Empire Music Festival (EMF) has firmly established itself as one of Central America’s leading festivals, seamlessly blending the vibrant energy of Latin music with the pulsating rhythms of electronic beats. Paying homage to its rich Mayan heritage, EMF stands as a beacon of cultural pride and musical fusion. For this year’s edition, the EMF team brought in the Grand Finale elite team to weave their magic into the festival’s closing moment: el Gran Final.
A Stage Inspired by the Sacred Ceiba Tree
At the heart of this year’s Luna Stage design was the sacred Ceiba tree, a powerful symbol in Mayan mythology that represents the connection between heaven and earth. 360 Show Design translated this creative vision into a breathtaking stage concept, incorporating intricate Mayan cosmological symbols into its architecture. The design not only honored the festival’s cultural roots but also set the perfect stage for the mesmerizing performances that unfolded.
Crafting the Perfect Musical Journey
The Gran Final show was an opportunity to create something deeply resonant for the audience, blending the worlds of electronic and Latin music. Bart Revier shared:
"It was such a joy working on this project in the studio. The music was vastly different from what we typically create, and while blending the genres in a limited timeframe was challenging, it was rewarding to craft something unique with the EMF team."
"It was such a joy working on this project in the studio. The music was vastly different from what we typically create, and while blending the genres in a limited timeframe was challenging, it was rewarding to craft something unique with the EMF team."
The show opened with a cinematic intro, where a Ceiba tree unfolded, setting a powerful tone. It then transitioned into a dynamic mash-up of Hugel's "Aguila Del Monte" and Martin Garrix & Zedd's "Follow". Tracks like "Oye Mi Canto"and Alex Serra's "Luna" provided balance and emotional resonance, while high-energy moments with Timmy Trumpet and Morten ensured the set was a true rollercoaster of emotions. Collaborating with EMF founder Enrique Ponce and artist manager Fernando Nufio brought fresh ideas and authenticity to the process.
Visuals That Amplify Emotion
Together with Miami-based Pixelmaker, Luis Barrera and Julietta Quezada, we crafted a visual journey that elevated the music. Each segment of the show had a distinct scene, starting with the Ceiba tree’s blossoming to welcome the audience into the Garden of Freedom. A striking cyan-colored eagle soared during Cumbiafrica’s "Aguila Del Monte", while moments like the mythological god Kukulcan crawling through the Ceiba tree and the breathtaking Luna Llena scene during Alex Serra’s "Luna" created unforgettable visual storytelling. These visuals seamlessly amplified the emotional depth of the music, immersing the audience in a shared experience.
Precision Programming: Lights, Pyro, and Effects
In our pre-visualization studio, every element of the show was meticulously programmed to achieve perfect synchronicity. Pascal Parent dedicated three full days of time-code programming in Depence 3 to align lights with the musical beats. Collaborating with Lucas Gerritzen from Pyrofoor and José from FES Fireworks in Finale 3D brought the pyrotechnics to life. Mark’s creative direction, combined with Lucas’ expertise and José’s passion, elevated the show to a new standard of excellence for the region.
A Multicultural Team Effort
Creating a show of this magnitude requires aligning diverse production processes and bringing together exceptional talent from across the globe. The Gran Final at EMF was a testament to what is possible when every team member puts their best work on the table. It was a true international, multicultural collaboration that delivered an unforgettable experience for the audience. Moments like these remind us of the magic we can create when passion, talent, and creativity converge.
Tracklist El Gran Final - EMF 2024:
01. Grand Finale - Jardin de la Libertad
02. Hugel ft. Cumbiafrica - Aguila Del Monte
03. Martin Garrix & Zedd - Follow
04. N.O.R.E., Daddy Yankee & Nina Sky - Oye Mi Canto
05. Timmy Trumpet, Moonshine & Marnik - Mas Que Nada
06. Morten - No Good
07. The Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up (Noisia Remix)
08. Alex Serra - Luna (Grand Finale Closing Mix)
If you’re inspired by the magic we created for Empire Music Festival and want to bring this level of creativity and emotion to your festival, let’s make it happen together. At Grand Finale, we specialize in crafting unforgettable moments that resonate deeply with your audience. Reach out to us, and let’s start creating magic for your next show!
Thank you!
