Here are some standout artists you may not heard of but area worth checking out at CRSSD Festival Fall.
This year’s edition of CRSSD Festival Fall is right around the corner. It’s set to take place at Waterfront Park in San Diego on September 27th and 28th, founded in 2015 as a joint venture between promoters FNGRS CRSSD and Goldenvoice. Now, 10 years and nearly 20 editions later, the lineup is as great as ever.
This year’s bill features John Summit, Chris Stussy, Boyz Noize, Will Clarke, Cloonee, Claude VonStroke, Beltran, Adam Ten, and many others. With three stages and a total of 61 artists performing this year, expect unique back-to-back sets and performances all weekend long. Set times are not released yet, but they’re likely to arrive a few days before the festival.
While headliners and established artists are important, we wanted to highlight some artists that might not be on your radar but are doing cool things. Read on below for two artists from each stage who are worth checking out.
Tickets themselves for CRSSD are sold out, but Tixel is the festival’s official resale partner. Be careful when buying tickets from a third party, and we’ll see you in San Diego soon!
Six Artists to Explore at CRSSD Fall 2025
Erez
Erez is a New York City-born, Israel-raised, and now Los Angeles-based DJ, producer, trained jazz musician, and vocalist. They not only tour as a DJ but also throw a queer-focused event series called IN THE OPEN. They’ve collaborated with Mita Gami, Rafael, Yulia Niko. Catch them playing on Saturday at the City Steps stage.
Otherwish
Playing on Sunday at the City Steps stage, Otherwish is the stage name of Washington, DC-born progressive and melodic house producer Ben Gorvine. At first, he kept a low profile and started releasing music anonymously in 2023, letting his output speak for itself. He later went to collaborate and release music with Lane 8 and his label, This Never Happened. This is his second performance at CRSSD as he also played the 2024 fall edition.
Luke Dean
Having arguably cut one of the house songs of this summer with “Can’t Decide” — a collaboration with Max Dean and Locky — Luke Dean has had a huge year, playing shows all around the world. He’s released popular tracks one after another. His sets are full of high energy, so expect a treat on Saturday when he plays The Palms stage.
Pedro Borlado
Spanish-born DJ and producer Pedro Borlado is quickly rising through the ranks of dance music. Having won Chris Stussy’s Talent Scholarship, he’s developed quite the relationship with the Dutch artist’s Up the Stuss label and even played showcases in Europe. He’s performed many back-to-back sets with Ian Sink in the past, and the two will take The Palms stage on Sunday.
beginagain
beginagian is a DJ and producer duo based in London and consisting of Daniel Smee and Sophie Loomis. The two formally started working together in early 2020 and have released quite a few tracks since, notably “Back Street Boulevard” and, most recently, “Hands Entwined.” The duo describe their music as “songs of hurt and euphoria,” and you can catch them at the Ocean View stage on Saturday.
DARKSIDE
DARKSIDE is a trio consisting of Nicolás Jaar, Dave Harrington, and Tlacael Esparza, all based in New York City. Nicolás and Dave originally formed the group in 2011 in Rhode Island, and Tlacael joined in 2022 after having played live with the duo before that. Their music is a blend of experimental, electronica, and downtempo. Expect a lot of improvisation on Sunday when they play at the Ocean View stage.
