Inside Excision’s New Visuals From Scary Shrek to Mario Party

Shrek is love, Shrek is life, Shrek is…A new surprise visual in the new Excision Nexus tour set?

Excision, the Canadian DJ and producer known for his seismic bass music, has once again pushed the boundaries of live EDM performance with his latest show at Thunderdome 2024, held in Tacoma, Washington. This year’s event not only solidified Thunderdome’s reputation as a must-attend festival but also served as the launchpad for Excision’s new visual experience as part of his Nexus tour.

The visuals, a blend of 3-D-esque mythical creatures, angry dinosaurs, hallowed skeletons, and notably, a demonic version of Shrek, have set a new benchmark in concert visuals, intertwining high-shock value with the raw energy of his music. The inclusion of Shrek, in particular, showcased a unique blend of humor and horror, engaging the audience with a character known universally but never seen like this before. The combination of these visuals with over 200 high-powered lasers created an unparalleled audio-sensory experience that attendees are unlikely to forget​​. This isn’t the first time Shrek has made an appearance in the rave scene, as the character has been a feature of the Shrek-themed rave events active since 2021. However, Excision’s incorporation of the character in such a vivid and intense setting brought a new level of engagement and entertainment, igniting discussions and massive online reactions over the fantastic meme. The visuals sparked a range of emotions among the attendees and those who viewed clips online, with some finding the imagery fascinatingly terrifying and others considering it a unique twist on EDM showmanship​​.

In addition to the darker themes, Excision’s new show visuals unexpectedly dove into the lighthearted and nostalgic world of video games with the introduction of Mario Party-inspired graphics. This blend of intense and playful imagery adds a unique twist to the overall experience, reflecting Excision’s ability to span across diverse themes and connect with audiences on different levels. The Mario Party visuals not only serve as a breather from the more intense sequences but also tap into a shared cultural memory, adding an unexpected yet delightful layer to the concert​​. While Excision’s music is bass-y, the outrageous visuals remind attendees of the lighthearted, spontaneous side of EDM and that at it’s core, EDM is meant to be fun.

Excision, born Jeff Abel, has been a prominent figure in the dubstep and bass music scenes since the late 2000s. Known for his heavy, aggressive sounds and intricate light shows, he has consistently been at the forefront of the genre’s evolution. His festivals, such as Lost Lands and Bass Canyon, are celebrated for their immersive experiences, combining his music with cutting-edge visual and audio production. This dedication to innovation and community has cemented his position as a key influencer in the global EDM landscape.

The mixed reactions to the new visuals, particularly the scary Shrek, highlight a broader discussion within the EDM community about the role of visuals in live music experiences. While some fans relish the intense, immersive nature of such shows, others find the more extreme elements a bit overwhelming. However, this divide only underscores the diverse tastes within the community and the broad spectrum of creativity that electronic music can encompass.

As Excision continues his Nexus tour across North America, fans new and old are eagerly anticipating what other surprises he has in store. With each performance, he not only showcases his musical evolution but also redefines what is possible in live EDM production.