Nightlife Tech

Words by Kaili Cochran

What does it mean to go out when the dance floor might be virtual, the music silent and your wristband reflects your mood in real time? Nightlife is constantly evolving and so are the ways we socialize and spend our time.

Earlier this year in Japan a new accessory started popping up in bars: a color-coded mood wristband. It’s designed for bars and casual events making it easier to “read the room” before starting a conversation. Green means you’re ready to chat. Yellow shows you’re not sure yet or cautious. Red is the universal not looking to chat.  

This simple idea can significantly shift how we interact in social settings. It’s like wearing a status update by providing up front who’s open to conversation and who isn’t. For many, especially those who deal with social anxiety, it can help take the edge off of guessing if someone is open to talking.

Tech has been merging with nightlife for the last few years. Beyond social signaling, LED wristbands have also been gaining popularity at events and concerts to create a feeling of unity among crowds. 

Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto Tour in 2012 was one of the first to incorporate LED wristbands. Each attendee received a wristband that lit up and synced with the music playing in real time. The bands changed color and pulsed with the beat adding to the overall experience, transforming the audience from viewers to being a part of the show.

Fast forward to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and the wristbands became even more advanced. They were programmed to create a large-scale visual effect when seen from above. This included a snake slithering through the crowd during her “Reputation” album and the rainbow flag during her song “You Need To Calm Down.”

Both of these experiences allowed the audience to feel more connected not just with the performers but with one another. It takes these experiences to the next step from just entertainment to immersion. 

Then there’s the rise of silent disco. Though it originated in the 1990s as a way to bypass noise ordinances, it continues to be a popular choice for nights out even now. Walking into a silent disco can feel surreal. People are dancing and singing in a room that’s otherwise quiet. The idea behind this is a crowd wears wireless headphones preset to a few different music channels. Instead of surrounding booming speakers, participants hear their own personal soundtrack. You can switch channels to match your mood and adjust your own volume. You can also take off your headphones to chat without needing to yell over the speakers.

It’s an experience tailored to the individual while still creating a shared atmosphere. Everyone can enjoy their favorite music genre but still feel connected to the crowd.

Modern nightlife is becoming more personalized and interactive where going out today is less about fitting in and more about creating your own experience.