Photos by Kara Kokinos; Words by Harry Gustafson

Photo by Kara Kokinos

Jon Hopkins has spent nearly two decades cementing his place as one of the premier producers in electronic music, crafting a string of intricate albums – and some soundtrack work – that defy strict classification within any one of electronic’s many sub-genres. As a live performer, he’s got a polished sound and a set designed to explore explosive heights and ambient depths. 

Hopkins brought familiar dexterity into his performance at the Sinclair on 9/28, the midweek headliner for Together 2018 with support from local DJ Pat Fontes. It wasn’t his first time playing the festival, appearing as recently as two years ago. That show, however, wasn’t at the Sinclair, and the change in venue definitely improved the sound quality this time around. The larger stage also provided a wider backdrop for Hopkins’s visual display, which featured footage from several of his music videos, giving the music pitch-perfect accompaniment. The highlight of the evening was the performance of and video for “Emerald Rush,” the first single from Hopkins’s new album Singularity. 

While his live set has found new life with the addition of tracks from Singularity, Hopkins didn’t neglect to throw down some fan favorites, including an encore performance of his remix of “Magnets” by Disclosure and Lorde, as well as “Open Eye Signal,” an eight minute odyssey of modular techno with an infectious, pulsing bass line. The last time he performed at Together, he got a coveted Friday night slot. Despite his Wednesday booking this time around, he nonetheless played for a sold out crowd who were eager to join him on his sonic journey. 

Check out our gallery from the show below.