LOS ANGELES, CA — Pride season is coming, and the warehouse circuit is already heating up. Last weekend, VICE RELEASE warehouse party took over a space in LA (address shared via DM) and was a gamechanger for the house and techno lovers in the LGBTQ+ community, proving that the warehouse circuit is about way more than just a specific look or an exclusive guest list. Having been to several VICE events, it never fails to curate a sweaty, sexy, underground, community-oriented queer vibe.
Here are two main takeaways from the night:
Empowering the Community from Within
The lineup was a mix of hometown talent and international DJ masters. WNKR opened with that raw, grimy unfiltered underground sound that set the tone. Tom Peters followed with his Berlin energy and built a tension in the room so thick that the room was ready to snap. Finally, Flabbergast closed it out with the relentless, hypnotic beats that made the whole place erupt.
The room layouts and setup felt well thought out, too. An upstairs darkroom was comfortably outfitted with cushions and pillows. Drinks were reasonably priced. A pop-up on the path to the dance floor sold gear and jewelry from a local maker. And in true LA fashion, a lady at a stand next to the entrance was tempting partygoers with amazing-smelling sausages. This is how underground scenes stay alive. Seeing the community show up for these small vendors and DJs reminds us that the underground survives because we choose to invest in each other.
Not That Kind of Party
LA has plenty of options for going out, but many scenes are usually curated to a specific crowd with a vibe that can feel like it’s not really for you if you don’t fit the mold or go in blind without a clique. It’s not that you can’t get in. It’s that once you’re inside, you’re not sure you want to be there.
VICE RELEASE didn’t have that energy. The crowd was mixed in the best way: twinks, twunks, jocks, otters, leather guys, bears, people in mesh, people in plain t-shirts. Think “effortlessly cool”. Everyone was there to blow off steam, and the crowd acted like it. Shirtless regulars and nervous first timers shared the same space without anyone making it awkward. That’s what works about a good underground party. There’s no VIP section to angle for, no table service, nothing to prove. You’re just there with your community. It’s a reminder that regardless of the different personal struggles we all carry, everyone is looking for that same sense of belonging and release.
Overall, Pride Month will bring the parades and the sponsored floats and all the brands slapping rainbows on everything. That’s fine. But nights like VICE RELEASE are the other version queer celebration is designed of the people, by the people, and for the people.
