Meet Leah Barylsky, the Woman Behind the Camera – And On the Stage — During Rüfüs Du Sol’s Record-Breaking Tour

Rüfüs Du Sol’s Inhale/Exhale world tour, which has become the highest grossing electronic tour ever, owes part of its immersive live experience to an unexpected onstage presence: Leah Barylsky, the band’s motion director and camerawoman. Beyond the trio of Tyrone Lindqvist, James Hunt, and Jon George, Barylsky’s dynamic camera work has been integral in shaping the show’s unique visual narrative.

Spanning 98 headline shows plus numerous festival appearances over two years, the tour sold an impressive 1.7 million tickets and generated $158 million in revenue according to Billboard Boxscore. This success introduced IMAG (image magnification) technology to the band's performances, with massive LED screens displaying Barylsky’s live footage to tens of thousands of fans. This format elevated her role from behind-the-scenes videographer to an active onstage collaborator, capturing intimate moments during about half of each show’s set.

What distinguishes Barylsky’s approach is the fluidity and proximity of her camerawork. Rather than filming from a distance, she moves seamlessly across the stage, often just inches from band members’ faces and instruments. This requires exceptional physical endurance and coordination, blending athleticism with artistry. Her movements have been likened to a dance, emphasizing a live interpretation of the music that enhances the audience’s connection to the performance.

Barylsky’s journey with Rüfüs Du Sol began in Los Angeles, after relocating from Hawaii, where she initially developed her skills filming weddings and local concerts. A chance meeting with the band during their writing phase for the 2018 album Solace led to a friendship and eventually a collaboration on the music video for “No Place.” This partnership evolved into touring roles on both the Solace and 2021 Surrender tours, culminating in her expanded involvement on the Inhale/Exhale tour.

The introduction of IMAG screens in 2023 transformed Barylsky’s contributions. No longer just documenting performances for social media recaps, her live camera feed became a central visual element of the show. Her first major experience in this live broadcast role was during the band’s 2023 Osheaga set, where she filmed the song “Surrender.” Subsequently, her presence onstage increased, with rehearsals in Texas helping to choreograph her movements and develop a visual language tailored to each song she filmed.

Creative director Alex George, also known as Katzki and Jon George’s brother, highlighted Barylsky’s artistic instincts and collaborative synergy with the band. Their interplay onstage is not merely technical but improvisational, allowing for spontaneous discoveries that enrich the live experience. Despite the physical demands, Barylsky’s onstage mishaps have been rare and quickly overcome, reinforcing the raw, unedited nature of the live show.

One of the tour’s most challenging sequences involved a coordinated handoff of the camera between Barylsky and Katzki during the transition between songs “The Life,” “Until the Sun Needs To Rise,” and “Levitating.” This intricate passage required split-second timing and endurance, showcasing the high level of teamwork and trust that characterizes the visual production.

While performing, Barylsky often focuses inward, immersing herself in the music and band dynamics, only occasionally acknowledging the vast audience. One particularly poignant moment occurs during the performance of “Innerbloom,” when the crowd’s response creates an emotional crescendo shared between her and the band. These behind-the-scenes experiences provide a personal counterpoint to the spectacle unfolding on the LED screens.

Despite frequently appearing in front of tens of thousands, Barylsky describes the adjustment to fan recognition as an ongoing process. Her original intent was to remain behind the camera, yet her unique style and visible presence have made her a notable figure in the live production. Now that the tour has concluded, her focus shifts back to post-production editing and upcoming studio work with the band.

Beyond the public-facing elements, Barylsky values the quiet moments shared privately with Rüfüs Du Sol before each show. These brief interludes of camaraderie, whether filled with laughter or focused preparation, underscore the close-knit nature of the touring ensemble. Together, they transition from these intimate spaces into the electrifying environment of the live stage, a transformation that symbolizes both personal and professional fulfillment.

Leah Barylsky’s innovative integration of live cinematography into Rüfüs Du Sol’s performances has not only enhanced the visual identity of the Inhale/Exhale tour but also redefined the role of a camerawoman in large-scale electronic music productions. Her blend of artistry and athleticism offers audiences a fresh perspective on the concert experience, making her an indispensable part of the band’s historic journey.