SLANDER @ RAWHIDE
An Electrifying Night with SLANDER at Rawhide
Article & Content by: Anthony Cavale
@a_cavale
Attending SLANDER’s latest show at Rawhide Event Center in Chandler, Arizona, was an electrifying experience that lived up to every expectation. As someone who had heard about Rawhide for years but never had the chance to shoot there, this was a long-awaited moment.
With many EDM festivals moving to Phoenix Raceway, experiencing this legendary venue firsthand felt special. Located right next to the Wild Horse Pass Casino and Resort, Rawhide still manages to feel isolated and hidden, almost like stumbling upon one of those secret desert parties from high school. You drive through the darkness, guided only by the sound of bass thumping in the distance. Then, suddenly, you arrive, and it’s as if you’ve stepped into another world—a giant, open-air warehouse fused with a festival ramada, offering an exclusive EDM haven in the heart of the desert.
One of the first things that always stands out at these festivals is the community. There’s always an overwhelming sense of positivity and acceptance. You can walk up to anyone and strike up a conversation, and it will always be met with good vibes. In fact, I’ve never received more encouragement from strangers about my work in photography and videography than at festivals like this. The people here are genuinely passionate about music, art, and lifting each other up, which adds to the magic of the experience.
And then, of course, there’s SLANDER. The Los Angeles-based duo of Derek Andersen and Scott Land have solidified themselves as one of the most emotionally charged and high-energy acts in the EDM world. Known for their signature "heaven trap" sound, they seamlessly blend euphoric melodies with heavy bass drops, creating a dynamic range of emotions within a single set. Every time I see them, they bring something fresh to the table, and this night was no exception. The lighting setup was nothing short of breathtaking. Lasers shot across the sky, cutting through the thick clouds of smoke to create mesmerizing geometric patterns that seemed to dance to the beat of the music. Each drop was punctuated by a visual explosion, immersing the crowd in a sensory overload of sound and light.
For me, shows like this aren’t just about the music—it’s about the feeling. SLANDER has a way of making every performance feel personal, as if they’re connecting with each individual in the crowd. That’s what keeps me coming back. The energy, the visuals, the people—it all blends into an unforgettable experience.
My first time shooting at Rawhide, paired with a killer SLANDER set, made for one of the most memorable nights I’ve had in a long time. This venue, with its remote yet intimate vibe, perfectly complemented their emotionally driven sound. I already can’t wait for their return, and I’ll be counting down the days until I get to experience it all over again.
