d4vd tour

When it comes to touring, the hard work behind the scenes is as crucial as the performance itself. For singer-songwriter d4vd’s North American My House is Not a Home tour, Lee Duck of Duck Lights, Creative Director Raheem Powell, Lighting Director “JamesJamesJames” Castañeda and PRG’s Next Gen team stepped in to not only support, but also to elevate the experience, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing emerging talent and driving innovation in the industry.

A Rising Star’s Journey

D4vd, pronounced David, has gone from being an avid Fortnite gamer to writing hit songs and signing a label deal with Interscope in less than a year. He’s been making waves in the music industry with his distinctive sound that blends introspective lyrics with infectious melodies, blurring lines between genres. Gaining prominence with his breakout single "Romantic Homicide," d4vd has quickly become a name to watch, selling out his tour dates including multiple nights in a row at Hollywood’s Fonda Theatre. As noted in Billboard’s 21 Under 21 list, his unique style and engaging presence have resonated deeply with fans and critics alike. His success is a testament to his ability to merge raw emotion with genre-blending creativity, a quality that has made his live performances a hot ticket, complete with energetic backflips and dynamic stage presence.

A Collaborative Vision

PRG’s part in the journey began when Account Executive Grace Hutson, a key player in the company’s Next Gen initiative, was introduced to d4vd’s team through her colleague, James Castañeda. Tasked with creating a compact yet impactful lighting package, Grace collaborated with Lee Duck to design a system that balanced cost, weight and visual impact. “Working with a new artist often means navigating tight budgets and limited space,” Grace explains. “Our goal was to create a solution that fit perfectly within the constraints while delivering a high-quality show.”

Lee Duck, who played a pivotal role in the design process, emphasized the importance of aligning the technical aspects with the artistic vision. “The challenge was to ensure that the lighting design not only fit in the compact space but also enhanced the emotional journey of d4vd’s performance,” Lee notes. “We had to make sure that every fixture and every piece of equipment contributed to the storytelling, creating moments that resonated both visually and emotionally with the audience.”

The PRG Tinker Truss they employed was a game-changer. It allowed for pre-rigging the lights, simplifying the logistics of loading in and out. This innovation not only eased Castañeda’s job but also ensured a smooth execution at each venue, reflecting PRG’s dedication to practical solutions that support the touring crew.

Creative Synergy

Lee’s background in artist development has equipped him with a deep understanding of how to align technical elements with the artist's vision. His work often involves developing creative concepts that support and elevate an artist’s performance, ensuring that their live shows are as impactful as their studio recordings. “In this role, my focus was on creating a design that amplified d4vd’s unique sound and stage presence,” Lee explains. “The fixtures and gear we chose were integral in crafting an experience that was not only visually stunning but also emotionally resonant.”

Raheem Powell, who has a history of successful collaborations with d4vd, took on the challenge of translating the artist’s dynamic and emotionally charged music into a visually compelling show. Powell’s role as Creative Director involved crafting a narrative through lighting and visuals that matched the highs and lows of d4vd’s performance. “The essence of this tour was to blend solitude with energy, capturing the emotional depth of d4vd’s music,” Raheem shares.

With d4vd’s music often reflecting personal experiences and raw emotion, the creative direction required a nuanced approach. “We wanted to enhance the intimate moments and ramp up the energy during the high points,” Raheem explains. His approach involved synchronizing lighting and visuals with the music, creating a seamless connection between the artist and the audience.

Support and Mentorship

The tour’s success underscores PRG’s broader mission of fostering the next generation of industry professionals. From the initial design to the on-the-ground execution, the Next Gen team’s involvement exemplifies their commitment to making each show its very best.

Grace Hutson’s experience with the d4vd team reflects this ethos. “Every project is an opportunity to mentor and grow with emerging talent,” she notes. “The collaboration with James, Lee and Raheem was a testament to the power of shared knowledge and innovation.” As d4vd’s tour continues to captivate audiences across North America, PRG’s Next Gen team remains a vital force in driving the industry forward.

Creative Director: Raheem Powell
Lighting Designer: Lee Duck
Lighting Director: “JamesJamesJames” Castañeda
Management: Robert Morgenroth
PRG Account Executive: Grace Hutson