Trauma Fest Returns as Underground L.A. Rave Scene Reignites

Los Angeles has lengthy been generally known as a hub for underground music, and one collective has been on the coronary heart of the town’s rave tradition for the reason that flip of the millennium.

Based in 1999 by a bunch of mates who had been deeply immersed within the scene, Trauma rapidly turned synonymous with the darker sounds of the digital music zeitgeist. And after an prolonged hiatus, they’re now making a comeback.

This weekend will see the return of Trauma Fest, which is able to merge the most effective in techno, hardcore, acid, jungle and extra for “two days of pure rave power” in downtown L.A. In truth, its organizers have even cautioned: “WARNING… This occasion is just for the headstrong!”

View the original article to see embedded media.

Kari Lambou, Trauma Fest’s founder, operations supervisor and expertise curator, tells us the occasion’s proprietors had been initially impressed by the huge gabber events happening within the Netherlands. Motivated by their love of the music and need to develop their very own distinctive exhibits, she says they threw their first get together, an unforgettable “mini large” with three levels taking part in out hardcore, hip-hop, jungle and old-school techno.

This groundbreaking occasion happened on a ranch in Santa Clarita, lasting from nightfall until daybreak. And it marked the start of one thing extraordinary.

The identify Trauma was chosen to explain the impression of the aggressive and loud music on their ears, based on Lambou. Over time, the Trauma model turned synonymous with unforgettable raving experiences as they continued to curate occasions that examined boundaries within the Metropolis of Angels.

View the original article to see embedded media.

Nevertheless, as life went on laissez-faire, Trauma Fest’s group needed to take a step again when a variety of its founding members began households and shifted focus. However the spirit of Trauma by no means actually pale.

They briefly revived the model in 2015 earlier than internet hosting a North American tour the next 12 months, however the renaissance was short-lived. Compounded with the impression of the COVID-19 pandemic, private tragedies just like the deaths of members of the family precipitated immense challenges.

Regardless of these trials, Trauma persevered and continued to domesticate concepts behind the scenes. Over the previous 12 months, their imaginative and prescient started to materialize, setting the stage for the return of Trauma Fest. The upcoming occasion guarantees top-notch manufacturing, a singular venue and a formidable lineup of underground legends, together with Amon Tobin, Goldie, Reid Velocity, Headless Horseman and Joey Beltram.

Trauma Fest Set Occasions for Friday and Saturday.

Trauma Fest/Instagram

Trauma is now again, and they’re prepared. The collective’s dedication to their craft and their unwavering love for rave music have saved the Trauma spirit alive all through the years. With this 12 months’s occasion, they intention to share their ardour with a brand new era of ravers and reignite the power that when permeated the underground scene.

You should buy tickets to Trauma Fest 2023 here.