COLORS debuted its new live series, TONES of NYC, with a stunning showcase at New York’s Knockdown Center on October 11. The showcase brought together a vibrant mix of music, art and community. Thousands gathered to experience COLORS alumni Mustafa, Moses Sumney, Bellah and chlothegod deliver performances that embodied the platform’s ethos of non-ordinary expression.
Since its inception in 2016, COLORS has become a global force in shaping artistic landscapes. It is known for its distinct aesthetic and curated shows that reach millions monthly. Some of its most popular performances include Oxlade’s “Ku Lo Sa,” Jorja Smith’s “Blue Lights” and Quavo and the late Takeoff’s “Hotel Lobby.” The new TONES OF series marks COLORS’ evolution from digital to physical spaces, connecting fans in cities around the world.
At the Knockdown Center, the energy was electric. The diverse crowd reflected New York’s melting pot and the artists matched that vibrancy with their sets. While COLORS are known for their solid-colored backdrops, the live iteration toyed with fabric-like backdrops that projected video onto them. This offered an engaging and sometimes psychedelic visual experience.
Moses Sumney’s genre-blending performance mesmerized, taking the audience through a journey of soul, jazz and art-pop. At one point, Sumney dived into the audience and belted a capella as fans were stunned into silence. Mustafa delivered a deeply emotive set, leaving the crowd in awe, with even Daniel Caesar in attendance, capturing every moment.
Bellah, making her U.S. debut, dazzled the audience with her blend of R&B and neo-pop, while chlothegod brought her genre-defying sound, merging neo-soul with alternative elements, captivating the Queens crowd.
The ‘TONES OF’ series, which combines live music with culture-focused talks and workshops, aims to create real-life connections in the world’s most vibrant cities. After New York, COLORS will head to Paris for the next ‘TONES OF’ installment on October 22.
With a monthly online reach of over 100 million, COLORS continues to expand its influence, bringing its belief in art as a universal language into real-world spaces. ‘TONES OF’ is just the beginning of this journey, with plans to take the series to cities across the globe, from Mexico City to Amsterdam and beyond.
