It is difficult to think of a brand more exciting, innovative and daring right now than Red Bull. Since its inception in 1987, the international energy drink company has set the benchmark in creating ambitious, ground breaking events which celebrate the very best in extreme sport and alternative music culture. This is a brand which dares to be different. To create dynamic events which will go down in history and re-write the record books along the way.
In 2013 alone, Red Bull have orchestrated the US snowboarding Grand Prix in Colorado, Kite Boarding in Big Bay Cape Town, the Soapbox Derby in London and now the record breaking Revolutions in Sound taking place in one of the Capital’s most famous landmarks; the London Eye. Oh, they also dropped a man from space in 2012 when Felix Baumgartner parachuted from 36Km into the earth’s stratosphere and landed safely in New Mexico.
With just 22 people per capsule, the Revolutions in Sound event provided guests with the unique and unforgettable opportunity to experience some of the UK’s most established DJ’s in the London Eye overlooking
the Capital City’s world famous skyline. After selling out in minutes, the lucky ticket holders made their way into each capsule to experience a nightclub like no other.
Delta Sound enjoys a long term relationship with Red Bull, having delivered the audio systems to a variety of its events in the past, including the 2013 Soapbox Derby in London, the Speed Jam in Cardiff and the X Fighters in Dubai. Having ventured into the famous London Eye when Red Bull debuted this event in 2011, Delta Sound was appointed once again by award winning brand experience agency Innovision, to provide the complete sound solution to this exciting and unique event.
Celebrating the UK’s biggest and best underground dance scene both past and present, each pod was dedicated to a specific night club including the Manchester Hacienda, London’s Boiler Room, CREAM Festival, and Birmingham’s Rainbow Club. Amongst the impressive line up of over 100 artists were Lily Allen, Katy B, Jamie XX, Goldie and Mark Ronson, who each brought their own unique style to the proceedings.
In terms of logistics and location, this event presented several unique challenges for Delta’s Project Manager Davey Williamson and the numerous productions teams involved. With over 31 moving capsules to service, the crew and engineers had little more than seconds to load each pod, meaning speed and precision timing were crucial. With 38 experienced audio engineers on site however, the London Eye was loaded and ready after just 2 revolutions.
In order to replicate the excitable and electric atmosphere of the nightclub scene, Delta installed a combination of Pioneer CDJ 2000’s with DJM 900 Nexus Mixers and Technics SL-1210 turntables in each capsule, alongside d&b Audiotechnik Q7 loudspeakers. With each pod measuring just 8 metres long and 4 metres wide, it was imperative that the audio systems were compact enough to accommodate the small space, yet powerful enough to re-create the desired nightclub vibe. With the Q7’s supplying more than enough power alongside the exceptional lighting arrays supplied by PRG, the Eye was completely transformed into 31 of the UK’s biggest and best nightclubs.
In true Red Bull style, Revolutions in Sound was a record breaking event for the most live streams being simultaneously broadcast online. With the live broadcast supplied by the SIS, an estimated 1,000,000 people tuned in from around the world to be part of the interactive event, able to pick and choose from each of the 31 live streams. For those who weren’t quite lucky enough to gain a place in a capsule, a silent disco was taking place simultaneously at the foot of the Eye with over 2,000 revellers soaking up the atmosphere. Featuring a number of DJ’s who were supplied with Delta Sound’s Pioneer CDJ 2000’s, the silent disco took place at the pathway leading up to the Eye. Transformed into an open air nightclub and decorated in Red Bull’s signature red and blue light, the party wasn’t just limited to those 135 metres above the Thames. “This is the second time that we have facilitated a Red Bull show at the London Eye so we were thrilled to be reappointed by Innovision”, comments Project Manager Davey Williamson.
Revolutions in Sound varied considerably however when compared to its 2011 predecessor. As opposed to supplying audio specs for 31 artists, we were implementing systems for 31 club nights – some of which had up to 5 dj’s or artists. Consequentially, the requirements for each capsule were more specific. For example, in the Rinse FM pod, Katy B was singing live backed by a Cajon and keyboard rig which were mixed via a Yamaha LS9, whilst Skream and Artwork required 4 x CDJ 2000’s and DJM 900 mixers. Additionally each equipment rack was security sealed the day before leaving Delta’s warehouse so the prep had to be perfect. My prep engineers followed my individual specifications and patch sheets perfectly so everything ran smoothly.
A further challenge stems from the logistics of the venue itself. With mere seconds to load each capsule before they move on, we had to operate fast. I had an experienced and professional crew with me however so you soon get into a rhythm, loading each pod quickly and safely. Delta has a great relationship with Innovision. The unique and imaginative nature of their events has provided us with some of our most memorable projects and Revolutions in Sound was no exception” Revolutions in Sound was an inspiring event to have been a part of. Successfully turning one of London’s most famous and iconic landmarks into a superclub illustrated Delta Sound’s expertise and versatility when presented with original projects such as this. Congratulations to all of the crew and engineers involved for being part of a record breaking evening and ensuring the smooth and safe running of one of the capital’s most anticipated events.