The two masterminds behind System Error stopped by to chat about staying true to their craft, tips for women in the industry, and so much more!
Los Angeles has been home to a thriving nightlife scene for quite some time, but the recent rise of independent promoters like System Error pushes the city’s underground culture into bold, new directions. Founded by Tony Merino and Shailee Ben-David — two seasoned industry veterans with a shared passion for community-building and risk-taking — System Error has greatly influenced LA’s music world.
For Tony and Shai, System Error isn’t just about throwing great parties — it’s about building a lasting impact in a music industry that often prioritizes mass appeal over artistic integrity. Drawing from their years of experience in corporate and independent spaces, they’ve cultivated a unique approach to event production that blends high-quality execution with an underground, intimate vibe. Over the last three years, the duo have maintained their core ethos: elevating the music and community above all else.
As System Error gears up for its next chapter in 2025, Tony and Shai’s unwavering commitment to the underground scene remains their driving force. This is precisely why we wanted to sit down and pick their brains. Whether collaborating with forward-thinking artists or creating experiences that defy the norms of traditional nightlife, their future looks as promising as ever. And as they look ahead, one thing is clear: This is only the beginning.
Hey Tony and Shai, thanks for talking with us today! Let’s take a moment to look and appreciate the start of your journey. Before System Error came to life, what led you two to create one of the hottest underground nightlife brands in LA?
Tony: We both have had our own unique journeys that have led us here. We can dive deeper into the lore another time but I feel that we both share a love of cultivating communities, a deep understanding of the multiple facets of this industry, and the willingness to take risks. That, along with a love of amplifying upcoming talent, really creates an unstoppable force. There is a lot of alignment within our perspectives of throwing events and the intentions behind them. Whether it’s for a 20,000-person festival or a 1,000-person underground rave, the mission has always remained the same.
Shai: The idea of System Error was a concept the two of us had planned out prior to making it a reality as independent promoters! We were in a position where we knew that we worked so well together when it came to pushing forth the underground that it was a no-brainer to make this a reality.
Some people let COVID hold them back, while others saw an opportunity for growth. What sparked you guys to create System Error during such an uncertain time for many in the music scene?
Tony: There was so much synergy in working with Shai on [Insomniac‘s] Bassrush brand; that was an era marked by a style and energy that we could only bring. So during the pandemic, it just made so much sense to take that synergy and create something of our own. System Error is essentially an outlet for us to express our love for this music and provide the community with our creative offerings.
Shai: I learned everything about throwing parties from Tony, so when it came to the point where we were going our separate ways from our previous employer, it was a no-brainer that we work together to bring our vision of System Error to life. To be honest, COVID pushed me personally to get out of my comfort zone and try new things, so it was an exciting time to nurture a new concept.
Tony, you were once the head honcho of Bassrush, which I’m sure taught you a lot over the years. What have you implemented from your time at Insomniac into your approach to System Error?
Tony: I’ve always admired their ability to execute high-quality events consistently at an incredible scale. While we’re a boutique independent crew, I’ve adapted those lessons to reflect the intimate and intentional nature of our brand. We put a lot of attention into every detail of our events, from the production to our curated music programming. It’s about maintaining that same commitment to creating high-quality experiences while embracing the unique and underground spirit of what we do.
After three years of System Error, you’ve shown a great deal of dedication to underground artists and your community. How do you plan to maintain your momentum and keep leveling up the standards for the local scene?
Tony: By showing up every single day and putting our best foot forward. Throwing events is always challenging, but in a competitive market like LA, it pushes us to constantly raise the bar. Our focus will remain on doing what we love, collaborating with artists and teams we believe in, and creating events that drive cultural impact. While maintaining momentum is key, I’ve also learned to embrace the process, stay present, and enjoy the journey of building something special for our community.
Shai: The best way I can explain it from my experience is continuing to be a stepping stone for underground artists who don’t get recognized or have chances taken on them early on due to the metrics and ticket sales approach. We believe in the music and plan to continue to book artists and work with teams with the same ethos as we do. Maintaining momentum comes with staying true to your art and craft. I don’t see us ever losing the purpose of doing what we do at our core.
Shai, many women in the music industry, including myself, look up to you and your accomplishments in the scene. If there is one piece of advice you could share with women trying to be successful in the industry, what would it be?
Shai: Just be yourself, and don’t let anyone try to take away your sparkle or love for what you do. It’s a very male-dominated industry, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of other women who will support you and help you navigate this world. It’s important to back yourself because in the end of the day no one will ride harder for you than you. I found that speaking to other women has made my experience feel safer whenever I struggled. Community is important everywhere, and there’s a great one for women in music!
As you reflect on an incredibly successful year, what moment — personally or professionally — stands out to you the most from this year at System Error? Why did it have such a lasting impact?
Tony: This year, I had a moment of realization: we’ve grown into one of the leading independent promoters in LA — a growth that wouldn’t be possible without the amazing community that has rallied around us and supported what we’re building. Knowing that our work creates space for connection and brings people together is what keeps me going every day, even in the midst of extreme adversity. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to take a swing each day and play in the same areas as people I admire. 16-year-old me, standing outside clubs with a stack of flyers and a dream, could never have envisioned it would come this far.
Shai: For me, it had to be Hyperdub’s 20 Year Anniversary and partnering with Kode9. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of the label and Burial himself, so to be able to work closely and represent them here in the United States with System Error felt like an honor when they could’ve worked with anyone else. It was a moment that felt to me that we were doing exactly what I always imagined doing: being recognized by those who paved the way for dance music.
What would you say if you had to capture the essence of System Error in a single sentence to spark curiosity in someone who’s never heard of it?
Tony: In a city as over-saturated as LA, System Error brings a unique underground vibe that is a breath of fresh air.
Shai: System Error is at the forefront of the underground dance music sound, community, and culture.
The word on the street is that you two are cooking up some exciting new ideas for System Error in 2025. Are there any hints you can give to your fans about what might be on the horizon?
Tony: Keep it locked @SystemErrorLive. DM us if you want to get involved!
Shai: I don’t want to share too much, but we are working towards a larger curated experience for the city.
