UnderTow; a Fully Immersive, World-Class Cocktail Experience

The team at Barter & Shake are bringing UnderTow, an award-winning, exotic cocktail bar concept to a second location in Gilbert, AZ. This is the first expansion of the tiki-inspired cocktail bar that puts its patrons onboard a turn-of-the-century clipper ship, immersing them in their voyage through custom decor, lighting and Spatial audio.

The journey takes visitors under the hull of the ship where they can feel the subtle rocking back and forth as they travel across the seas, with the addition of overlaid music that one would expect from a Tiki themed experience. To make the experience truly immersive, Spatial soundscapes incorporated realistic sounds such as the gentle creaks and usual tunes fade away as a dangerous storm rolls in.

Custom AV Integrations Set Sail For a Sonic Journey

Spatial and AEVIO worked together with the visual designers at LINE LAB to develop a sequence triggered by Crestron which transforms the bar from its generally cheerful tone to a dark and menacing environment. Behind the portholes of the ship, the gentle ocean is replaced with big waves, rain and lightning. Under the hood, Crestron is sending a single output to Spatial to the lighting controller and video rendering machine which activates the sequence. In Spatial, a sound object controlling the whole storm sequence is linked to an input event so that Crestron is able to activate it via one OSC command over the local network. Similar sequences are programmed into the lighting and video machines.

Spatial’s flexibility allows this sequence to actually be one of many, and UnderTow has big plans to continue enriching their experience with elements like a crew singing shanties above deck and intense quarrels above the hull that would temporarily create a creepy ambience with dynamic visuals and terrifying sounds.

About UnderTow

UnderTow is an award-winning, exotic cocktail bar from the team at Barter & Shake Cocktail Entertainment. Opening in August 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona, UnderTow offers a tropical yet innovative cocktail experience. The environment whisks guests away on a worldly journey in the belly of a spice trader’s turn-of-the-century Clipper ship, which follows the adventures of our revered Captain John Mallory and Crew. UnderTow’s signature décor and special effects have been custom created by various commissioned artists. This fully immersive, world-class cocktail experience also features rare rums from around the world and offers a variety.