Neo Bounce: A Fresh European Sound Revolutionizing the Los Angeles Rave Scene
The rave culture is currently experiencing an extraordinary resurgence, blending modern trends with nostalgic influences from the ’90s. This revival is evident across various facets, including fashion, talent, and the crowd, as the global rave community embraces a new wave of energy and creativity post-pandemic.
One of the standout projects emerging from this evolution is Neo Bounce, an underground event brand based in Los Angeles that is steering the West Coast towards this exciting sonic transformation.
Originating from Europe, Neo Bounce introduces an innovative sound that combines bouncy trance, hard dance, and happy hardcore, heavily inspired by ’90s and early 2000s electronic music. Gen Z has left its mark on the genre by infusing classic “glory days” sounds with samples from popular radio hits, showcasing the versatility of transforming nearly any pop or hip-hop track into an irresistibly catchy bounce edit. This genre embodies a spirit of creativity, exemplifying the ethos that “if you can dream it, they can edit it.”
I think what’s happening right now with this genre finally starting to bubble up in the US is really special, and it’s an honor to play a role in that shift, especially in a city like LA where there’s already such a strong underground scene. We’re just pushing it in a different direction, and watching people embrace it so quickly has been everything I could’ve hoped for.
Neo Bounce Founder Andrew Huerte
Introducing Neo Bounce: A New Sound and Vibe
Neo Bounce aims to infuse the Los Angeles underground scene with this vibrant new European sound. As the local scene evolves, there’s a growing desire among ravers and event organizers to explore fresh beats. Founder Andrew Huerte seized this opportunity to diversify the musical landscape.
Andrew’s passion for the bouncy Eurobeat is palpable; his enthusiasm radiates even through brief communications. I had the chance to experience this firsthand at the Saturday, March 8 Neo Bounce event featuring the special guest CHROMEBODIES.
Throughout the night, Andrew was a constant presence on the dancefloor, embodying the spirit of the event and encouraging attendees to join in the fun. His infectious energy attracts the vibrant crowd of the city, and the atmosphere at Neo Bounce is nothing short of electric. If “your vibe attracts your tribe” holds any truth, Andrew and Neo Bounce exemplify this perfectly.
My goal has always been to create a party that feels fun, lighthearted, and high energy. So much of the underground scene here has a darker, grittier vibe, and while that’s great in its own right, I wanted Neo Bounce to feel like a high-energy, fun, and welcoming space where people just dance their hearts out and live in the moment.
Andrew Huerte
Andrew, often referred to as Techno Dad, raises an important observation. The rapid rise of darker and faster techno trends in Los Angeles has created a demand for a shift in vibe. As the underground scene becomes saturated with aggressive aesthetics, the need for a lighter, more joyous atmosphere arises.
Neo Bounce serves as a beacon of positivity, offering a cheerful soundscape that harkens back to the vibrant kandi kid movement. The event features playful elements like confetti cannons and inflatable attractions reminiscent of Elrow parties, alongside whimsical items like teddy bears and colorful accessories that enhance the festive ambiance.
The response has been incredible. I’ve gotten so many shoulder taps at our events and even at other parties from people telling me how much they love what we’re doing and how excited they are to see Neo Bounce grow. On top of that, the amount of DMs we’ve received from attendees expressing their love for the event, thanking us for bringing this sound to LA, and begging us to keep throwing these parties has honestly been overwhelming in the best way.
Andrew Huerte
Neo Bounce has undeniably injected a refreshing twist into an underground scene typically characterized by leather, PVC, and chains. This Eurobounce initiative appears to be just what the rave community didn’t know it needed.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Neo Bounce
The enthusiastic response to Neo Bounce and its signature sound, characterized by over 150 bpm and European influences, has fueled Andrew’s ambition to expand further. He is eager to continue developing the brand and aims to introduce major European artists to the Los Angeles rave scene.
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Europe and experience some of my favorite artists live, and a few that really stood out to me were Part Time Killer, Malugi, Narciss, Heggeman, Paracek, Adrian Mills, Trancemaster Krause, Marlon Hoffstadt, and Funk Tribu. Their energy and sound align perfectly with the vibe we’re building at Neo Bounce, so bringing any of them out would be a dream come true.
Andrew Huerte
Regardless of what lies ahead, Andrew’s discerning taste ensures that every Neo Bounce event promises an unforgettable experience filled with outstanding music.
Neo Bounce plans to host monthly gatherings featuring both local talents and internationally acclaimed artists from the genre. Regular performers like Morelia and Pixie Dust, both local stars in their own right, will continue to grace the lineup, guaranteeing an abundance of quality music.
The Los Angeles underground scene is ripe for a vibe shift, and Neo Bounce is proudly leading this inflatable revolution. This is an event you won’t want to hear about after it’s over. Stay tuned for updates on Neo Bounce to ensure you don’t miss out on future events and announcements.
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