LIVE
46
ETA October 2016
SINGAPORE
Ultra Music Festival Makes A Rocking Debut Collaborative effort by D8 and UAV helps make the event memorable
S
o, it finally arrived after teaser events like last year’s Road To Ultra showcase. Singapore became the latest destination for the Ultra Music Festival which is considered one of the largest dance spectaculars in the world. The inaugural EDM festival was held on, if I may say virgin grounds – a 30,000sqm open field space just beside the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Some of the world’s top DJs rocked what is estimated to be a crowd of about 40,000 over the two days event that was held on the weekend of 10 and 11 September. Upfront there were issues but thankfully the organisers managed to resolve them quickly for a much happier experience on the second day of the event. One issue that was beyond the control was the heavy downpour in the morning of the first day event that made it a soggy, muddy experience for the ravers. Long queues on the first day from entry to food and drinks was another blemish. On the technical side, unfortunately the monumental giant U structure in the main stage failed to work on day one. Thankfully it was resolved and the impact it had on day two was clearly visible. This things happen but what is great is that the producers and technical team managed to resolve it. The next time round, we are sure all these details will be sorted out well in advance.
The 30,000sqm space had three stages – one main stage and two smaller stages. The main stage stretched 84m long and showcased all the main EDM acts, whereas the Resistance stage had more underground and techno styled sets played and the Live stage represented different genre of pop music. In all 47 Artistes rocked the two day event, which by the way was the first full Ultra edition in South-East Asia and the 10th edition worldwide.
A Collaborative Effort The main contractor for the Ultra Music Festival was Digital Eight Pte Ltd better known as D8 and who was also specifically responsible for the total production of Main Stage. They were ably supported by UAV. UAV was responsible for the Live Stage structure and VIP Area, including all local correspondences with local Authorities such as drawing, PE and the Marina Bay Sands MICE team took on Audio Visual support for the Resistance and Live Stage areas. In addition, D8 had to work closely with Ray Steinman the stage designer for Ultra for the main stage. “There were of course as expected changes to the design and at the end we included more LEDs and lights to keep as close as possible to the look and feel of Ultra festivals around the globe,” said Henry of D8.