Since opening in 2023, the Las Vegas Sphere has created a massive buzz among electronic music enthusiasts, sparking imaginations of lush synths and earth-shaking drops reverberating through the world’s newest, most cutting-edge music venue. Anticipation continued to grow as the electronic music community witnessed U2, Phish, the Eagles, and Dead & Company take the stage. At last, the electronic scene was poised to take its turn in the spotlight. Italian-American DJ Matteo Milleri—better known as Anyma—announced his highly anticipated New Year’s Eve residency. Celebrating this monumental moment for electronic music, his mesmerizing Anyma visuals would light up the Las Vegas Strip, transforming the city’s skyline into a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable night of dance music.
What began as a wave of eager anticipation has since evolved into a storm of debate. As the first shows at the Sphere have unfolded, social media has erupted with conversations questioning the venue’s identity—specifically, what type of events genuinely belong at the Sphere and whether rave culture can find a place within its sleek, polished walls. EDM Maniac has attended a series of these groundbreaking performances. It now feels compelled to weigh in on this ongoing conversation, exploring the delicate balance between cutting-edge spectacle and the raw, unrestrained energy that defines the heart of electronic music culture.
Anyma delivered a performance transcending the boundaries of what we thought was possible for an electronic music show. Set against the backdrop of the Sphere—the largest spherical structure on the planet, boasting 167,000 individually amplified speakers and over 9 square miles of wraparound LED displays—this was a spectacle unlike anything we’ve ever experienced as music fans. To call it “larger than life” doesn’t quite capture the magnitude; it was an immersive journey into sound and vision that defied description. Words hardly do justice to the experience; it’s one of those rare moments in music you must see—and feel—to truly believe.
Presenting themes of humanity, technology, dystopian landscapes, and surreal philosophy, Anyma invited attendees on a journey through his boundless creative universe. The performance was a mesmerizing fusion of art and innovation, with Anyma’s iconic AI characters coming to life across the Sphere’s thousands of LED screens—some reaching out to the audience. In contrast, others seemed trapped within the digital world, desperately clawing to break free. The experience took guests on a mind-bending voyage, from the fragile origins of an Adam-and-Eve-like existence to sprawling, apocalyptic metropolises crumbling into chaos. From start to finish, the suspense and electrifying anticipation of what lay around the next corner kept attendees on the edge of their seats. This wasn’t just a show; it was one of the generation’s most visually stunning and conceptually daring electronic performances.
Unsurprisingly, the Sphere leaned heavily into visuals and chose a more accessible genre for its electronic debut. The decision has sparked mixed reactions. On one hand, many praised the sheer innovation and intensity of the visual spectacle. At the same time, some argue that Anyma’s melodic techno sound didn’t quite match the venue’s grandeur. Compared to the high-octane energy of mainstream EDM, Anyma’s set was more subdued, focusing on atmosphere rather than aggressive beats. However, shows at the Sphere aren’t just about the music—they’re about a total sensory experience designed to captivate from the first beat to the last flicker of light.
In every aspect, the Sphere is constructed to be an immersive music and arts experience rather than a social event, which most ravers are familiar with when exploring dance music. As the venue hosted its first-ever electronic music performance, it demanded a new way of engaging with the art—one centered on immersive listening and visual exploration rather than dancing. This departure from the norm required a learning curve to absorb the experience, sparking debates on social media. Many debated whether attendees should be seated or moving to the beat.
Concerts at the Sphere are designed to be absorbed, not merely partied to—a deliberate shift from traditional electronic music events. The 10,000 infrasound-equipped seats transmit bass vibrations directly through the seats and surrounding floor, offering an immersive sensory experience that left many attendees awestruck and seated throughout the performance. Over and above that, it would be nearly impossible for a viewer to stand and not completely obstruct the view of those behind them, so choosing to stand and dance at points during the show felt uncomfortable and inconsiderate.
For ravers seeking the ultimate dance experience, the GA floor near the stage is the place to be. This area closely mirrors the energy and vibe of a traditional festival or show, both in atmosphere and attitude. That said, every seat in the Sphere offers an unmatched visual experience, perfect for immersing oneself in Anyma’s groundbreaking performance, which features special guests like Ellie Goulding and Grimes, as well as a futuristic twist—two cello-playing robots that push the boundaries of live music artistry.
Overall, Anyma’s residency was a spectacular, unique event that will establish a benchmark for future electronic music performances. From standalone concerts to festival appearances, they will be measured against Anyma’s Sphere shows.
Featured image courtesy of The Garnette Report
