Erika: The spaces are special because each time, we transform an empty gallery or warehouse into something new, bringing a sound system (or more recently, two!) and fully immersive room design, creating a truly unique experience. No two parties look or feel the same. The party has evolved organically over the past decade, from a very small one-room gathering of our friends, which expanded to friends of friends, into the larger event it has become, with two rooms (No Way Back and Outer Space) and three sound floors (we play the music from the dance floor outside, allowing for an entirely different thing to happen under the stars, and through the sunrise).
BMG: No Way Back throbs with atmosphere and vibe, it is a place where you can remove yourself from the daily world, from time, and go as far as you want into inner or outer space. I would say the key ingredients of these events are the renegade free feeling from the venue, the transformation of the venue (which really excites the senses with texture and the underwater of cave-like feelings you get from the parachutes and textiles), the perfectly dialed in sound (with a highly skilled sound team that is responding to everything in real time and really making the sound shine and envelop you), to the each and every performer who just bring their highest levels to these parties, challenging themselves to be better and really connecting. Also, the way the DJs flow from one another making a greater piece when viewed over a longer time, and the audience, who is so prepared to go so far and give so much energy back, which makes this all such an exciting and immersive music experience.
I believe the transformation of the space is crucial, it impacts people on an instinctual level. It lets people know on a visceral level that you really care, and they, in turn, feel more comfortable giving more back. It evolves organically every year – as we all grow and change, so does the party. Originally, it was just one room, but when we moved to the Tangent, the party gained the Outer Space room, where we play ambient experimental from opening till dawn. And at dawn, we put on Scott Zacharias, who somehow bridges these sounds into a deep fervor from disco to beyond.