Following the viral underwater shark performance that established him as electronic music’s most fearless creative, Sonar Sessions 001, California-based artist proppaganda (Bry Stevens) is once again defying gravity and expectations. The self-described “Dance Music’s Daredevil” returns with Aerial Sessions 001, a breathtaking hot air balloon performance filmed 11,200 feet above Brazil that transforms the sky itself into his stage.
WATCH: AERIAL SESSIONS 001 – LIVE FROM 10,000 FEET
Shot at the end of October with professional stunt coordinators and extreme sports experts, including Brazilian travel and lifestyle influencers Mai Fontanella & Monica Izaic, the project represents a decade-long evolution in proppaganda’s artistic vision; from conceptualizing seemingly impossible scenarios to assembling the teams necessary to execute performances that push the boundaries of what’s possible in live DJ performance. Each Sonar Sessions episode functions as a mini-film production designed to create viral moments while delivering his “highly detailed and inventive” electronic productions.
The Brazil shoot brought an unexpected dimension to the project when proppaganda connected with Paola, a local high school student and up-and-coming skateboarder from the filming location. Recognizing her talent and determination, he integrated a charitable component directly into the stunt: a QR code attached to the balloon basket that raises funds for Paola’s college education and skateboarding career, proving that even at extreme altitude, proppaganda’s vision remains grounded in supporting and nurturing emerging talent.
STREAM: PROPPAGANDA – “TAKEOFF”
Alongside the visual release, proppaganda shares the first single, “Takeoff,” from his forthcoming debut extended project: an official mixtape featuring new music and unreleased IDs from both Sonar Sessions episodes. Out in February, the collection will showcase his commitment to sonic detail and cinematic storytelling, with tracks like “AERIAL” evoking “a cyberpunk-like feel driving through the city” and debut single “ALL TALK” establishing his signature approach of matching audacious visual concepts with equally inventive production.
As proppaganda continues to blur the line between reality and artistic illusion, operating as the creative architect who orchestrates elaborate productions that make audiences question “Is this all real?”, one thing becomes clear: the sky is no longer the limit. With two Sonar Sessions now completed and a growing roster of impossible performances under his belt, the only question remaining is: where will Dance Music’s Daredevil dare to go next?