1985 Music Injected UK Culture Into the Denver Bass Scene

Alix Perez, Monty, and Drone brought unmatched energy during 1985 Music’s takeover of The Black Box, Denver’s home of the underground.

One thing people constantly crave in the bass capital of the US is the next event that could top the last. Luckily for Denver, Colorado inhabitants, The Black Box knows precisely what its attendees need to stay satisfied with countless weekly, jaw-dropping events that elicit gasps from even the most seasoned electronic veterans. After years of proving it is the top dog by bringing the most sought-after talent through its doors, The Black Box has fully earned its bragging rights.

One might think it would be hard for The Black Box to keep raising the bar each year, but this venue only dreams outside of the box. Providing countless lineups worthy of under two-minute ticket sellouts, it came as no surprise that they added a few more to the list once the news of the 1985 Music group was set to take over the main room of the home of the underground.

1985 is a label well-known and respected in the 303 area code. The energy was electric once the news became public of a three-night run with major favorites from the collective like Alix Perez, Monty, and Drone. Alix and Monty are no strangers to the Box, so locals were buzzing to get a taste of their magic again, along with the hot newness Drone was sure to bring to the table. Two of the three nights sold-out within mere moments of the drop. It was clear Denver would come correct for the trailblazing UK producers.

Hype is an understatement when it came to how overjoyed the lucky hundreds who snagged a ticket for this first-ever experience of having the three 1985 powerhouses together on one stage in their own stomping grounds. The day before, Monty and Drone set the tone for the week with their own back-to-back set. The rumor mill reported that it was a night of insanity at each transition. Little did attendees know that it would only improve as the week progressed.

1985 denver black box takeover — Photo Credit: John Verwey

The B3B featuring Alix Perez, Monty, and Drone on night two was unreal and surpassed all possible expectations.

Waiting in line in the rain ended up being the perfect precursor for the night that eventually felt like a 350-cap sauna. Bodies reached high temperatures just shortly after the first seconds of the opening track. Each artist on stage came with a vendetta and murdered the night with every selection. No time was wasted as they slewed new bangers like Drone and Alix’s collab “Headhunted” from Dance With The Devil, “Gas Tank” from Monty’s forthcoming EP, and, of course, many classics to satisfy each palette present.

It was a heartwarming experience to witness the smile across Alix Perez’s face appear countless times as he watched his two prodigies crushing the decks. The pure happiness on the label head’s face radiated the entire night between nods of approval that were nothing short of contagious. From 140 to liquid drum and bass, a flavor of each producer’s preferences was clearly present. The night was filled with unreal layers and mashups that many US residents haven’t had the pleasure of witnessing.

Seeing Alix Perez’s vision come to light with artists who have been around since the beginning is a 1985 Music memory that everyone involved will cherish forever. It was a special and pivotal night of musical delicacy that would only have happened for the first time once. That it took place within the walls of a legendary downtown venue outside of the UK border is massive.

Moments like these that The Black Box makes possible for Denver are the foundation of the underground scene. It’s not a job for the weak — not many can take on the task and succeed. Owner Nicole Cacciavillano and her amazing crew are one of a kind. They deserve the world for the blood, sweat, and tears that go into keeping the culture alive in the bass capital.