Node Flourish Livestream Series Kicks Off with a Purpose
Written by: Sterfrii
Node Flourish kicks off with its first iteration today! This livestreamed event takes place on Twitch (via Sh1elds channel) and is going to be a monthly series, with proceeds going to charity. For this initial launch, the stream will be assisting in raising funds for the Immigration Rapid Response Fund.
“The main focus has been creating a home for original audio and visual artists. A platform that goes beyond a tiny Instagram screen or a single minute-long clip at an event. Instead of centering solely on VJ-style visuals, the approach leans into digital media and video editing in a broadcast-like format. Think experimental Adult Swim,” the event’s organizer Chris Sh1elds told The Synapse. “Sets run around 30 minutes rather than a full hour, allowing artists to showcase their strongest work and keep the audience engaged, almost like a TV show. Having thrown and participated in hundreds of in-person events over the years, I’ve noticed the power of the personal element: starting a stream at home before a show, creating art, and finding inspiration in a dedicated space. The ultimate goal is to produce 12 streams annually at the last Sunday / weekend of the month, culminating at the end of the year in a live event space in the middle of the country – possibly Denver with a proper audio rig, projection mapping and a hand-selected lineup. This is about advancing the visual and audio community without hype or ego, giving to a good cause and giving artists a stage to perform at their highest potential. I first started doing visuals actually from setting up Yheti’s livestream over 5 years ago. I feel it's a one of a kind way to find talent and focus in-depth on what they are doing in high quality from the comfort of your own home.”
The uniting of artists from every medium seems to be an incredible impetus at giving people a genuine chance for connecting for a good cause. “With everything going on in the world… I’ve always seen all humans, regardless of skin color or background, as family. The most incredible people I’ve met and become friends with come from diverse cultures, and I believe this platform can help bridge those gaps,” Sh1elds continued. “As a white man, I feel it’s my duty to stand up for what I believe is right in a society that can often be so ignorant. This work means everything to me, and it’s the least I can do to help bring everyone together and donate to a good cause. Even if it's not much, I feel it's a big impact to get the ball rolling and do what I can.”
Whether it’s friends he’s met online, or at shows, Sh1elds is always digging through SoundCloud, Discord or Bandcamp for new music. With this series Node Flourish, he wanted to shine a light on the people that he believes are truly paving the way, in a sea of artists who often just copy what they think will get views or likes. “None of this would have been possible without the help of my girlfriend Uffelx and Antferny. They helped organize content, hand-select people to fill out spreadsheets, and turn an idea into something special. At its core, this has always been about pushing the art form. Ever since I started in 2007, and chasing that itch to take what you imagine in your mind and make it real, to push yourself as a human being and as an artist. I've learned a lot of the years if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. I have a good team around me...” and they seem to have outdone themselves on this first installment! Tune in this weekend and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the next Node Flourish at the end of each month over the next year! In 2026, we have something to perpetually look forward to.