RECAP: KAYTRANADA KICKS OFF "TIMELESS" TOUR IN VANCOUVER

On a night where Vancouver seemed to be hosting half of the city’s events, Kaytranada’s much-anticipated “Timeless” tour launch at Deer Lake Park on September 14th, 2024, stood out. Four concerts and a comedy festival unfolded across the Greater Vancouver area, but for those lucky enough to secure tickets, the Haitian-Canadian artist’s show was the place to be. Despite relentless rain soaking the city throughout the day, fate smiled upon concertgoers as the skies cleared just an hour before the show began.

Photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada

Opening the evening at 6:30 PM was Lou Phelps, Kaytranada’s brother and frequent collaborator. As the first act, Lou set the mood with his infectious beats, though the crowd’s energy was still warming up after battling the weather earlier. Unfortunately, we don’t have visuals from his performance, but his connection to the main act certainly added a sense of family to the evening.

Channel Tres took the stage at 7:30 PM, ramping up the momentum as if the rain had never dampened the day. Known for his irresistible blend of house, G-funk, and hip-hop, Channel Tres brought a polished energy that swept through the crowd. His fluid movements and cool confidence perfectly complemented his deep baritone vocals, creating an atmosphere of controlled chaos, especially when he broke into his hits like “Topdown” and “Controller.”

Then, at precisely 8:45 PM, Kaytranada emerged, the crowd exploding in cheers. With this being the first night of his North American tour—and in his home country, no less—the excitement in the air was undeniable. As the first beats of "Pressure" dropped, it was clear this wasn’t going to be just another show. Kaytranada’s gift for mixing genres and rhythms in ways that feel both familiar and futuristic was on full display, turning the soggy grass beneath the crowd’s feet into a pulsating dance floor.

The night flowed effortlessly through a range of his greatest hits and remixes. Songs like "At All" and "Snap My Finger" had fans moving, while the soulful "Vivid Dreams" took them into a trance-like state. Kaytranada’s version of Kelela’s "Waitin’" brought a wave of nostalgia, yet felt fresh within the live setting, reminding everyone of his genius for reinventing tracks. Even his transitions between covers—like GoldLink’s “Meditation” and Rihanna’s “Kiss It Better”—were seamless, keeping the crowd locked in for every drop and build.

The highlights weren’t just limited to the music. Between tracks, Kaytranada frequently interacted with the audience, even stopping to sign an album mid-set—a rare and personal touch in such a large outdoor venue. His genuine excitement to be kicking off this tour in Canada was apparent, and his playful banter with the crowd made the performance feel intimate, despite the thousands in attendance.

The night’s most electrifying moment came when Lou Phelps joined Kaytranada on stage. The brotherly bond was undeniable as they danced and exchanged words. Lou's shout of “Vancouver, make some mutha f*cking noise for my man Kaytranadaaaaa!” had the audience erupting, reinforcing the sense of celebration as the duo launched into a throwback segment, proving they knew how to take the party back to its roots.

Kaytranada’s ability to blend R&B, house, and hip-hop into a coherent, innovative sound has always set him apart. On this night, his set not only showcased his recent album TIMELESS, but also celebrated his evolution over the past decade. Whether it was spinning crowd favorites like “10%” or dropping a surprise remix of The Weeknd’s “Out of Time,” every track felt meticulously crafted, yet effortless in its delivery. Even after the final notes of "Dance Dance Dance Dance" rang out, the crowd lingered, as if not quite ready to let the night go.

As Kaytranada continues his tour with stops in Chicago, Toronto, and his hometown of Montreal, one question remains: How will he continue to push the boundaries of sound, and what surprises lie in wait for the rest of the world?

The night may have started under a veil of rain, but by the time Kaytranada left the stage, Deer Lake Park had transformed into a world all its own—one where the groove reigns supreme and time, much like his music, feels infinite.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Sep 20th – Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

Sep 26th – Detroit, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill

Sep 27th – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage

Sep 28th – Montreal, QC @ Parc Jean Drapeau

Oct 1st – Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion

Oct 2nd – Philadelphia, PA @ TD Pavilion at The Mann

Oct 4th – New York, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium

Oct 6th – Columbia, MD @ Merriweather Post Pavilion

Oct 16th – Austin, TX @ Moody Amphitheater

Oct 17th – Dallas, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Oct 18th – 19th – Miami, FL @ III Points Festival