LEWIS CAPALDI AT THE EMAS 2022

In planning Lewis Capaldi’s show for the MTV Europe Music Awards 2022, TAWBOX approached FRAY Studio to help complete a stage show capturing the essence of the artwork for Capaldi’s latest album, Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent. Knowing the stage would be broadcasted from all angles, FRAY decided to add contrast and create dynamic transitions between the verse and chorus of Capaldi’s song. The team incorporated the artwork’s pastel colour gradients and soft, rippling water into a responsive layout and set elements. 

The FRAY team began by testing various pieces of software, ultimately deciding to use Notch for its balance of 2D and 3D parameters that added depth and power to their final look. FRAY created a water system combining a baked simulation from x-particles and Notch-generated, high-resolution fractals to add variation and detail. In the end, they decided to power the system solely with Notch. Still, as Notch Artist Norvydas Genys put it, merging the two systems seamlessly helped their team arrive at a unique look they would not have found otherwise.

Because FRAY used a UV camera within Notch, they could import a drawing of the stage complete with risers for Capaldi and the band and immediately get accurate reflections of the set on the generated water. With the pinks and purples of the sky glowing in harmony with the water, the final results were at once emotionally crushing and purifying.

Additional press coverage:

POPline, Daily Mail.