Bandersnatch 2019

photo by jenna wirth

Goldstein Auditorium is dark. The only light comes from the LED laser beams striking the stage and the glow sticks worn by the crowd. A spotlight shines down on Syracuse University junior Troyce Pitones.

Yes, he’s a junior. And he’s already doing opening acts for concerts. Wow, right? Meddling with his DJ equipment while playing Skepta’s “Greaze Mode,” Pitones bobs his head and body to the beat of the music. He looks to be in his own little world. There are about 150 people right near the front of the stage. In the middle of the floor, there are a few stragglers dancing full out. They’re just on a whole other level. And, of course, there’re the token drifters chilling at the back of the auditorium. As the crowd roars, Pitones plays a remix of Tyler, the Creator’s “Yonkers” and Travis Scott’s new single “HIGHEST IN THE ROOM.”

Although the energy and headbanging already seem insurmountable, when the DJ plays Sheck Wes’ “Live Sheck Wes,” everyone loses their shit. Eventually, when his set time runs out, he makes a peace sign and walks off as Playboi Carti’s “R.I.P. Fredo (Notice Me)” keeps on playing. No bow, no thank you, no anything. He’s just really humble and a class act.

DUCKWRTH’s DJ soon takes the stage and hypes up the crowd with A$AP Rocky’s “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2.” After five minutes of the DJ yelling “make some noise for DUCKWRTH,” the artist suddenly bolts on stage with more energy than a beagle on crack. Decked in a white crew-neck reading “Syracuse Basketball,” tucked into his jeans, DUCKWRTH immediately starts giving his all to the crowd, and they can’t get enough of him. Rapping “TAMAGOTCHI” and “NOBODY FALLS,” he moves across the stage performing weird-ass dance moves, sometimes using one hand to sing, sometimes using the other to grab his crotch. Why is grabbing your dick the cool thing to do? We shall never know. The LED laser beams now striking down on both the auditorium floor and stage to the sync of DUCKWRTH’s dance moves, give the LA-based artist an absolutely electrifying presence on stage.

After performing “SOPRANO,” he, unsurprisingly, takes off his shirt while telling the crowd he’s just too hot. And he is. But nonetheless, the wardrobe reduction does not keep him from constantly wiping his forehead with a towel. No one can say this man isn’t giving his all. Towards the end of his act, DUCKWRTH yells to the crowd: “You know we have to lose our fucking shit, right?” And that’s exactly what happens as he sings “FALL BACK.” In fact, we all feel a bit heartbroken when DUCKWRTH leaves the stage; giving his final bow and blowing air kisses to the crowd.

Koffee’s DJ then takes his place and begins hyping up the crowd by asking them where they’re from. Not that anyone cares to give to an answer. He then introduces “the queen.” As the song “Throne” roars through the speakers, Koffee struts onto the stage with a Grinch-after-he-turns-good smile plastered to her face. Eventually, she runs off the stage and into the orchestra pit. At this point, the crowd is pumped. Sadly, not pumped enough for Koffee to surf across the ocean of sweaty 20- somethings, but enough for a black shirt to go flying into the air. A very strange way to celebrate, but one we fuck with. Throughout her performance, Koffee adds the word, “Syracuse” into her lyrics, and invites attendees on stage to sing and dance along.

Before starting her final song “Burning,” she teaches the crowd a small dance that requires only four or five steps. She says the dance moves can be used for any beat. And guess what? It actually works!

Giving the crowd one last smile and thanks, she calmly walks off the stage. The music trails off, the lights slowly come on, and the crowd files out the doors collectively rehashing everything that transpired. Just like that, Bandersnatch Series 2019 is a wrap, and we miss it already.