Framework opened its newest indoor venue in Los Angeles, re:frame, and you couldn’t help but feel like you had been transported straight to the Yuma Tent at Coachella once you walked inside.
Los Angeles is home to a plethora of venues that have hosted electronic music shows over the years. Massive stadiums and arenas, beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, vibrant nightclubs in Hollywood and Downtown LA, and yes, even the countless warehouses used for afters, all contribute. While these spaces have been used, it’s rare to see true innovation geared specifically to the dance music scene. Framework has looked to shake things up with its newest series, re:frame, which opened this past weekend inside Reframe Studios and has already turned heads.
Framework, the burgeoning house-and-techno-centered brand based in Los Angeles, has been at the forefront of bringing unique experiences to the masses since its founding. From intimate shows at Sound Nightclub to hosting epic parties on Hollywood Blvd, they’ve stayed true to their mission while curating insane talent to dominate the decks. That has also carried to the desert at Coachella, where they’ve taken the reins of the Yuma Tent, making it a destination for anyone looking to dance the day and night away at the festival.
While thousands have entered the doors of the Yuma Tent, those who haven’t had the chance to do so can get a taste at the now-running re:frame shows. It was clear from the moment we set foot on the venue that the beloved Coachella stage’s vibe was the inspiration for Framework’s new dance music destination.
Reframe Studios is located in an unassuming area in Glendale, nestled among other warehouses and office buildings.
Aside from the minimal signage and entry line, you wouldn’t even know there’s a party happening just steps away when entering from the parking lot side of the venue. Upon entering from that side, you’re met with a row of portapotties, a bar, two food stands, and a vending machine that had everything from snacks and condoms to vapes and cigarettes. Once you wrap around the building, you’ll begin to hear the thump of bass and meet a wide door that doubles as a gate to Framework’s winter paradise.
The interior is spacious and, at first glance, fairly stripped back. On one end is a lengthy bar with a VIP deck on top, on the other is the stage platform where the DJ and those who splurged for table packages reside. The dancefloor is clearly the main focus, and it’s one of the largest I’ve seen indoors in Los Angeles, offering plenty of room for anyone to catch a groove and shuffle to the beat.
Hanging from the building’s rafters are not one, not two, but a whopping 16 massive disco balls, along with the ever-iconic Disco Shark above the DJ booth. Of course, that’s not all when it comes to the venue’s production elements. LED squares are positioned across the roof, with the two middle sections dropping closer to the crowd for added effect, and synced lighting elements beamed throughout the night to make it feel even more like the Yuma.
As for the music, it was as top-tier as usual from Framework.
Sweet Like Chocolate opened the night, with the duo throwing down some fantastic tunes that had the early arrivers moving and grooving the entire time. Jaden Thompson took control of the decks soon after for another majestic set that left us yearning for more. Both openers had impressive track selection and clearly fed off the crowd’s energy throughout, making them the perfect mood setters for the night’s headliner, MK.
The venue went dark when it was time for MK to jump on the decks, but the energy levels were peaking. The legendary house producer threw down hit after hit, while sprinkling in some fresh gems and toying with the crowd by stretching beats and samples out while mixing. From “Rhyme Dust” and “Dior” to “There For You” and, yes, even his seminal hit “17,” MK put on an absolute clinic.
The opening of re:frame reaffirms Framework’s place at the forefront of the Los Angeles house and techno scene.
While Framework certainly curates nights that are catered to a wider demographic of dance music lovers, it hasn’t stopped them from innovating and crafting unique experiences along the way. This is evident by re:frame, which makes the future even brighter for the scene in Southern California.
The flashbacks to the Yuma Tent stood tall, but there was also this refreshing sense of something new and exciting that flooded re:frame. The show felt like an experience we’d have in New York or Miami, not LA. And sure, there were some influencers and people who were stuck on their phones all night, but the crowd wasn’t dead by any means. The dancefloor felt like an equalizer for anyone who attended.
As for tickets, GA is the way to go. VIP didn’t seem worth it for the price, as it only gave you express entry and access to a raised deck above the bar. You’d be better off springing for a table if you want a deluxe experience.
Beyond that, there really isn’t much else to say about re:frame, other than that we wish the shows at the venue weren’t limited to this winter run. It’s a fantastic space, and we can’t wait to see Framework continue to evolve within it.
Upcoming re:frame shows feature headliners such as Dombresky, CamelPhat, Mind Against, Jan Blomqvist, and The Martinez Brothers. Tickets and parking passes are on sale now via DICE.
