UNDERWAR3 Hosts an Epic Three-Stage New Year’s Eve Festival Under the 110 Featuring Top Artists
It marked UNDERWAR3’s inaugural festival under a bridge on New Year’s Eve, and I suited up for a night of dancing in true Los Angeles style.
The underpass offered a snug ambiance amidst the bustling city. Nestled beneath the 110, it provided a serene escape from the urban cacophony, save for the booming bass resonating from within, illuminated by mesmerizing light displays.
Known for transforming ordinary spaces into unforgettable rave experiences, UNDERWAR3 previously staged a three-stage setup in a truck lot, utilizing the sides of trucks as makeshift stages.
However, the organizers felt this event had a unique essence. “Our aim for years was to create a genuine multi-stage festival while retaining the feel of an UNDERWAR3 rave,” they shared with EDM Identity. “This time, we finally managed to achieve that.”
Inspired by French and blog house titans like Ed Banger, Dim Mak, and Roulé, Underground Warehouse (or “Underware” for short) emerged four years ago. Their mission is straightforward: “to make people dance and have fun.”
“It’s as simple as that,” they explained. “We want people to enjoy themselves with friends in a safe space where they can express their style and dance freely.”
The stellar lineup, predominantly featuring female artists, perfectly aligned with this vision. Fun elements such as light-up wands, balloons, and inflatable floaties contributed to the lively atmosphere. To top it off, there was a surprise bounce house and foam jousting setup.
The Music and Fun Were Unmatched, Highlighted by a Surprise Foam Jousting Ring
UNDERWAR3’s mission to promote dancing and enjoyment was evident throughout the event. I found myself dashing between stages to catch every exhilarating moment.
We were treated to an unrelenting stream of infectious beats. XKYLAR showcased her collaboration with OMNOM, “By Myself,” while Fei-Fei premiered “Bend It” alongside girl_irl. The night also included some head-banging remixes of Nirvana.
A standout moment was the Bass ‘n Babes silent-disco takeover inside a U-Haul, which added a unique twist to the night, with the truck rocking to the bass drops.
The bounce house and foam jousting arena were additional highlights of the night, offering pure fun. My only regret was not taking a leap into the bounce house!
The festivities paused only for a dramatic countdown led by DEA MAGNA, who guided us through the final seconds before midnight. When the clock struck twelve, we erupted into celebrations filled with kisses, glitter, and vibrant fireworks.
Executing a Successful Festival Under a Bridge
The event came together in less than two months, with extensive planning for the venue. UNDERWAR3 collaborated with L’Affaire Musicale, NonVerbal LA, Wicked Paradise, and numerous local vendors, including Bug and Bear’s Cannoli, TheRealSlumGod, Telly Bowie, Panic 39, and tattoo artist Alana to showcase the best of LA’s craft small businesses.
“This was our largest event yet,” UNDERWAR3 shared. “We utilized every resource and piece of equipment we had. We got creative and turned our U-Haul into the third silent disco stage.” This isn’t the first instance of a U-Haul being part of the fun, as regular attendees might recognize.
Despite the stages being closely situated, sound bleed was surprisingly minimal. The presence of ten or more heat lamps around the dance area added a thoughtful touch, and the bar’s “express line” for pre-ordering drinks via a QR code was a stroke of genius.
Armed security personnel patrolled the venue, maintaining a professional demeanor while ensuring safety throughout the night. Their presence was reassuring — a detail often overlooked at underground events.
Future Plans for UNDERWAR3
With musicians leading the way, UNDERWAR3 remains committed to delivering a classic and consistent musical experience. The team is buzzing with excitement for upcoming projects in 2025.
“We find it really cool to incorporate both DJs and bands at raves, which isn’t seen often, particularly in late-night underground events. We aim to bring that to our next festival,” they expressed.
With their new venue successfully launched, the crew is eager for 2025, envisioning a regular UNDERWAR3 festival in LA and even extending their festival expertise to their San Diego series.
In a landscape dominated by formulaic lineups and commercial festivals, UNDERWAR3 has carved out a sustainable niche within the underground scene, with music at its core. As noted by some Instagram followers, UNDERWAR3 evokes the gritty, vibrant rave history of LA, reminiscent of a time when underpass raves were commonplace. One commenter reflected, “Haha welcome to the 90s kids, we’ve been raving down there for years.”
Older attendees expressed their appreciation for the nostalgic rave environments UNDERWAR3 has fostered, with one remarking, “Underground was back in ‘91, Doc, Mr. Kool-Aid, Gary Blitz, Tef… Glad to see it’s still going strong… at 55, still attending.”
In 2025, renegade raves will continue to challenge traditional nightclubs. As audiences increasingly embrace the dystopian allure of underground events, such gatherings are becoming more accepted and, dare I say, mainstream. The follower counts for underground parties are rising, while the secretive nature of raving is fading.
Perhaps the very essence of rave is evolving. Nevertheless, the fundamental rave ethos thrives at UNDERWAR3, nestled beneath the bridge.
