Porter Robinson returns to Houston, performing a 26-song setlist that celebrates his discography and latest release as part of the “Smile :D” World Tour.
Fresh off the summer release of Porter Robinson’s 2024 album SMILE!, Porter has opened a new chapter in his musical transformation. Fans rejoiced and lined up early for a close view of the Sunday night show during the first week of October.
The night began with a performance by Connecticut-based emo-rap artist ericdoa. His stage was set up like a teenage bedroom, complete with an air mattress in the middle. Clips from Call of Duty trickshot montages and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater played throughout his set. His music evoked nostalgia for growing up in the early 2000s and 2010s, and fans were thrilled when he covered Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles.” He encouraged the crowd to sing along to the famous line, “Makin’ my way downtown, walkin’ fast, faces pass and I’m homebound.” ericdoa expressed his appreciation for being part of the tour and performed many of his hits, including “Search and Destroy,” giving fans plenty of reasons to dance.
The night continued with the much-anticipated appearance of Porter Robinson. He kicked things off with the opening track “Knock Yourself Out” from his latest album, instantly energizing the crowd. Pink confetti burst from every corner of the arena as fans sang along and danced with enthusiasm. Porter even used a money gun to spray the audience with fake $100 bills. The stage setup was unique, with each member of Porter’s band stationed in their own designated area. The drummer notably performed inside a transparent glass box, while the bassist was positioned beside a giant inflatable pink cat.
Throughout the night, the screens were filled with vibrant visuals and colorful artwork, enhancing the immersive experience. During “Mona Lisa,” Porter’s team launched a ball featuring the album cover of SMILE! into the crowd, which fans joyfully passed around. Porter brought out a guitar, piano, and orb shaped electronic drum throughout the set, offering fans a unique experience. He also frequently ran to a scaffold platform to sing directly to the fans.
Porter’s sound and musical journey were displayed throughout the night, showcasing a style that is unique and unlike any other electronic dance artist. He highlighted all of his eras by playing tracks from 2021’s “Nurture”, which is heavily inspired by Japanese pop. After diving into that era, he performed tracks from his 2014 debut “Worlds”, which has influenced the modern EDM scene to this day. Fans near me began to cry as “Shelter” echoed through the arena. This track holds significant meaning for fans who come from the traditional EDM scene. Porter also asked, “Who has seen me at Stereo Live before?”—a shout out to a Houston venue notorious for its EDM shows.
He ended the night with the single “Cheerleader” off of “SMILE! :D”. The song encapsulates what his latest era is, incorporating pop, hyperpop, pop-punk, and early 2000s rave influences. Porter Robinson demonstrates that he is an artist who pushes boundaries and doesn’t like to be confined to a single box. He continues to reinvent himself, offering fans new versions of himself in each album, which defines him and showcases his ability to recreate himself with every release. Porter’s musical evolution will be talked about for a long time.
I am a Houston-based photographer who has been attending concerts since MP3 players were a thing. I graduated from the University of Houston in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in advertising. In my free time, you can find me headbanging at hardcore/rock shows, collecting movies, and training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu!
