A legacy reinvented with light
ENTTEC teamed up with the iconic Prince Bandroom in St Kilda to elevate its live music experience with cutting-edge LED lighting. The goal? To create an immersive space where light and sound collide, amplifying every beat and electrifying the atmosphere.
| Client | Prince Bandroom |
| Type | Entertainment |
| Location | Melbourne, Australia |
| Products | OCTO, ELM (ENTTEC LED Mapper) and PXL 60 DOTS |
| Year | 2024 |
| Project Credits | Project thanks to Lotron Electrical and QLCplus |
| Photography | All event photos courtesy of Giulio Lavenuta |
Since the 1950s, the Prince Bandroom has been Melbourne’s heartbeat for live music. Nestled within the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel in St Kilda, this venue has witnessed it all—grunge, punk, rock, electronic, and everything in between. Legends like Nick Cave, Midnight Oil, Billie Eilish, and Glass Animals have graced its stage, leaving an indelible mark on Melbourne’s music scene.
But time never stands still. To keep pace with an evolving live music experience, the Prince Bandroom needed a fresh spark. And who better to bring it to life than ENTTEC and their long-time collaborators at Lotron Electrical?
The challenge was clear: revamp an iconic venue while preserving its raw energy and authenticity. Lloyd Gibbs and his team at Lotron Electrical, Melbourne’s experts in digital pixel strip lighting, were ready to take on this mission. With experience across permanent installations, live event operations, and bespoke animations, Lotron was uniquely equipped to bring the vision to life.
Having previously worked with ENTTEC on a range of projects, Lotron Electrical joined forces with creative partners Yestalgia and QLC+ to reimagine the Bandroom’s lighting. Their goal? To enhance live performances with a lighting system that would be as dynamic as the venue itself.
Solution
Lights.
Lit up with PXL 60 dots
Transforming the Prince Bandroom into a digital lighting masterpiece was no small feat. The challenge: blend the venue’s rich history with cutting-edge technology to create an unforgettable audience experience. The vision was bold: a dynamic, immersive visual display powered by 3,072 pixel 60 dots, carefully arranged across the ceiling for a synchronised, breathtaking light show.
The process began with detailed planning. Each inch of the venue was mapped and analyzed, ensuring every decision contributed to a seamless visual journey. The strategic placement of 3,072 Smart PXL 60 dot was essential, each dot positioned to maximise its impact. These dots, when paired with ENTTEC’s advanced technology, formed the foundation for a stunning visual experience.
To bring it all together, eight OCTO controllers were used, managing eight lanes of dots each, offering precision and control. With ENTTEC’s powerful technology and ELM (ENTTEC LED Mapper) software, the lighting was flawlessly synchronised in real-time, empowering the team to manage complex sequences and transitions effortlessly.
With only one month to complete the project, the team worked tirelessly. Every pixel was fastened with care, connections were double-checked, and the software was fine-tuned to perfection. As the grand opening approached, excitement grew.
The wait was over. On a buzzing Saturday night, music lovers, rock enthusiasts, and creatives flooded the venue, eager to experience the Prince Bandroom’s next chapter. The lighting system pulsated in perfect harmony with the music, adding an entirely new dimension to the live experience.
Even the venue’s unofficial mascot—the resident dog and self-appointed QC checker—gave his silent nod of approval.
With the Prince Bandroom now looking more alive than ever, this project stands as a testament to what happens when technology, creativity, and passion collide. One thing’s for sure: Melbourne’s music scene just got a whole lot brighter.
Check out more from Prince Bandroom on Instagram @princebandroom and follow Lotron Electrical at @lotron_electrical for more incredible lighting transformations!
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