MP3 TAKES: COUNTDOWN NEW YEAR’S EVE

Here’s a personally styled festival recap of Countdown NYE:

We got back from Countdown NYE and had an experience! Insomniac really outdid themselves at NOS Events Center on the last night of 2024. Even though they switched it to one day this year, it actually worked out since it was mid-week.

The venue layout was totally different from last year, but honestly, it was a game-changer. Got there early to catch Clawz’s opening set and breezed right through security. The way they set up the stages was perfect – Mothership, Nebula, and Twilight Zone were all super easy to bounce between, while Galactik Gate and Area 51 were a bit further out. Zero sound bleed between stages, which was clutch.

We spent most of my night at Mothership (that 20% size increase was no joke!) catching the insane lineup of W&W → Chris Lake → Knock2 (who killed it replacing Alesso) → Zedd. Everyone lost it when Zedd dropped “Clarity” as we headed into 2025. The crowd spread out nicely – never felt squished, though maybe that was because of the cold weather!

The alien theme absolutely made the night. The performers were everywhere – by the Lunar Lagoon, along Warp Drive, and in Abduction Alley. Can’t forget about the Alien Red Light District – hands down the coolest spot with its own DJs, quick bar service, and some wild alien dancers. Only wish they’d saved this theme for a warmer festival because it was seriously that good!

Quick shoutout to some other sick sets – Girl Math (VNSSA b2b Nala) threw down at Galactik Gate, Ghost In Real Life brought the drum and bass energy to Area 51, and caught Zeds Dead closing out Nebula. Definitely the perfect way to ring in the new year!