It is at live concerts, though, where the quartet really shines, as their anthem-like choruses, heartfelt melodies and raw, honest devotion create a powerful connection to fans. On their 2016 tour, the band forged an even stronger fan bond with a new lightshow that includes 18 Chauvet Professional Nexus Aw 7x7 LED panels supplied by Theatrical Media Services.
Well-known lighting designer John Hansen of EnHansen Design created the new lightshow for the band's 2016 tour after they retained him earlier this year. "This is my first year designing and programming for Building 429. After working on several different projects together in the last year, we finally connected to provide something to support their show for 2016," he said. "Building 429 wanted to build a look that tied the set together with their new backdrop imagery while highlighting their logo. The band has a very loyal following and strong identity, so supporting their branding was key."
Hansen created memorable visuals by taking customized aluminium gobo cut-outs of the band's logo and positioning them in front of the Nexus Aw 7x7 fixtures. He also arranged LED strip lights behind the Nexus units.
"Light from the Nexus panels and the strips shines through the logo cut-out of the band's symbol," he explained. "I use a frost to soften their output. Shining coloured light through the Nexus panels, making cool shadows on the frost, makes the logo stand out and reinforces the band's image with its fans.
"Mixing the Nexus and colour strip light as it hits the logo provides multiple looks and gives me versatility on the tour," continued Hansen, who controlled his rig with a grandMA2. "Mostly I ran linear effects on the Nexus panels, but I did have a couple geometric shapes that I used for different looks. I also really like the warm white look of the Nexus Aw 7x7; it creates an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. On our first Building 429 tour there were no tungsten fixtures on the rig, so this look really stood out."
(Jim Evans)
