Artist and producer Lido hosted listening parties in different cites across the U.S. for the screening of his visual project I O U 2. Seattle was the only city with two screening times since the first show sold out so quick. The theatre seated 70 people at capacity. All phones were locked in a bag, reminding me of Childish Gambino’s show at Joshua Tree, and weren’t unlocked until the end.
I know I’ve been really quiet about the meaning behind I O U 1 & 2, but it’ll all make sense soon. I’m coming to a few cities in North America to play the music for the first time with a visual experience in local theaters and talk to you guys about the story and the concept. pic.twitter.com/AompoxR8eW
— Lido (@Lido) October 30, 2018
The video was trippy and beautiful featuring very talented dancers; spilling emotions onto the screen. It was shot through the timespan of a couple days in the neighboring Vancouver B.C.. They had chosen the location due to its resemblance to Norway. I don’t want to spoil the video too much since most people haven’t seen it yet, but it’s filled with very specific elements such as hexagon shapes and mirror surfaces. All of which hold specific meaning to the overarching theme of the visual album.
During the Q&A session after the screening, Lido explained that I O U 1 and I O U 2 were supposed to form the album, Nothing, that succeeds his last album, Everything. Everything was about Lido in the midst of a breakup and change in his life, and Nothing is supposed to be about Lido focusing himself while reliving life again. Although not intentional, the listener will find I O U 1 to be happier, and I O U 2 to be darker.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqGW3vwA2yb/
A very important thing that I’d like to bring up is what the producer, Jag Knoxx, terms as microblogging.
This is the idea of people sharing these short 15 second stories and images on social media constantly. Where everything is shared on the internet, and we are all internet bloggers.
It causes a decline in attention span. Which is why something like a 15 minute visual is risky and not encouraged for artists. Luckily, Lido has a problem with often defying and disobeying authority, and decided to make a visual EP. He said that he wanted a visual component to go along with the music, so people can be fully occupied by the music and take in it. That way, people won’t be scrolling on their social media timelines while listening to the EP for the first time. I have so many thoughts and feelings about how music consumption has changed now, and maybe I’ll save the rant for a separate post.
I didn’t take any photos since it didn’t feel right due to the intimacy of the event. At the end, fans left with a little signed souvenir hexagon mirror. Lido met with any fans that wanted to stick around after; he’s incredibly nice and down to earth. I recommend getting familiar with Lido. He’s probably your favorite artist’s favorite producer.
