How We Filmed a DJ Set on Top of Detroit’s Historic Guardian Building

The Vision: Uncommon DJ Sets in Uncommon Places

It all started with Loading…, a talented Detroit DJ looking to elevate his content. Instead of filming typical club sets, we wanted to push boundaries—taking the music to unexpected, visually striking Detroit locations.

During the pandemic, live music was something I deeply missed. With clubs and festivals shut down, I found myself watching countless DJ sets on YouTube filmed in unique, unconventional locations. They inspired me. If artists could transform unexpected spaces into stunning stages, why couldn’t we do the same in Detroit?

Detroit often carries an unfair reputation, but I see it differently. To me, this city is vibrant, creative, and full of beauty. I wanted to share that perspective with the world—to highlight Detroit in a way that challenges the usual narrative.

That vision led to our first DJ set on a boat cruising down the Detroit River. When a reel from that shoot went viral, hitting over a million views on Instagram, we knew we were onto something.

That success fueled our drive to keep going, leading us to even more unexpected locations—Riverside Skatepark, with the Ambassador Bridge towering in the background, the cozy charm of Catfé Lounge in Ferndale, the surreal underwater ambiance of Belle Isle Aquarium, and an ambitious dream to film a DJ set on a Detroit rooftop.

Each set was more than just a performance—it was a way to showcase Detroit’s energy, creativity, and undeniable magic.

But the real challenge? Filming on a rooftop in Detroit.

The Road to the Rooftop: Persistence Pays Off

The idea of a rooftop DJ set was something we chased for months. Our first lead was an apartment building featured in the classic TV show Martin—a Detroit staple. We toured the space, started planning, and then… the opportunity fell through. Flakey contacts, dead ends, and frustrating setbacks became the norm.

We found another potential rooftop near the Renaissance Center, but bad weather forced us to scrap it. At this point, we were feeling defeated. It seemed like every time we got close, something got in the way.

That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I posted on Instagram, asking if anyone had rooftop connections in Detroit.

And then, the unexpected happened.

The Guardian Building: A Long Shot That Paid Off

A talented drone pilot, Reel Aerials, responded:

💬 “I have a connect with the Guardian Building, maybe they’ll allow it?”

I laughed. No way. The Guardian Building is one of Detroit’s most historic skyscrapers—a 40-story Art Deco masterpiece. It’s not the kind of place that just lets DJs throw rooftop parties.

But we reached out anyway.

To my shock, they were interested.

I went into the first meeting nervous. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I didn’t want to blow it. I pitched our mission: showcasing Detroit in a positive, creative, and visually stunning way. They got it. They loved it. And just like that, we had permission.

We were about to film a DJ set on one of Detroit’s most iconic buildings.

The Shoot: Detroit Like You’ve Never Seen It

We pulled out all the stops to make this our best production yet.

Reel Aerials handled stunning drone shots that captured the scale and energy of the city.

FPV drone pilot Chubs took things to another level, weaving between Detroit’s skyline, soaring past the Guardian’s architecture, and creating footage that felt straight out of a blockbuster.

Loading… delivered an electrifying set, blending house music with Detroit’s skyline as the ultimate backdrop.

The energy was unreal. The footage? Next level.

Major Takeaway: Shoot Your Shot

If there’s one lesson from this journey, it’s this:

📌 Take the shot, even if it feels impossible.

I almost laughed off the Guardian Building suggestion. It seemed out of reach, but we went for it anyway—and it became one of the most incredible shoots of my career.

If you’re chasing a creative vision, keep pushing. Doors will close. Plans will fall through. But the moment you least expect? That’s when something legendary happens.

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🔥 Want to create high-energy, visually stunning content? Spicy Melon Studios specializes in bold, cinematic storytelling that makes an impact. Let’s make something unforgettable—reach out today!