A green light illuminates the end of a dark hallway. As the viewer nears the glowing entrance, they are immersed in a room that feels like another dimension. The temperature of the room feels cooler, and the keys of a piano fill the silence. The sweet and soft voice of Omar Apollo sings, “When you comin’ home/ Home is where you’re supposed to be/Turn around, it’s not too late, did I hurt you?”

On Oct. 6, Mexican-American, singer-songwriter Omar Apollo released his highly anticipated EP “Live For Me.” The tracks “Ice Slippin,” “Live for Me,” “Angel,” and “Pilot” reflect acceptance, neglect, and traumatic experiences through rich lyrics and instrumentals. Apollo lives in the moment. While this EP reconsiders his past, it emphasizes being present.

After the release of his EP, Apollo announced a “Live For Me” immersive listening experience at MoMA PS1 in collaboration with designer and artist Johanna Grawunder. The installation captures the making of each track and displays the front and back covers of the EP, which is a picture of Apollo naked, painted by Doron Langberg.

The listening experience was only open for two days, Oct. 26 and Oct. 27, and on the first night, Apollo hosted an intimate conversation with guests. Limited tickets sold out within two minutes after he posted about the discussion on Instagram. All profits from the event went directly to The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQIA+ youth. 

A select group of fans and VIP members entered MoMA PS1 with excitement, not knowing what to expect of the listening experience that awaited them upon entry.

The mesmerizing installation was organized in chronological order of the EP. The first single “Ice Slippin” relives Apollo’s memory of coming out to his family, a moment where he faced a lack of acceptance. He searches for belonging by singing “If I take back my words, would you return to me?” and “But I still believe/I can make you proud.” The room reflects this with an ominous green light that feels cold but somewhat hopeful.

Solemn blue lights glowed from the room designed for the track “Live For Me.” The room was dark but illuminated by shades of blue that peaked from underneath a couch, which listeners could lay on. Upon laying on the couch, visitors were able to stare up at a ceiling that showed their reflection. It served as a reminder that the installation was not just about Apollo’s acceptance of belonging but also the viewer’s. Being able to stare into your reflection, while listening to his angelic vocals sing, “Won’t you live for me?/Or could I live for you?” inspired feelings of self-love and compassion.

The room dedicated to the track “Angel” contained three giant bean bags that allowed listeners to sit and even share among themselves. They stared up at a mixture of green and yellow lights, while a bass and synth emphasized an auto-tuned robotic voice singing, “Too young to grow wings/too young to be an angel.” The room for the track “Pilot” was curated for listeners to stand against the walls while dark blue and light orange colors clashed against one another throughout the interior of the room.

After traveling through the four rooms, participants were greeted with hues of pinks, purples, and reds. The name “Omar Apollo” radiated on a wall in front of an open bar. The conversation between Apollo, Grawunder, and Langberg took place directly next to his name. 

Apollo traveled amongst the crowd throughout the evening, taking pictures and conversing with attendees. He spoke to the audience about the inspiration behind the EP paintings by Langberg. He mentioned a photograph by Peter Hujar that depicted a man masturbating — the image inspired the idea for Apollo to be painted naked on the front and back covers. 

“I was nervous about it [the EP paintings]. I’m a confident guy, don’t get me wrong, but I was nervous about it,” Apollo said laughing.

Langberg depicts queer sensuality and sexuality through Apollo’s portrait, which consists of oil on linen. Colorful strokes surrounding the portrait of the musician holding his bare chest enfold the emotions Apollo has had to grapple with in the EP.

For someone like Apollo who’s in his early 20s, figuring yourself out is not easy — especially when you want to feel accepted. For those whose homes don’t feel like home, Apollo reminds his listeners that the only person we can rely on is ourselves. “Live For Me” consists of four well-crafted, meaningful tracks that symbolize the importance of appreciating where you are in life right now.

Participants got to live in this moment between dreamy glowing rooms designed for reflection in the “Live For Me” immersive listening experience.