‘Kids’ by MGMT to which Porter asks for the audience to put their phones away, and yes, there were a sea of phones lowered down to their sides.
Image: PORTER ROBNSON with band
Image: PORTER ROBINSON
Image: PORTER ROBINSON and BAND
Using a towel to wipe the sweat of his brow, he gives the crowd a genuine choice of ‘Easier to Love You’ or ‘YOTC’, the crowd cheered louder for ‘Easier to Love You’, during which an attendee at the front begun to cry, in fact a number of crowd members were tearing up with emotion. Porter acknowledges the emotion, and expresses with absolute grace his gratitude. To be honest of all the shows I’ve been to, I cant remember a stage presence like Porter’s, his sincerity and personable approach is really one of a kind and the crowd are completely emersed. ‘Happiness’ follows, broken up by the LED and a voice comes over the room reminiscent of Radiohead’s Ok Computer ‘Fitter Happier’ voice, finishing with “don’t kill yourself you idiot” for ‘Russian Roulette’ one of the standouts of the show, every lyric is displayed on the LED in the form of real life texts derived from fans internet socials. The lyrics are very powerful and the heartfelt audience sings along to every word. Cannons fire hearts, the size of my palm, into the crowd, filling the room with love.
Image: Hearts erupting over crowd
Between songs, Paws the inflatable cat, begins to deflate, they blow him back up, during ‘Wind Tempos’ Intro, and as it leads into ‘Musician’, Paws deflates again, unplanned and not prepared to say goodbye, Porter requests a drum repair kit, but its not happening, he then starts playing the cat meow song (popular TikTok tune based on Billie Eilish’s ‘What Was I Made For’), I mean, what a spectacular way to handle it, and everyone was laughing while meowing, as Paws was packed away. They begun ‘Musicians’ again, and it went off without a hitch. Poor Paws..
Image: PAWS, (before deflating).
Image: PORTER ROBINSON
‘Get your Wish’ is followed by ‘Something Comforting’ with Porter’s distorted vocals and playing keys. It becomes apparent how hot it is up on stage as Porter is wearing an oversized jumper while his face is dripping with sweat. He takes the opportunity to introduce the musicians on stage ‘Vo-tech’ on drums, Raffa on guitars, Keric on the keys and Margot on Bass. Porter is handed bracelets and notices a sign while collecting the bracelets and following the request to hand out his Peter Plec. The half way point, at an hour, they play ‘Everything Goes On’ and ‘Unfold’ which Porter takes to the keyboard for the beginning before dancing away while singing the lyrics. ‘Trying to Feel Alive’ with a beautiful piano piece played on keys by Porter as the audience sing the lyrics unprompted. ‘Look At The Sky’ sees the crowd jumping up and down, telling the audience to “Scream!”.
Image: PORTER ROBINSON on keys
Porter invites an audience member named Luke, whom has been up the front for a number of shows, to play the light globe contraption, “The Orbs”, requesting that he “please don’t break my balls Luke.” Luke did not break the balls, and Porter continued on to play the orbs. ‘Divinity’ had Margot come to the front of the stage to sing and play bass, as Porter played his acoustic in the orb contraption. The crowd turned into a sea of bouncing bodies as the Hordern turned into an array of coloured lights. ‘Fresh Static Snow’ saw Raffa come to the front of stage playing an electric guitar while the audience clapped in rhythm. During every song, Porter goes back and forth between instruments while singing with deep and meaningful lyrics. It is impossible to deny this man’s incredible talent, his passion for music, and his genuine ability to connect, speaking of which, I notice my son in the crowd near the front with one hand on his chest and the other reaching up high in the air, with a look of pure bliss and enjoyment on his face during ‘Goodbye To A World’.
Image: PORTER ROBINSON on Orbs stand
‘Sad Machine’ had the crowd chanting the tune, bopping around, with twinkling lights filling the room, and if it wasn’t already pretty enough given the music and twinkling multi coloured lights, they shot streamers through the air with confetti. Porter exits the stage, but no one moves a muscle, as everyone there is a serious follower and know two more songs are left. To keep themselves entertained they sing ‘Hey Baby’ as the LED lights back up, this time with an anime girl now remotely controlling the Orbs. This is a pretty interactive stage set, props to everyone that put it together and had the concepts.
Image: Streamers falling down on crowd
Image: PORTER ROBINSON wearing dragon wings.
Encore, Porter starts ‘Shelter’ using Avril’s ‘Complicated’. More confetti blasts into the audience, and before we know it, it is now the last song, ‘Cheerleader’. For this, Porter puts on a hand crafted dragon wings with tail and everyone goes ecstatic. The Hordern now looks like the innards of a glitter bomb with every confetti cannon shooting out a blizzard of white and pink confetti and I mean blizzard. The show ends by Porter exclaiming “Sydney Australia, my name is Porter Robinson, I fucking love you guys, this was so sick, let’s do this again soon, give it up y’all, Byyyyyeeee!”
Image: Crowd covered in confetti
As I met back up with my son in a group of newfound friends exchanging details, I asked them what they thought of the nights performances, Joshua, Freya, and my son, used a number of expletives in total awe, followed with nothing but praise for the show they had just witnessed and for Ninajirachi, while the best praises were for Porter, with my son saying and I quote “Well that’s the best concert I’ll ever see in my life”, given he is only 22, that’s a big call!
Image: PORTER ROBINSON
With many thanks to TEG [Live], triple j, the Hordern Pavilion and everyone involved for giving my son the best time of his “life” and for allowing Sense Music Media to cover it. We had a blast.
Photographer: RA
Click above to view the FULL GALLERY
