Concert Review: DJ Shadow (Lincoln Theatre)

BY DREW DRAIN

DJ Shadow’s Endtroducing..... is often hailed as one of the most groundbreaking albums in electronic music history, and its influence on my musical tastes can’t be overstated. Released in 1996, it was a game-changer not just for its genre but for how music could be conceived and constructed. Built entirely from samples, it demonstrated the power of crate-digging and how disparate pieces of existing music could be recontextualized into something entirely new. For someone like me who appreciates layers, textures, and innovation in music, Endtroducing..... opened a world of possibilities in terms of how sound could be approached.

At a time when I was discovering more experimental and genre-blurring music, Endtroducing..... stood out as an album that didn’t fit easily into any one category. It wasn’t just hip-hop, though DJ Shadow was working within the framework of DJ culture. It wasn’t purely electronic either, even though it was largely created through turntables and samplers. What it embodied was a mood, a sense of narrative without words, and that spoke to me deeply. I realized that music didn’t need to be bound by traditional song structures or even a single style; it could be a collage of moods, emotions, and sonic textures.

Tracks like “Midnight in a Perfect World” and “Building Steam with a Grain of Salt” became cornerstones in my listening rotation, not just for their atmospheric qualities but for the way they made me appreciate the artistry of sampling. DJ Shadow didn’t just throw beats together; he meticulously crafted soundscapes that felt cinematic. This album made me realize how much thought and care could go into constructing a musical journey, and it reshaped how I approached listening to albums. It wasn’t just about standout tracks but how an entire album could flow as one continuous experience.

Endtroducing..... also had a huge impact on how I started exploring music more broadly. DJ Shadow’s deep love for rare records and his willingness to pull from different genres — funk, jazz, psych-rock, and even obscure spoken-word records — encouraged me to expand my own tastes. I began diving into older music, especially vinyl, with a more open mind, finding beauty in unexpected places. In this way, the album didn’t just influence my love for hip-hop or electronic music but opened doors to all kinds of genres. It emphasized the idea that music is a spectrum, and the lines between styles can blur in fascinating ways.

In terms of production, Endtroducing..... changed how I listen to music technically. DJ Shadow’s use of layering, distortion, and rhythm manipulation made me appreciate the art behind creating music that feels organic yet heavily processed. It’s that balance between human emotion and machine precision that I find fascinating and that I now seek in much of the music I love

Looking back, Endtroducing..... feels like a pivotal moment in shaping my identity as a listener. It encouraged me to seek out the unconventional, to dig deeper for meaning in music, and to appreciate the possibilities of sound. It’s more than just an album; it’s a blueprint for how I experience music today.

Thankfully, I was able to catch DJ Shadow with Jeru the Damaja and Latryx in 1997 on his tour supporting Endtroducing..... at a legendary venue, Bogarts, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Seeing DJ Shadow again after 27 years felt like coming full circle. Walking into the Lincoln Theater for his show brought back memories of that unforgettable night, but it also created a sense of anticipation to see how DJ Shadow and his show evolved over nearly three decades.

Lunice kicked off the evening with an explosive set that set the tone perfectly for what was to come. Known for his innovative blend of trap, electronic, and hip-hop, Lunice brought a raw energy to the stage. His beats were heavy, futuristic, and full of surprises, keeping the crowd on their toes. What stood out most about Lunice was his command of the room; he didn’t just play music, he performed it. Each drop and switch-up felt like a carefully calculated punch, and the audience responded with enthusiasm. His set was a masterclass in rhythm and intensity, and as he left the stage, there was a palpable sense of excitement for what DJ Shadow was about to bring.

When DJ Shadow finally took the stage, the atmosphere shifted to something almost otherworldly. Known for being a pioneer of sample-based music, DJ Shadow delivered a set that spanned his career while pushing the boundaries of live performance. Opening with some deep cuts, it was immediately clear that this wasn’t just going to be a run-through of his greatest hits — he was here to take the audience on a journey.

DJ Shadow’s live set was a true audiovisual experience. The visuals synced perfectly with his beats, creating a hypnotic atmosphere where the music and imagery seemed to blend into one. Tracks like “Organ Donor” and “Nobody Speak” hit with even more intensity live, their layers unraveling in real-time, revealing just how intricate DJ Shadow’s music truly is. His command of the turntables was nothing short of masterful; it felt like we were watching a conductor orchestrate a symphony of sound, each scratch and transition flawlessly executed.

The crowd was fully engaged, hanging on every beat and sample. DJ Shadow seamlessly moved between genres, pulling from his vast library of influences to create a set that felt fresh and timeless. He paid homage to his roots while also pushing forward, introducing new material that showed he’s still evolving as an artist. There were moments of pure nostalgia, particularly when he dropped tracks from Endtroducing....., but also moments that felt entirely new, like he was giving us a glimpse into the future of his sound.

By the end of the night, it was clear that both Lunice and DJ Shadow had left a lasting impression. Lunice’s explosive energy and forward-thinking beats paired perfectly with DJ Shadow’s more cerebral, atmospheric approach. Together, they created a perfect balance of raw energy and introspective mood, giving the Raleigh crowd a show they won’t soon forget.

For fans of electronic music, hip-hop, or just boundary-pushing art in general, this was a night that showcased two artists at the top of their game, each pushing the envelope in their own unique way. This show wasn’t just a nostalgic trip – it was a reaffirmation of why DJ Shadow remains such a pivotal figure in my musical journey.

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DREW DRAIN

Andrew (Drew) Drain is originally from Point Pleasant, WV, and he now resides in Chapel Hill, NC with his daughter. Drew works as a financial risk management professional to pay the bills, but his real passion is photography. He started taking photos of his daughter playing soccer as a way to resist the urge to coach her from the sidelines. Time behind the camera developed into a love for photography that he has paired with his love for sports and live music. Follow Drew’s Instagram, @Drew.Drain.Photo or his MaxPreps galleries, to check out more of his work or contact him if you need photos of your favorite athlete or performer.

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