As the sun set on a bustling Friday night in Brooklyn, Barclays Center hummed with anticipation. Kygo, the Norwegian DJ, and highest-selling ticket dance music artist, was about to take the stage for the first of two sold-out shows on his highly anticipated world tour. This tour, his first since 2018, celebrates over a decade of his groundbreaking tropical house sound and chart-topping hits.
The arena, packed to its 19,000-person capacity, buzzed with an eclectic mix of fans. From Gen-Z to Gex-X attendees, Kygo’s music transcends generations. Some attendees sported casual weekend wear, while others donned glittering outfits ready for a night of dancing – a testament to the broad appeal of the evening’s entertainment.
Opening acts Emmit Fenn and Sam Feldt set the tone, warming up the crowd with their own brand of EDM magic. The production value was immediately apparent – a stunning visual spectacle complemented by an immersive sound system that made every beat palpable. At the heart of it all was Kygo himself. Unlike many EDM shows, Kygo’s performance was refreshingly organic. He played the keyboard, and signature piano, in real-time, adding an element of live musicianship that elevated the entire experience.
The night was full of fun surprises as Kygo brought out several collaborators. Zak Abel, Sasha Alex Sloan, and Parson James each took turns on stage, their live vocals adding depth and emotion to the tracks. These guest appearances transformed the concert into a celebration of musical partnerships, each song telling a story of creative synergy. This world tour isn’t just a victory lap for Kygo; it’s a reaffirmation of his place at the forefront of electronic music.
