Countdown NYE has become the go-to New Year’s Eve celebration for many Southern California festival-goers. The event’s otherworldly atmosphere, impressive stage production, and diverse musical lineup featuring artists across multiple genres have made it a fan favorite. The space-themed festival will make its return to the NOS Events Center this December 31, promising attendees an out-of-this-world experience. This year, Insomniac presents an explicit raw hard techno experience from Europe to California and these are who we are excited to see!

Shlømo

From the grimy warehouses of Paris to Southern California’s premier NYE festival, Shlømo is set to bring his underground techno legacy to new heights. The French powerhouse has earned his stripes in Europe’s techno scene through unrelenting dedication to the craft, co-founding Taapion Records in 2013 and becoming a standout force in the ARTS Collective.Think thundering basslines that rattle your bones and atmospheric textures that transport you to dystopian dreamscapes – that’s Shlømo’s signature. His releases like “The Harvest” and “Mercurial Skin” aren’t just tracks; they’re sonic journeys that blend industrial grit with hypnotic rhythms in a way that’s earned him deep respect among techno purists.

When he takes the stage at Countdown NYE, expect the unexpected. While the festival is known for its mainstream electronic flair, Shlømo promises to carve out a slice of underground Paris in San Bernardino. It’s a bold programming choice that shows Countdown isn’t just about following trends – it’s about creating a space where every shade of electronic music can thrive, from bass-heavy bangers to sophisticated techno that makes you question reality.

CARV

From the underground techno scene emerges CARV, a force known for delivering relentlessly punishing hard techno sets that leave dance floors in beautiful destruction. While newer to the scene compared to some veterans, CARV has quickly built a reputation for crafting intense, industrial-strength soundscapes that blur the lines between hard techno and raw warehouse energy.

When CARV steps into Countdown NYE’s extraterrestrial playground, expect nothing less than a sonic assault that’ll have aliens questioning their own advanced technology. Their sets are known to be a masterclass in controlled chaos – think thundering kicks that hit like meteors, distorted synths that sound like industrial machinery gone rogue, and enough raw energy to power a spacecraft.

Basswell

From the underground bass scene comes Basswell, a rising force making waves with their bone-rattling sound design and high-energy performances. Taking the best elements of bass music and crafting them into their own unique sonic assault, Basswell has been steadily building a reputation for sets that blur the lines between heavy bass genres.

Stepping onto Countdown NYE’s alien-invaded grounds, Basswell promises to deliver the kind of earth-shaking frequencies that could signal distant galaxies. Their appearance on the lineup showcases Countdown’s commitment to spotlighting emerging talent alongside established names, giving festival-goers a chance to experience tomorrow’s sound today.

Lily Palmer

Lily Palmer stands as a formidable force in modern techno, commanding attention with her uncompromising sound and fierce energy. Cutting her teeth in Berlin’s demanding techno scene, she’s earned her stripes through explosive performances at legendary venues like Berghain and ∄ (K41). Her signature style melds relentless rhythms with industrial elements and acid-tinged textures, creating an unmistakable sonic assault that’s earned her a devoted following in the underground scene.

As she prepares to take over Countdown NYE’s alien-invaded grounds, ravers can expect nothing less than a masterclass in high-octane techno. Her addition to the lineup shows Countdown’s commitment to showcasing techno in its purest form – raw, powerful, and unfiltered. Whether you’re a seasoned techno enthusiast or ready to venture into dance music’s darker territories, Palmer’s set promises to be a mind-bending journey that’ll have even extraterrestrial visitors questioning their own dance capabilities.

GRAVDGR

GRAVEDGR has carved out a distinctive niche in bass music, becoming notorious for his horror-themed aesthetic and skull-masked presence that’s as memorable as his bone-crushing sound. Since emerging on the scene, he’s made waves with his signature blend of hard trap, dubstep, and metal influences, culminating in hard-hitting releases on Heavyweight Records.

His tracks like “WARDOGZ,” “KAMIKAZE,” and “DOOM” have become staples in the bass music scene, known for their aggressive sound design and mosh pit-inducing energy. GRAVEDGR’s style isn’t just about heavy drops – it’s about creating an entire dark atmosphere that transforms venues into apocalyptic dance floors.

At Countdown NYE, expect his performance to be nothing short of a bass music séance. While the festival brings alien invasions, GRAVEDGR promises to summon something from much deeper below. His set will likely be a perfect fusion of his trademark sinister soundscapes and festival-sized energy, making it a must-see for anyone who likes their bass music with an extra dose of darkness.