A new era of live music is unfolding. One where electronic sounds transport revellers into immersive realms. In this world, location, energy and cinematic atmosphere have become as vital as the music itself. Ravers no longer just attend parties, but enter curated spaces where the synergy between sound, visuals and backdrop make for viral moments that linger long after the melody fades.
Though not an unfamiliar concept, the shift to immersive live experiences has gained rapid momentum across the globe. Some of the dance scene’s most prominent figures are boosting their reach by staging large-scale audiovisual installations at iconic sites, from ancient pyramids to Roman theatres and mountaintops. The sheer spectacle of rare and unique settings is enough to draw partygoers across borders in search of something unforgettable.
At the forefront of this magic is HangarCreates, a Belgian agency redefining set design in electronic music and beyond. Schön! spoke to Co-founder Marvin Weymeersch about the art of creating multi-sensory live events in far flung destinations. “Set design adds a second layer – it merges different art forms and develops other senses. You hear, you see, sometimes even smell. It changes the way people experience the party,” says Weymeersch. HangarCreates remains steadfast in creating spaces worth venturing to. Their graceful blend of art, architecture and emotion has been instrumental in the meteoric rise of sensorial landscapes and is reshaping the electronic music experience.
Originally an event collective, Hangar established its creative voice during the 2020 lockdown by live-streaming DJ sets from empty landmarks. Their bold visuals quickly attracted artists far beyond club culture. Now, its core “360° approach” lies in curating environments where every detail, from production to lighting, creates a truly transcendental experience.
The visual universe of artists, like the Keinemusik Kloud or Adriatique’s X, are meticulously realised by HangarCreates’ visionary team. At the heart of each project is a deep sensitivity to setting. “The location always comes first,” says Weymeersch. “It defines what is possible [and] what makes sense. When you’re at the pyramids for example, you don’t try to hide them – you work with them.” The team brought Keinemusik’s identity to life in their 2024 set at the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, where the group’s signature peace sign illuminated the sky. Blending music, history and technology, it was the first-ever drone show in the area and proved to be an innovative way of using design to merge culture and tourism. The journey continued in Switzerland, where a pyro drone show lit up the sky with Audemars Piguet’s timepiece and the Kloud peace symbol, fusing storytelling with artistic concept.
Each HangarCreates project is deeply collaborative. With Swiss electronic duo Adriatique, their defining “X” is weaved into every show, amplifying the hypnotic pull of their euphoric sound. While Dutch DJs ANOTR’s latest stage design enveloped the crowd under a cozy mushroom “on a trip” of a lifetime. The team is now partnering with the likes of Canadian DJ Blond:ish and Brazilian DJ Mochakk, while bringing boundary pushing shows to life like Anyma’s upcoming open air takeover at the Atomium in Brussels – a monumental display that Weymeersch says will feature “drones, pyrotechnics and more.” HangarCreates is continuously setting a new standard in the electronic scene, pioneering where music, travel and experiential artistry intersect.
photography.Rafael Deprost & Alisson Demetrio
words. Sarah Diab
