Concert Review: Porter Robinson IS Iconic

Watching Porter Robinson felt like a live-action scrolling through Tik Tok, his songs felt like the backdrop to every video, whether it was funny, vulnerable, or based on the idea of manifestation. That latter point is important because of the relationship his fans have with him. For the “Robinites” as I call them, alternatively “The Portheads,” Porter represented fulfillment; the hope and jittery excitement you need to start your own adventure. 

With so many visuals, that all felt like gorgeous, stunning prints made on my Adobe app, Porter’s show felt imaginatively accessible. If there is one thing that fascinates me about this world, in its current state, it how much access we all have, despite so many not being able to prosper. It is if we all have the key to a treasure box, but not many, actually, hold treasure, which, again, embodies my relationship with TikTok and Porter; I see so much talent and futuristic vigor to make the world better without any clue how to make sure we, ourselves, our good. Somehow, in lyric and sound, Porter Robinson embodied that dichotomy to his fans so perfectly…. they had to stan. 

Playing at Avant Gardner, a major venue, Robinson was able to be a DJ, musician, vocalist, friend, and icon to his fans. He flowed between all these roles to be to them what music was for him: comfort. It’s okay not to be okay, but he asked: when do you, finally, get good? For me, that place does not exist. “Good” is a state of being, and he gave that state to everyone. His fans felt GOOD in his presence, and that is why he was not just an artist to them; he was relief.