Revitalized Spin Nightclub: A New Era Under Brandon Garva and Brandon Colt
If you’ve experienced the nightlife in San Diego over the last decade, chances are you’ve danced at Spin Nightclub. Located just north of Downtown, this three-story venue has long been a hotspot for those looking to dance into the early hours, especially as one of the few clubs that can host after-hours events. With nearly two decades of history, Spin is now ushering in a new chapter under the leadership of industry veterans Brandon Garva and Brandon Colt.
To appreciate the impact of Spin Nightclub on the San Diego nightlife scene, it’s essential to look back at its history. In the early 1990s, the venue began as the West Coast Production Company (WCPC) before transitioning into Montage, a celebrated gay club that garnered national acclaim over its decade-long run.
Spin Nightclub officially opened its doors in 2007, quickly gaining popularity with promoters like Giant and hosting iconic acts, including Armin van Buuren. However, as original ownership transitioned to new ventures, a void was left that needed filling, leading to the involvement of Brandon Colt.
Brandon Colt brought over ten years of experience from the Gaslamp District to Spin. Having worked at venues like Olé Madrid, Belō, The Ivy Hotel, and the popular nightclub Voyeur, he was determined to improve the then-dilapidated space. “When I came to Spin, it was kind of run down at that point,” he recalled. “There wasn’t much love going into the place.”
Despite the club’s condition, Colt saw potential and proposed taking the reins alongside a group of passionate individuals eager to revive Spin. “I just knew I wanted to have a space for rad parties,” he expressed. “San Diego was becoming more eclectic, and there wasn’t much going on downtown.”
“When I came to Spin, it was a bit lawless, and there were all these crews doing rad stuff. It felt like the ’90s when I attended underground parties. There was so much unsanctioned creativity happening, and it felt really cool.”
Brandon Colt
A pivotal moment for Colt came when he attended a fundraiser hosted by a friend’s Burning Man camp. Inspired, he began reaching out to local crews and rallying passionate individuals to create a vibrant community at Spin. “Come-as-you-are” is the dress code, but Colt emphasizes a deeper ethos: “I’m happiest when I see people from all walks of life here. I’m glad to help steward this space.”
“Music brings us together as a community, and our goal has always been inclusivity—house music, techno, psytrance, drum and bass, and more. If you have heart and a crowd, come here and let’s make it happen.”
Brandon Colt
One of the first promoters Colt reached out to post-takeover was Brandon Garva. His brand, SD Union, has become San Diego’s longest-running drum and bass night. Garva and his partner, Tyler Rosier, dedicated 15 years to nurturing the genre’s presence in the city, which began with a serendipitous show at Spin after their original venue was unexpectedly shut down.
Garva recalls meeting Colt at a rooftop party featuring John B., which marked the beginning of their collaboration. “We came in a couple of weeks later to recap and discuss future shows,” Garva said. “Initially, we were concerned about moving SD Union to Spin due to its previous reputation.” However, those worries dissipated during discussions about their second show featuring Planet of the Drums, leading to a successful event.
“We packed the house; it was a fantastic show, and our fans loved it,” Garva said. This success paved the way for many more shows at Spin, fostering a close relationship between Garva and Colt.
“Garva and SD Union are just part of a diverse bouquet of promoters who have partnered with Spin to bring their visions to life,” Colt added.
“We’ve been collaborating for ten years. While we occasionally do shows elsewhere, Spin is our home; it always has been, and the transition into this next chapter has been seamless.”
Brandon Garva
The latest chapter of Spin began a few years after Colt took over as General Manager, as the previous owners’ visions conflicted with the community’s desires. “I wasn’t receiving the support necessary for the venue to thrive,” Colt shared. Despite significant success in 2019, the pandemic forced Spin to close for 15 months, and when it reopened, issues arose, leading to the loss of their after-hours license in 2023. The venue was put up for sale, causing concern within the community about its future.
“Upon learning of the sale, I initially hoped for a supportive new owner. However, I realized they could alter it drastically, and Spin could vanish,” Colt reflected. On a trip to the desert, his girlfriend encouraged him to pursue buying the venue, a mission he kept under wraps, except for informing Garva.
Garva, who has also worked in real estate for two decades, was seeking a shift in his career. “I was looking for a new path, and nothing was clicking, which I found odd given my strong resume,” he mentioned. The timing of the ownership change was fortuitous.
As regular shows resumed, Garva took charge of bookings and initiated an in-house series called Spin Presents. With upgrades to lighting and sound, the venue began to attract renewed interest from the local scene. By August 2024, the ownership transition was complete, and Garva and Colt officially took over.
“We’re beginning to see the results of our hard work, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. It’s a huge team effort; everyone’s passionate about making Spin the underground home in San Diego.”
Brandon Garva
Colt noted, “I grew fatigued running all departments on my own. Spin requires a team effort to thrive, and we’ve attracted amazing talent to this new era.” He highlighted contributors like Chris Regalado for sound revamps and Torrey, Christine, and Eduard for security enhancements. “Working with passionate people toward a shared vision is incredibly rewarding,” he added.
The future of Spin is being shaped by the introduction of two new in-house show series earlier this year. Spin Thursdays aims to showcase various electronic music genres weekly, while Spindustry is designed as an enhanced industry night every third Sunday. “These initiatives are about educating and showcasing different music styles,” Colt explained.
Looking ahead, Garva expressed aspirations for increased weekend events. “Previously, we only opened the main room, missing opportunities in the side room and rooftop. We aim to feature different genres throughout the venue for a complete experience.” He hinted at further upgrades, immersive elements, and late-night shows returning until 4 a.m.
“At Spin, you’ll find a safe space to dance, create memories, and experience something unique to San Diego. We’re not just reviving the past; we’re elevating it.”
Brandon Garva
“Garva and I are part of the community; we’re not just creating a venue for dance music enthusiasts; we are those enthusiasts,” Colt remarked, humorously suggesting a temporary closure for Burning Man to take the staff to the Playa.
With a renewed sense of optimism surrounding Spin’s future, it becomes clear that passionate individuals are essential for sustaining nightlife communities, and who better to guide that revival than those deeply embedded within it.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Spin Nightclub. Upcoming Spin Presents shows include Township Rebellion and Anthony Attalla on March 15, Hidden Empire on March 22, and Sam Wolfe and Dobé on March 28. Visit their official website for the full event calendar and follow their social media for the latest updates.
