Podcast
Almost Familiar
Hosted by Elizabeth Dreeson, Wes Johnson · EN
Is Pretty Lights the Phish of EDM? Is it possible to love Dubstep and Bluegrass? Have you ever called someone a wook or been called a wook yourself? Elizabeth Dreeson and Wes Johnson discuss the evolving landscape of what they call "neo-hippie music festival culture." Wes and Elizabeth have witnessed firsthand this emergent subculture's evolution over the last decade and are interested in looking at the past to make better sense of the present.
The music speaks for itself. Wes and Elizabeth are interested in talking to the characters behind the scenes who are responsible for building the community we know and love. Almost Familiar is a podcast by the people and for the people, because it's about the people.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The 3420 Episode
Feb 12, 202501:09:21Tap to summarizeGet familiar with 3420, a talented three-piece ensemble that has spent the last six years developing a sound and a continuously-evolving and expanding live show that manages to stand out for all of the right reasons in the hyper-competitive Denver music scene. We catch up with Josh, Martin & Stryker just a week before tomorrow’s show at The Ogden Theater in Denver opening up for the OG Michal Menert alongside Poldoore & MIDIcinal. We chat about their chance meeting at Sonic Bloom, the growing pains of touring as an up-and-coming artist, and the joys of landing gigs alongside pioneers of the music scene at major festivals like Resonate in Suwanee.
Transcribe →Vector Checkpoint 5.0: Tahoe
Oct 22, 202401:13:08Tap to summarizeWay up high in Sierra Nevada, Pretty Lights channeled the unique flavor of California Soul and expressed the spectrum of the human experience over two mystifying nights of music near the shores of South Lake Tahoe. The project has exceeded its potential-with an onslaught of deep cuts that hadn’t seen the light of day in 10+ years, nostalgic covers tastefully swirled with modern electronica, and a touching tribute to Mac Miller and CharlestheFirst on the anniversary of Mac's passing in the place that inspired Charles' signature/timeless sound. As the band heads into another sure-to-be-iconic weekend full of surprises in Las Vegas, we revisit what it was about Tahoe that has us utterly transfixed six weeks later.
Transcribe →The 5AM Trio Episode
Oct 17, 202401:04:34Tap to summarizeGet familiar with the 5am Trio, composed of Sam Andrus (5am), Aaron Harel (ZONE DRUMS) & Keith W (½ of Wax Future). They are incredibly talented musicians on their own, but together form a group that have occupied a distinct place within the scene, bridging the gap between high fidelity sound design and live instrumentation/improvisation. We caught up with them ahead of their second 5amily and Friends event in Denver back in the Summer from within the Meow Wolf Green Room. Since then, they’ve had festival appearances, a recently-announced single, “Technology”, and announced their third 5amily and Friends event in NYC along with a debut performance at Red Rocks alongside Boogie T on March 29th, 2025!
Transcribe →Vector Checkpoint 4.0: Bethel
Sep 25, 202401:02:43Tap to summarize55 years after the culturally-significant Woodstock Music & Art Fair of 1969, the Check Your Vector Tour brought Pretty Lights and company for a two-day celebration on the idyllic grounds nestled in Upstate New York. Bethel’s historical context and sense of place offered a unique lens to interpret these powerful sets that highlighted the band’s evolving ability to swirl tracks ranging from classic Americana to obscure Electronica in a way that is quintessentially Pretty Lights.
Transcribe →Vector Checkpoint 3.0: Red Rocks
Aug 20, 202401:32:26Tap to summarizeRed Rocks is an iconic venue to see music in, and it is especially meaningful for the evolution of the Pretty Lights project and its impact on Colorado’s electronic music scene. 2024 was no exception, as the band and crew continued to elevate the Pretty Lights experience to New Heights once again.The PL team pulled out all the stops for their massively triumphant return to the venue, six years in the making. The two-night run was highlighted by memorable bust-outs and iconic sit-ins that showcased the music’s range: a string quartet’s classical interpretations of contemporary tracks, Dominic Lalli’s signature jazz flair added to fan favorites, and a monumental, unprecedented cameo from a contemporary of equally significant influence on the road to retirement, Dave Tipper.On the heels of this memorable weekend, the Check Your Vector tour heads to the hallowed grounds of Bethel, NY, home of the legendary Woodstock Music and Art Fair of 1969 for what is shaping up to be the destination event of the tour. We’ll see you at Swirlstock
Transcribe →Vector Checkpoint 2.0: Bonnaroo & Electric Forest
Jul 30, 202400:50:24Tap to summarizeAs we approach a weekend 6 years in the making, we revisit when the Pretty Lights crew returned to headline both Bonnaroo and Electric Forest last month after more than a decade since their last appearances that solidified their presence/reputation in the scene. It’s hard not to feel engrossed in nostalgia seeing PL back headlining renowned gateway festivals, exposing a new generation to their spell-binding live production with a repertoire that balanced reinterpretations of classics as well as what sounded like studio-ready tracks in a rare and iconic sunrise DJ set, presumably on an album that’s coming, soon(?).
Transcribe →Vector Checkpoint 1.0: Hampton 2024
Jun 18, 202401:10:04Tap to summarizeTranscribe →The Hampton Retrospective Episode
May 30, 202401:00:42Tap to summarizeHampton, we have lift off. This weekend Pretty Lights returns to the iconic Hampton Coliseum for the first time in nearly a decade to kick off the Check Your Vector tour. Wes and Elizabeth reflect on the last time the Pretty Lights project was in the building as we look forward to the start of a new tour!
Transcribe →The TF Marz Episode
Feb 2, 202401:18:17Tap to summarizeGet familiar with TF Marz, Co-founder and Creative Director of all:Lo music collective, whose Colorado and Pacific Northwest roots heavily influence his refreshing and distinct take on electronic music that is healthily infused with hip hop and RnB sensibilities. We dive into the music scene in the PNW, including his iconic sunrise set at the renowned Grove Stage at Shambhala Music Festival, the current state of the electronic music scene, the continuous evolution of all:Lo, and the future of TF Marz Follow TF Marz: @tfmarz Follow Almost Familiar: Instagram: @almostfamiliarpodFacebook: Almost FamiliarEmail us: almostfamiliarpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →The Greg "Lazershark" Ellis Episode 2.0
Jan 18, 202401:46:39Tap to summarizeGet familiar once again with Greg “The Lazershark” Ellis, a highly revered, industry-respected, ruthlessly sarcastic lighting designer who has been responsible for nearly 15 years of breathtaking and dazzling visual displays as innovative as the music it backs. Best known for his work with Pretty Lights, Greg is no stranger to the spotlight, having worked with global names like Banks, 30 Seconds to Mars, Mr. Beast, and even a few major music award shows to boot. Through and through, Greg Ellis remains an artist. Having added a new medium into his arsenal, we talk about his artistic journey and how his works influence one another.
Transcribe →