[EVENT REVIEW] SIDEPIECE Enthralls Tao Chicago with a Spectacular Night of Beats and Visuals

Ally Leomporra | September 09, 2023

SIDEPIECE, the renowned DJ duo, graced the stage at Tao Chicago on Thursday, August 31, creating an unforgettable night of electronic beats and mesmerizing visuals. Composed of Dylan Ragland (Party Favor) and Ricky Mears (NITTI), SIDEPIECE has made waves in the music scene with their unique blend of house and techno music.

Before SIDEPIECE took the stage, the crowd was treated to an opening set by the renowned Chicago DJ, Apollo Xo. His energetic beats set the perfect tone for the night, getting the crowd warmed up and ready for the main event.

At 12:30 AM, SIDEPIECE walked on and immediately plunged the audience into their world of mesmerizing beats. They opened with their infectious track “What You Need,” a recent summer release that had the crowd grooving from the start. Shortly after, a mix of Sean Paul's hit “Temperature” sent waves of nostalgia through the venue. Later in the night, Sean Paul made another appearance when the DJ duo played a mix of his banger “Get Busy.”

SIDEPIECE didn't just bring the beats; they brought an entire sensory experience. The stage was bursting with colors and a mesmerizing array of lasers and geometric patterns. Colorful lights stretched across the ceiling and throughout the venue. Dancers on elevated platforms along with Tao’s glowing decor added to the visual spectacle, creating a truly memorable atmosphere.

As the beats dropped during popular hits like Dom Dolla's “Miracle Maker,” an epic release of smoke poured into the crowd, intensifying the sensory overload. The energy in the room reached new heights when they mixed “Players” by Coi Leray.

One of the highlights of the night was the duo’s performance of one of their most notable and feel-good tracks, “On My Mind,” with Diplo. The rendition features catchy vocals and a groovy house beat that has become a favorite among fans and DJ’s alike. There was surprise when it had the crowd singing along and dancing in unison.

SIDEPIECE continued to impress with remixes of popular tracks “Sandstorm,” “Pepas” and “Pump it.” As the night drew to a close, they played one of their most well-known and danceable edits of Lil Wayne’s “A Milli.” The duo recently produced a remix to this iconic 2008 track after its 15-year anniversary. The anthem was definitely a crowd pleaser, and every beat felt like a cathartic moment. There is no doubt the duo has transformed this classic into a true dance floor banger.

Not only was it a special night for the audience, but also for Dylan (Party Favor) as well, as it was his birthday. The duo took a moment to celebrate behind the DJ booth with sparklers and Don Julio, adding a fun personal touch to the evening's festivities.

With their dynamic mixes, captivating visuals, and a birthday celebration to boot, SIDEPIECE's performance truly lived up to the reputation they have built. The energy, excitement, and pure musical talent on display left the crowd wanting more.

Photo courtesy of Tao Chicago and SIDEPIECE.