Concert Review: Whethan at the Boulder Theater

Things can become a bit complicated when doing what you love turns into international flights, meeting your idols and performing on some of the largest stages electronic music can offer. For 23-year-old Chicago, Illinois and now Los Angeles based producer and DJ, Whethan, the story could be anything but complicated. 

Ethan Snoreck, better known as Whethan, took to a packed crowd in Boulder, Colorado last Thursday as a part of his MIDNIGHT//FANTASY tour at the Boulder Theater and displayed what it means to do what you love, and love what you do. Supported by local acts, Gusted and Kandy Shop, the musician performed to a devoted crowd – one fan holding up their phone which displayed “I <3 Ethan Snoreck.” 

Snoreck began his musical journey by messing around in Garageband on his iPad when he was only 12 years old. By the time he was 17, he was missing school to tour with The Chainsmokers and a few years later would be working with one of his idols, Skrillex. 

Since then, Snoreck has played some of the largest stages; Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado, Ultra Music Festival in Miami and Lollapalooza in Chicago are just a few on the vast roster of venues the musician has played at. 

As fans eagerly awaited Whethan’s arrival to the stage, following stellar and energy boosting performances by Gusted and Kandy Shop, a handful emphasized their love for the musician. 

“The scene that he puts out is peaceful,” fan Josh Wojahn said. 

Currently, many may say that the general state of electronic music is that the core foundation of peace, love, unity and respect (PLUR), a common set of principles that are associated with rave culture in the United States, has been lost. For Whethan fans, their perspective is different. 

At his Boulder, CO show, his fans were careful and cognizant of the people around them; hugs, excitement and love were all around. 

As the lights in the venue dimmed, one fan claimed that he saw Whethan pop his head up behind the table that housed his DJ deck. Within seconds, the twinkling mixture of synthesizers and a shuffling guitar riff welcomed fans into the world of Whethan with his track “COMPLICATED” off of his most recent record “MIDNIGHT.” 

Throughout the show, Whethan expertly transitioned through tracks – a tell-tale sign of a seasoned festival DJ. One could say that the musician learned a thing or two from his friend Skrillex. 

As Whethan played several songs from “MIDNIGHT,” he also paid homage to his day one fans by playing tracks from his 2018 debut EP “Life of a Wallflower, Vol. 1.” The energy inside of the venue could only be described as feral – a true testament to the electronic dance music (EDM) hub that is Boulder, CO. 

Whethan truly knows how to start a party. 

The bass from his music was loud enough to cause air to emanate from the hanging speakers; it could be felt over 20 feet away. 

About halfway through the musician’s set, Whethan dropped a Daft Punk remix, which was a lovely nod to one of his childhood inspirations. 

One could visibly notice that Whethan was just as much involved in his music as his fans were. His movements were reminiscent of British producer and DJ, Fred again.. and French techno producer and DJ, I Hate Models; the pair move on stage while performing as if they are inside of the music itself. 

Whethan is most likely the most lively EDM producer and DJ to hit Boulder, CO in over a year as the background visuals, crowd interaction and seamless performance style was a treat to experience. 

As the musician drew his performance to a close, he did an encore to play a Boulder, CO beloved track, “Good Nights” which features musician Mascolo. 

Though, what would follow would be the true treat of the night. 

The Bold will be back to share an exclusive interview with Whethan.