Windows 8 has launched with a splash, and HP celebrated the much anticipated debut of the new operating system last night by throwing a private party at Terminal 5 in New York City, highlighted by the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed hip-hop electronic group from Los Angeles: Far East Movement. The excitement was palpable as soon as guests entered the venue, with HP themed blue lighting effects splayed across the walls as digital lightshows danced across the ceiling to the beat of the DJ spinning tunes throughout the acoustically excellent Terminal 5. The first part of the evening included an Artist Talk event hosted by none other than the official celebrity Grammy music blogger himself, Arjan Writes, who held an engaging and in-depth interview with the amazing members of Far East Movement right on the performance stage, alongside their musical equipment. Guests attending the Artist Talk session were treated to their very own copy of Far East Movement's latest creation, their new album titled Dirty Bass, which is sure to be another chart-topping disc from the same group that brought us the unforgettable beats from Like a G6 from a couple years prior. The party then swung into full gear throughout the hall, which was decked out with the very latest touch-enabled Microsoft Windows 8 offerings from HP, in staying with the theme for the night "The Sound of Touch". A life-size HP Envy Touch notebook was the centerpiece of the event and drew countless fascinated guests to its movie-screen sized display to play a music trivia game with a fun and novel twist: the answers were to be selected by stepping on Paul Bunyan-sized keys on the laptop's square-foot filling keyboard. A digital photobooth nearby allowed everyone to mug with a facsimile of Far East Movement and their favorite urban-gear props, such as a classic boombox or rad gold chains. As the refreshments flowed and everyone got into the groove of the evening, the lights slowly dimmed and spectators were treated to another surprise: a circus act by aerial gymnastic performers. They ascended up their white cloth ladders up to nearly the ceiling of the event space, twisting and turning and tumbling with the greatest of ease, and at one point even playfully balancing a bantam-weight HP tablet in their hands. The main event soon followed, with Far East Movement taking to the stage, and performing the latest tracks from their album Dirty Bass, and of course, their awesome hit, Like a G6. It was an exciting evening for all the attendees including myself, and I want to personally thank Cherrytree Records and HP for my invite to this amazing event. Enjoy the accompanying slideshow for snapshots to relive the experience!
