SZEE took their fans on an inspiring journey of beautiful bass music and breathtaking visuals at their 2025 tour stop in Chicago. This was the sort of dubstep show that makes you break out into happy tears as you finally have a breakthrough and realize that following a DJ act around the country is totally an acceptable lifestyle choice. I usually steer clear from mainstream dubstep shows in the fear of 60 minute riddim sets of glass breaking and bursts of semi automatic rifles but an old raver buddy told me to take a chance. And he was right. There were no ostentatious drops, just an intentional, almost spiritual, bass show that could lift anyone's spirits and production that will knock your socks off (Thank you Zip Visuals & Team).
For those who don't know, LSZEE is the collaboration project of CloZee and LSDREAM. I've been a massive CloZee AKA Chloé Herry fan ever since catching her set at the Hummingbird Stage at Sonic Bloom 2015. This French producer has been setting a new standard for the bass music scene with her inclusion of world sounds and innovative production for over a decade. It's no coincidence that she now lives in Denver and I've actually seen her nonchalantly chilling in the crowd of a Chmura show at Beacon a couple years back. Long story short, she is the bees knees.
My first interaction with LSDREAM was the collaboration album with Shlump in 2019. His wonky, psychedelic production would soon earn him headlining slots at the biggest festivals in the country and beyond. But he doesn't just melt minds. He also has the LIGHTCODE side project in which he leads guided meditations paired with ambient music that he's produced.
There is so much creative energy within this duo and it's clearly showcased in their 2024 debut album aptly named 'LSZEE'. This album displays an expert level of production that is clearly pointed at creating a calming yet powerful experience. They have mastered the art of creating sounds that emit a healing energy which blooms into a strong urge to move and dance with your soul. LSZEE's invites the whole world to embrace joy amidst the darkness and they use electronic music as a language to send that message.
It was clear that this was a different kind of rave as I entered Chicago's Salt Shed venue. This was the first stop of the tour and it was the introduction of the LSZEE Community Support Team. This band of happy helpers wore neon yellow shirts and walked amongst the crowd giving out water bottles or ear plugs throughout the sets. They weren't security, just actual fans who wanted to help make the night a smoother experience. This safe space vibe is also emphasized by flyers throughout the venue with clear guidelines for the night like: "Create a space where everyone feels welcome", "Respect, Dance, Connect", "Be Mindful Of Personal Space", and "Consent is Essential, Active, & Mutual". I'm not sure who needs to hear this but this show was also delightfully early. The sets began by 7PM and LSZEE was beginning their set by 10:15!
The night began with SortofVague, an up and coming Denver bass producer who recently opened for Tipper's Tipsgiving event at The Fillmore in November 2024. This solid opener was a big draw for me and a signal that LSZEE has their finger on the pulse of every nook and cranny of the scene. The show continued with a Texas throwdown from Austin-based Vincent Antone who combined heavy bass drops with bluesy guitar solos. Zingara played the penultimate set and it was the perfect segue for LSZEE. Her thick, heavy bass sounds were both spooky and sexy at times. Then it was time for LSZEE.
My main takeaway from the LSZEE set was a buzzing feeling of inspired happiness. The set was a blend of LSZEE unreleased tracks, CloZee originals, LSDREAM originals and beautiful renditions from the LSZEE album. It was the sort of show that could put a smile on anyone's face no matter the circumstance. It was an intentionally positive vibe in a scene where scary drops and literal satanic imagery is kinda normal. I'm not here to bash producers that make K-Hole music for satanists (to each their own) but I'll take the happy trip with LSZEE any day of the week. I feel like so many producers these days try to make their music so heady and dark, they forget about the listening experience of the audience. LSZEE taps into the pure sounds that speak to our souls and creates opportunities for you to commune with your mind instead of escaping it. Give LSZEE a try on their upcoming 2025 tour dates!
