When XS Nightclub rang in 2015 last week, it had more than just a new year to celebrate.
As the culmination of a two-year renovation effort, the venue at Wynn Las Vegas revealed $10 million worth of new lighting, sound effects and technology implemented in partnership with SJ Lighting.
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The significant additions include a large-scale flame, pyrotechnic and laser system, high-resolution LED video screen upgrades to a new 360-degree DJ booth structure, a comprehensive and seamless new lighting system for the dance floor and outdoor pool area, and a double kabuki drop in front of the booth featuring projection-mapped video content.
“Our vision was to go into this new era of EDM and have the best visuals,” says Jesse Waits, managing partner of XS and Tryst Nightclubs. “We made it so you can change the elements for each DJ, customize sets for each DJ and make atmosphere and mood changes.”
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The upgrades were constructed over a four-month period, during which the club built the new features without disrupting the venue’s normal operating schedule. Waits said Insomniac’s Pasquale Rotella had recommended SJ Lighting for the job.
“We knew we had to do it,” says Waits. “A little bit of it was pressure from the DJs. When you travel around the world and go to the likes of Ushuaia and Pacha in Ibiza, they have different technologies that we don’t have.”
Acknowledging that XS originally made its name on its scenic setting and atmosphere, Waits said the club had waited to see the setups of nightclub newcomers like Hakkasan and Drai’s before making its move.
“We wanted to be strategic, because we didn’t want to be the same as everyone else,” said Waits. “It’s such a competitive market that it’s required now to have that kind of technology.”