Last night, Kaytranada brought his signature style and sound to the White Oak Music Hall as part of his “TIMELESS” tour, transforming the outdoor lawn into a haven of pure vibes. Since 2010, Kaytranada has been a trailblazer in music production, with two critically acclaimed albums earning 8.0 and 8.1 scores on Pitchfork, and a Grammy win for Best Dance Recording for “10%” featuring Kali Uchis. The anticipation for his performance was palpable as fans packed the sold-out venue, eager to witness the Canadian producer’s seamless fusion of house, hip-hop, and funk.
The evening couldn’t have been more perfect. The open-air setting, with its clear skies and cool breeze, provided an ideal backdrop for Kaytranada’s effortlessly smooth beats. The atmosphere was laid-back but buzzing with excitement, as the crowd prepared for a night of pulsating rhythms and infectious energy.
Opening the show were high-energy sets from Kaytranada’s brother Lou Phelps and Channel Tres. Channel Tres, accompanied by backup dancers, elevated the performance with synchronized routines that perfectly matched his upbeat sound, getting the crowd on their feet and primed for what was to come.
When Kaytranada finally took the stage, the energy shifted to a new level. His nearly 90-minute set, pulling from his third studio album TIMELESS, which dropped this past June, offered a blend of fresh material and fan favorites from his earlier works. The seamless mix of R&B, house, and hip-hop captivated the audience, turning the lawn into a dancefloor.
With a minimalist stage setup—just his DJ gear and a single wine glass on a sleek metal table—Kaytranada allowed the music and the stunning visuals to speak volumes. The combination of lights, strobes, and animated visuals enhanced the experience, creating an immersive atmosphere that complemented each beat drop. Pyrotechnics added dramatic flair, punctuating the climactic moments of the performance. The visuals alternated between live feeds of Kaytranada and trippy, animated sequences that mirrored the hypnotic rhythm of his tracks, keeping the audience in a groove from start to finish.
Reflecting on the night, I felt like Kaytranada had the perfect mix of new and vintage tracks. But honestly, I couldn’t help but notice how many people were hesitant to actually have fun. So many were either looking up the songs because they didn’t know them or just recording instead of dancing! Meanwhile, Kaytranada was having the time of his life—he even did the Macarena, which I loved!
Kaytranada is a DJ, and I think a lot of people aren’t used to DJs having full concerts, aside from EDM ravers of course. It’s meant for you to dance, interact, and enjoy the music with people who share that love. But it felt like some folks were just there for the ‘Gram, not really vibing with the music.
Highlights of the night included the crowd-favorite performance of “Intimidated,” his collaboration with H.E.R., and his remix of Beyoncé’s “CUFF IT,” a special nod to Houston that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Other memorable moments included “All Night” with Chance the Rapper and Childish Gambino’s recent hit “Witchy.” The night was a perfect blend of great vibes and electrifying energy, but at the core of it all was Kaytranada’s music, which created an atmosphere of unity and joy.
10/10 Would definetly recommend is how I wrap this up.
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