Porter Robinson
One day with dance music's super-producer.
TwentyFour
Photos by August 21, 2014

At just 22 years of age, Porter Robinson has established himself as one of dance music’s driving forces with his uncanny ear for pop hooks and slick production. Having signed to Skrillex’s OWSLA imprint back in 2011, we all expected big things from Porter – and he didn’t disappoint. For the evidence, you only need to listen to his recently released album Worlds – a triumphant celebration of dancefloor anthems that have signaled his growth as a producer with striking confidence.

While Porter will return to Australia in November for a string of dates with Stereosonic, he previously visited our shores in March 2014 as part of Future Music Festival & Good Life. Our very own Jack Bennett (The Menace) was lucky enough to be personally picked by Robinson himself as his tour photographer. Here’s a visual account of a manic week on the road with the notorious party-starting shooter.

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You know what sucks? Getting off a long-ass flight and finding out that the airline has lost your luggage. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to Porter, so it was time for a little retail rescue to get him through the tour. Thankfully, he found time to indulge in a little bubble tea – just one of the many aspects of Asian culture that Porter is passionate about.

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We’re on our way to Good Life Festival in Brisbane, because the younger dance heads love Porter too. Here he deliveres his best Australian impersonation with a bogan-tinged “How’z it garn?” Our shuttle driver laughs, but let’s be honest – if there’s one state that you should use this term, it’s definitely Queensland. Love ya, Brissy.

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Porter’s pre-gig ritual: Some sneaky Red Bull vodkas. Oh, we had to make sure the equipment worked too. But more importantly, vodka.

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Show time. There’s no time for basic sneakers – Porter getting some air time in the Yohji Yamamoto x Adidas Y3 Qasa. One of our favourite pieces of footwear on the market, it’s a shame we can’t afford them.

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A myriad of lazers, smoke and visuals ensure that Porter’s show is easy on the eyes as well as on the ears. In order to get a stage setup that matches his sizeable sound, Porter spends quite a bit of time with Av specialist Ryan Scianio making sure everything is 100% good to go.

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Porter salutes the crowd after an action-packed performance, the crowd chants his name mercilessly.

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Leaving the stage sweat-drenched, Porter dons a towel underneath a snapback in true ratchet fashion. Seen here is another one of his notorious fashion accessories, a Pikachu necklace which again emphasises his love for animation, video games and all things Japanese.

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After Good Life, it’s time for Porter to play for the older heads at Future Music Festival. Here he’s getting into the zone in his dressing room.

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Some of the clique who have helped Porter’s trip possible. From left to right: the tour manager Dan Barnhart, the man himself Porter Robinson, the AV bro Ryan Sciaino, the lighting bro Ben Coker and finally, the VAMP Music head honcho Sasha Skalrud – the first person to bring Porter Robinson to our shores. #SPEEDDEALERS

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Porter working on his trap dance with the party-starter DJ Carnage.

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Porter and the aforementioned Sasha Skalrud watching their friend and breakout producer Baauer from side of stage. Sasha has a VAMP Music tattoo and a hat that says ‘FUCK IT’ on it a lot of times. Strong life motto if you ask us.

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Stick to your pre-gig rituals: More sneaky drinks with a crew including the ever-popular Hardwell.

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Even while performing to thousands of people at one of Australia’s largest festivals, Porter finds time to turn around and pose for this banger of a photo. #PRIORITIES

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Laters Brisbane, we’re now in Melbourne. Porter takes some of DJ Carnage’s advice on board and keeps on working on those trap dance moves on the way to Nick Thayer’s crib – Australian producer and Porter’s good mate.

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Nick Thayer shows Porter some of his new material. Importantly, there are toy rabbits in the background…

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… And now there’s a real rabbit!

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Porter holding the ever-important Mac and beat-boxing to get reads for some real onstage action at Good Life.

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And as busy as he is, he finds time to talk to young, bidding producers about his incoming album Worlds – one which we now know to be one of 2014’s game changers in dance.

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The size of the crowd here is testament to his tremendous success over the past few years.

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Signing skateboards for some of the fans who are lucky enough to be side of stage for the epic performance.

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After flying from Melbourne to Tasmania, Porter travelled back to the mainland for shows in our hometown: Sydney City, motherfuckers.

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Future Music Festival in Sydney proves to be his biggest show of the tour: Lasers, confetti and bass aplenty. A packed tent keeps it moving for the entire duration of the set, and Porter reciprocating with another belter of a set.

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After Future, it’s time for Sydney’s edition for Good Life – the final show with Jack Bennett on board.

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Thanks Porter! See you and your Pikachu necklace in November.

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