Norwegian DJ, music producer, and songwriter Kygo has taken his live performances to a whole new level through a unique collaboration with Snapchat, infusing his sets with augmented reality (AR) lens technology.

In April of this year, Kygo joined forces with Snapchat to revolutionize the festival experience. By synchronizing a real-time Snapchat Lens with his live performance, attendees could delve deeper into the moment without disconnecting from the event's energy.

Traditionally, the prevalence of smartphone recordings during festivals has been a point of contention, often detracting from the immersive atmosphere. In response, Kygo and Snapchat aimed to redefine this dynamic with their partnership. They posed a question: What if special effects could enhance the show's ambiance? While the idea of using smartphones to display AR elements during events isn't novel, Kygo and Snapchat's collaboration has a distinct flavor.

Unlike previous attempts that featured static shapes or sporadic changes, Kygo's AR lenses are intricately woven into his performances, adapting seamlessly to each track. The inaugural showcase took place before a crowd of 22,000 at London's Gunnersbury Park on August 12th, followed by a performance at Ushuaïa Ibiza. This innovative lens technology will also grace Kygo's October show at the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, featuring artists like Tiësto and Kungs. Crafted by the UK-based studio Plai, the AR lenses have brought Kygo's vision to life.

Snapchat's Head of Music Strategy, Manny Adler, praised Kygo's pioneering spirit, noting, "Kygo is a highly innovative artist who is always pushing the boundaries of how an audience can experience a live DJ set, so it was a no-brainer to bring Snap’s augmented reality to his shows this summer."

In essence, while the topic of smartphones at festivals garners mixed opinions, collaborations like Kygo and Snapchat's illuminate the potential of technology in enhancing live experiences. Striking a balance between technological advancement and respectful usage is key, ensuring that the fun of one does not impede the enjoyment of others.