Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Ellis.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I became a concert lighting designer when I decided to drop out of college and go back to my hometown, Oneonta NY. There, I began working with some childhood friends whose band was making a little noise in the region. For a few years, we would travel around the northeast hitting every college town we could trying to chase the rock n roll dream. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out and I made my way to New Haven, CT.
I would split my time touring with a band known as Psychedelic Breakfast, as well as being the house LD at a legendary rock club; Toad’s Place. I consider this my college years. I made no money, but the experiences and knowledge I accumulated prepared me in ways I wouldn’t realize until years later. Those were really tough times, but looking back it was also incredibly special. After almost 5 years in CT, I knew it was time to make a move though as I began to feel stagnant. I kept in close contact with those childhood friends, and one in particular, Phil Salvaggio during my time in CT. His journey brought him to Colorado, where a new and exciting music scene was still in its infancy. One artist in particular caught his attention.
In 2008, Pretty Lights was making a name for himself, and Phil suggested I move to Colorado in the hopes that we may work together. With nothing to lose, I threw all my belongings in a van and made the trek west to what all the fuss was about. Very quickly it became apparent to me that I made the right choice. I began working with Pretty Lights in the spring of 2009, and for the last 15 years, we have been a team pushing the boundaries of what a concert experience can be. Over the years, we’ve developed and executed dynamic LED video arrays, one of the most intricate and unique laser presentations, and course, massive lighting rigs.
Always trying to outdo ourselves in the process. In 2018, after years of exhaustive touring, it was time to put the Pretty Lights project on pause. During the break, I would go on to work with several different artists, most notably Steve Aoki, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and Banks. It was important to me to branch out and explore different styles of music and visual presentations while still trying to maintain my unique voice as an artist. All that exploration comes at a price, and I was beginning to feel burnt out. I’ll be the first to admit, that my life has been a series of perfectly timed events, and much like the opportunity to work with PL was the right time, and right place so was this next one. My first big Atlanta opportunity came in the form of Ravine, a short-lived burst of creativity that was only cut short due to the pandemic.
In a very short period, Ravine became known as one of the premier live music venues in the city. My role as designer and production manager was constantly challenging, and often fulfilling. The owner had great faith that I could execute a vision that would set his venue apart from anything ever seen in the city. Then of course, in 2020 everything halted, and Ravine unfortunately had to shut down. I am always of the mindset to make the best of any situation, and the pandemic was no exception. It was during this time that I picked up a paintbrush for the first time and embarked on an entirely new journey. I quickly learned that my artistic abilities could thrive outside of the concert production world.
Over the last few years, my abstract paintings have become a huge part of my creative output. They also kept me sane while the world around me tried to find its way back to normal. Fast forward to this year, and the art business is thriving thanks in part to my relationship with Cholochrome. They are one of the premier printing companies in the country and just happen to be in Atlanta. I suggest anyone looking to get high-end prints of any kind seek them out! And on the lighting side of things, I have the incredible opportunity to perform a headlining set at Bonnaroo Music Festival with my longtime collaborator Pretty Lights.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
How much time do we have?
I took the very long, very hard road to get where I am. Entirely self-taught in every way. Whether it be creative, business, or personal, the obstacles have been abundant! Working with live music is a world that demands more than most people have to offer.
The hours, the travel, and the creative pressure all combine to test a person in very intense ways, but if you can endure, it is such a magical existence. I firmly believe the pot of gold does not exist at the end of the rainbow, but rather on the other side of a brick wall that can only be passed through headfirst.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
First and foremost, I am known best for my work as a concert production designer. That encapsulates stage design, lighting, video, and laser programming and operation. My work as a laser designer and my expansive analog video system have garnered the most attention over the years. In more recent times, video art, as well as abstract painting have become a pivotal part of my creative output.
The biggest thing that sets me apart from most I think would be my ability to create in the moment. Improvisation is a major aspect of my artistic endeavors. There is a magic that exists when you allow yourself to be influenced by your environment and channel all the things that surround you.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am a habitual risk-taker! I’m always seeking new ways to expand my abilities to stand out, and that almost always requires risk-taking.
Whether it’s embracing new gear or techniques that haven’t been proven yet or venturing into unknown territories of creativity. Risks are almost a necessity for any creative when you get down to it. How else do you conjure new ideas without taking risks!?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thephoebuscartel.com/
- Instagram: @thelazershark
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelazershark
- Twitter: @thelazershark
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNC4coYsm3Q21kwz01PFLZQ
Image Credits
Taylor Wallace of Alive Coverage (@iwally), Live Shots: Brittany Teuber (@brizzzzzle), and Paintings: Greg Ellis
