Eli Brown Impressed at Biggest Headlining Show to Date

Factory 93’s stripped-down, music-centric approach defines the essence of rave culture, and Eli Brown was a perfect fit for the evening’s soundtrack.

Eli Brown took center stage for his largest headlining show yet, presented by Factory 93 in the heart of Los Angeles‘ warehouse district on November 25. As a part of his North American tour, the sold-out event featured an exceptional lineup, including Alan Fitzpatrick, Bart Skils, Disfreq, and Shay De Castro, all delivering an exceptional display of techno prowess.

Factory 93 set a precedent for its underground brand by hosting the event in the middle of an industrial playground seemingly devoid of life. Only after leaving my car and beginning the journey through the industrial maze was I able to find other partygoers equally as eager to get the night started. Together, we followed the bass vibrations to find the event space, nestled beneath a bridge amidst graffiti-covered walls, embodied the essence of old-school rave culture.

A thick line of eager techno heads trailed around the venue’s entrance, each preparing for the night.

Before entering the techno realm, each attendee was thoroughly checked and patted down by security – shoes and all. Once inside, techno abounded. The venue’s trapezoidal structure created an intimate amphitheater-style layout, balancing spaciousness and intimacy. The back end of the venue was used for bathrooms and bar space, with a nominal merchandise stand.

The most impressive, logistically, was the bar setup. Two long galley-style bars sat on either side of the venue, each long enough to accommodate patrons without creating a line blocking the event space. There was virtually no wait for drinks the whole night.

The crowd, a sea of black, swayed and danced in unison while the stage and impeccable production became the focal point.

Drawn by the stacked lineup, diverse attendees reflected varying artist loyalties. While some were deeply engaged, unapologetically singing and dancing with their friends during specific sets, others appeared to use music as a personal meditation. Attendees embraced the underground vibe, clad in Berlin-inspired all-black rave attire and fashionable sunglasses, visibly united by their shared focus—getting lost in the beats. During the show, attendees enjoyed efficient bar service and a variety of food truck options, adding convenience and variety to the night.

From Shay De Castro’s opening set to Alan Fitzpatrick’s direct support, each artist showcased their unique sound, gradually building intensity and paving the way for Eli Brown’s techno prowess. Synchronized moments between the music and lights heightened crowd-to-artist engagement and fostered a collective feeling of bliss. Progressing throughout the night, the production team strategically intensified production to demand complete audience engagement.

Admittedly, it was hard not to be completely captivated by the stage production, decorated by a pyramid-shaped LED screen, lasers blanketing the artist and crowd, and a myriad of strobing lights. Once Eli Brown took the stage, production went full force as he delivered his most versatile set yet, starting with his beloved track “Be The One” before diving into his other gems.

While the event was largely a success, some components could improve.

Security did a thorough job of delivering a safe music experience, but the slow single entrance and exit caused congestion and delays for attendees. The confusing parking and entrance layout led to frustration and disorientation, although some would argue that it paid homage to the historic rave culture. The production was impeccable close to the stage, but the further away from the stage, the more echo bounced off the walls, causing an unpleasant reverb. Lastly, the limited merchandise availability and expensive drinks were disappointments for those seeking more variety and affordability all around.

That said, the raw aesthetic, reminiscent of underground vibes with graffiti-covered walls, amplified the event’s essence. The event perfectly encapsulated Factory 93’s roots, evoking historic LA street parties and bringing people together through thumping music and palpable energy. Eli Brown’s dark, energetic set, coupled with the production prowess of the Factory 93 Team, made for a fantastic night.