Mark Lizaola and Spency Be swung by to chat about the growth of AfterTraxx, their community-first Sound Grove event series, and the current state of the scene.
Los Angeles is a true hub for the electronic music scene. While other cities might lay claim to historical roots or have their own thriving communities, when it comes to the future, the Southern California destination has continued to prove itself to be the home of what’s next. Calling the city home are mega promoters who have dominated the festival and club scene well beyond its borders. Yet scratch a bit deeper, and you’ll find a bustling range of brands like AfterTraxx looking to leave their own mark.
Turn the clock back to 2018, and you’ll find AfterTraxx taking its first steps forward. A handful of underground shows marked their arrival on the scene, helping pave the way for their impressive growth, which has since included stage takeovers at festivals and the launch of a label. But throughout its growth, Mark Lizaola and Spency Be have remained true to their roots and their desire to uplift the community.
AfterTraxx started because we wanted to create the kind of events we wished existed. We were inspired by the underground scene and wanted to build a platform that puts the music and the community first.
Mark Lizaola and Spency Be
“From day one, our goal was to give local artists opportunities to play alongside established talent, while creating experiences where people could discover new music and connect with others who shared that same passion,” they shared. “It was never just about throwing parties—it was about helping grow the underground scene in Los Angeles and creating a place where people felt like they belonged.”
Of course, the scene is far different now than it was in 2018. The community has seen its own changes, from which genres are reigning supreme to which promoters are throwing the best shows, but throughout it all, AfterTraxx has stayed on target to support underground music and build a following.
That doesn’t mean the brand hasn’t updated its approach. “As the scene changes, we want to evolve with it while staying true to what made AfterTraxx special in the first place,” the two shared.
“We started with late-night warehouse events, then expanded into a record label, and now we’ve introduced Sound Grove as a daytime series,” they continued. “The formats may evolve, but the goal is always the same—to create opportunities for artists, introduce people to great music, and make the underground scene more accessible.”
Sound Grove is the latest experience from the minds of Mark Lizaola and Spency Be. Dashing the late-night hours for a daytime party might’ve been a bit of a faux pas years ago, but in the current era, which has placed a focus on wellness and community, it’s a shift in the right direction.
“As we’ve gotten older—we’re both part of that 30+ raver crew now—it gets a lot harder to stay out until 4 or 5 in the morning,” they said. “A lot of our friends are in the same stage of life, so we wanted to create something that still captures the underground spirit but is more accessible.”
We think local underground artists shouldn’t have to sacrifice their sleep schedule just to get an opportunity to play. Sound Grove gives them another platform to showcase their music in a different environment while still keeping the same community-driven energy.
Mark Lizaola and Spency Be
Sticking with that community-first mindset, AfterTraxx has notably made this party free to attend. This has increased accessibility for those looking for something fun to do, while also giving them a financial break during tough economic times.
“Not everything has to be about making a profit,” they shared. “Some of the earliest rave parties were free and built around community first. We think there’s real value in bringing that feeling back. Times are tough, and not everyone can afford to go out every weekend—or even support all of their friends’ events. We wanted to remove that barrier and create a space where anyone can come hang out, discover new music, meet people, and just enjoy the day together.”
The run of Sound Grove shows began in April, with its most recent iteration taking place on June 6 at Elysian Park. AfterTraxx plans to make this an annual summer staple in Los Angeles, with an edition anticipated each month through September while the weather is perfect. Those planning to attend can expect a range of styles supported on its lineups, touching on everything from house and techno to UK Garage and more.
Musically, [Sound Grove] is all about feel-good daytime energy. House music naturally fits that setting, but we also love techno, so you’ll hear some of that. We’re huge fans of the new wave of UK Garage, too, and that’s something we’ll continue to push. At the end of the day, if it feels like summer and makes people want to move, it belongs at Sound Grove.
Mark Lizaola and Spency Be
The sonics of AfterTraxx’s events, like Sound Grove, have also dripped through to the label side of the brand. They stated they’ve never wanted to put themselves into a box, and releases from artists like Nina J, TYKNI, Insical, Landopolo, and Spency Be this year have touched house, techno, UKG, and more.
“More than anything, we want AfterTraxx to be a home for underground artists, especially here in Los Angeles,” they shared. “A lot of labels chase a very specific sound. We care more about authenticity than fitting into one lane. Great music is great music.”
This approach is a breath of fresh air considering how explosive the scene has become post-pandemic. AfterTraxx firmly believes that dance music is bigger than it’s ever been, with the two pointing out that many artists are selling out arenas and other venues that were previously reserved for rock, hip-hop, or pop acts.
For AfterTraxx, one of the genres driving that push has been hard techno, but it’s also one that’s entered its own sonic evolution. “People still love the speed and intensity, but groove always finds its way back,” they shared.
Faster dance music is here to stay, but it’ll become more groove-driven. Hard House, UK Garage, and high-energy house all share a balance of speed and rhythm, and we’re already seeing these genres continue to grow. People don’t just want louder music—they want music that makes them feel something. That’s where we think the scene is headed.
Mark Lizaola and Spency Be
The future is bright for the dance music community, and brands like AfterTraxx are part of that path forward. Their dedication to showcasing local artists and helping them reach greater heights isn’t just a noble act; it’s instrumental in keeping the scene thriving for years to come.
With that in mind, as the conversation came to a close, Mark Lizaola and Spency Be offered a few parting pieces of advice for those planning to start their own collectives or begin their careers as DJs.
Don’t chase what everyone else is doing. Figure out what your community actually needs and build around that.
Mark Lizaola and Spency Be
Be patient, because nothing happens overnight. We’ve been doing AfterTraxx for years, and every event, every release, every relationship has built on the last one. People can tell when you’re doing it for the right reasons versus just chasing hype.
Also, don’t underestimate the importance of showing up consistently. Support other promoters, support local artists, collaborate rather than compete, and focus on creating experiences people genuinely want to come back to. If you take care of your community, they’ll take care of you.
AfterTraxx has announced that the next edition of Sound Grove will take place on Saturday, July 18, at a TBA location in El Sereno. Mark Lizaola and Spency Be will be joined by other artists, including Adult Hits, Jiggy Boyz, and Murdoch, at the secret backyard party.
Head to Posh to RSVP for the event, and stay tuned for more announcements to come by following their social media channels.
