DJ Boring Makes his Portland Debut at Holocene

DJ BORING could be the most ironically named performer today. Vibrant, energizing, fun, and full of passion, Tristan Hallis puts his all into every set. His high-energy take on classic house makes the dancefloor anything but dull. Last night, on the first frigid evening of December, DJ BORING made his PDX debut at Holocene in Northeast Portland.

On stage at Holocene, DJ BORING inhabits a space where throwback trance sits comfortably with Belgian techno and rolling funk. The Australian selector also takes great pride in his expert record selection, which was on full display at his headlining Holocene performance. He’s constantly searching for unknown gems from years gone by and pairing them with recent cuts that are equally exceptional. Under the soft candlelight and thrumming new sound system, Holocene was turned into a dancer’s paradise.

With his own tracks and selects, Hallis hones in on a contemporary sound that pays homage to dance music roots. His productions are birthed in 303 hardware and imbued with a soft touch of humanity that many modern productions lack. His viral track “Winona” is the perfect example. A slow build of layered synths guides a retro interview clip where actress Winona Ryder recounts a disheartening audition. The somber track encapsulates a young creative’s fear of judgment but invites listeners to dance through it.

PDX Welcomes Boring

But if all you know from BORING is his sleepy viral hit, you would have been surprised at his recent show in Portland. After grade-A opening performances by Laura Lynn and Carly Barton, the layered dancefloor was already alight with energy. Thanks in part to the Holocene’s brand-new Danley sound system, there wasn’t a bad spot in the house to groove. Guests could settle in at tables and lounges surrounding the dancefloor before working their way up to the intimate stage area. And for those looking for more space, the back dancefloor had ample wiggle room without sacrificing any sound quality – a dream come true for any avid rave kid.

For his Portland set, BORING served up an incessant stream of hit after hit. In this way, BORING’s humanity shines through in his new live show where hardware and controllers become a natural extension of his creative self.

Over the last few years, DJ BORING has ascended rapidly thanks to his infectious performances, impeccable selection, and high-quality productions. With plans for an album project in the near future, the stage is set for the next phase of DJ BORING’s remarkable career. And we’re sure it won’t be dull.

featured image via BOILER ROOM