On October 2, 2024, the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles hosted an unforgettable and unconventional concert that fans and music lovers alike will remember for years. The legendary former member of OutKast, André 3000, took the stage to perform his new instrumental album, New Blue Sun. It is an 87-minute exploration of new age, ambient jazz, and spiritual discovery, featuring only the flute with no singing or rapping.
Andre is known for his innovative contributions to hip-hop and unforgettable hits like “Hey Ya!” And “Ms. Jackson” with OutKast. However, this night was nothing like his past performances from 30 years ago. It was much more of a reflective, instrumental performance that showcased André’s evolution as an artist in an entirely new light.
The evening began with Sudan Archives, an artist who harmoniously blends R&B, electronic and folk genres. Her dynamic entrance captivated the audience as she effortlessly transitioned between her powerful vocals and beautiful violin playing. She demonstrated her creative approach to music by playing her featured standout tracks like “Nont For Sale” and “Selfish Soul.” The crowd was entranced by her fantastic performance. They were swaying and clapping along to her genre-bending rhythms. It created a vibrant atmosphere filled with energy and excitement. Sudan set a high standard for the evening, encouraging the audience to look forward to the musical exploration that was about to unfold.
As the lights dimmed for André’s performance, the crowd cheered excitedly. Before his performance, he advised the audience to turn off the ringtones from their phones. He intended to have them focused on the music without any distractions or disturbances. He wanted everyone to be in the zone. André 3000 joined the stage with the other talented members: Carlos Niño (percussionist), Surya Botofasina (keyboardist), Nate Mercereau (guitarist), and Deantoni Parks (drummer), along with others. He only held the flute, a simple yet powerful instrument that became the main focus of his performance. At that moment, the focus shifted entirely to the music once they started playing.
The performance was an enchanting blend of calm and tranquility. With each note, André transported the audience into a meditative state. He presented melodies that expressed deep emotions without lyrics or vocal accompaniment. It transformed the concert into a unique journey by allowing the audience to understand the music through their experiences. The flute became a manifestation of André’s soul. It represented the feelings of longing, joy and self-awareness. The audience listened intently, captivated by the delicate balance of sound and silence.
The lighting enhanced the overall musical experience. It gently shifts in harmony. Whenever the melodies grew, the lights brightened with warm colors. The lighting would soften with cool tones and hues during quieter moments. It helped create an intimate atmosphere with a peaceful, dynamic background. There were no flashy visuals or elaborate effects. This thoughtful choice made the performance more emotional as it helped the audience connect with each piece of the music.
André’s performance was a masterclass in minimalism. He highlighted the beauty of simplicity in music. He showed that true artistry lies in realness and emotional depth. He was fun and interactive with the audience. Andre’s performance showcased his growth as an artist with a fresh, different vision. He expressed his musical passion through different instrumentations and soundscapes, conveying emotions and stories without relying on lyrics or vocals. The flow and music from New Blue Sun encouraged the audience to reflect and rediscover their perspective.
As André’s performance ended, fans left the venue with smiles, wonderful memories, peace in their mind, music in their hearts, and merchandise in their hands. Overall, it was an enjoyable and unforgettable event that many fans and music enthusiasts will cherish forever. It was a night that showcased Andre’s artistry while embracing his new approach to live music. He let the audience know that music is more than just lyrics. It’s an emotional journey that connects people deeply. Melodies, rhythms, and harmonies create feelings and tell stories that words sometimes can’t.
Andre 3000 Setlist
1) “I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album but This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time”
2) “The Slang Word P(*)ssy Rolls Off the Tongue with Far Better Ease Than the Proper Word Vagina. Do You Agree?”
3) “That Night in Hawaii When I Turned into a Panther and Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn’t Control … Sh¥t Was Wild”
4) “BuyPoloDisorder’s Daughter Wears a 3000® Shirt Embroidered”
5) “Ninety-Three ‘Til Infinity and Beyoncé”
6) “Ghandi, Dalai Lama, Your Lord & Savior J.C. / Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and John Wayne Gacy”
7) “Ants to You, Gods to Who?”
8) “Dreams Once Buried Beneath the Dungeon Floor Slowly Sprout into Undying Gardens”
