Alesso Celebrated Lunar New Year in Style at Brooklyn Hangar

In honor of the Lunar New Year, Alesso returned to New York for an unforgettable performance at Brooklyn Hangar.

The turn of the early 2010s marked a historic shift for the dance community. Progressive house music crossed over to the mainstream, and what was once considered “underground” was now inescapable. Dance music’s cathartic drops were now paired with pop-flavored hooks, and fashion accessories such as daisy crowns, light glasses, and feathery scarves reflected this new electronic-pop freedom. Although the scene has since experienced new trends and cultural shifts, one act has remained rooted in his progressive house roots and also pushed the scene forward—and that’s Alesso.

Last week, as part of Ignite Entertainment Group’s Lunar New Year celebration, the Swedish producer returned to New York for two sold-out nights at the Brooklyn Hangar. The DJ’s homecoming took place at the ideal venue because the event space offered an element that made it stand out over its competitors: its compact design.

On Friday night, it was a collision of different worlds before Alesso took the stage.

Some looked like they had just finished trading off Wall Street, others had donned the stereotypical Brooklyn hipster look, and a handful of folks dressed in traditional rave clothing. Although dance music may not be dominating the radio waves as it used to, the packed dancefloor on Friday tells a different story, one that reflects Alesso’s cross-genre success. After all, his melancholic pop hit “Let Me Go” with Hailee Steinfeld and Florida Georgia Line currently sits at more than a billion plays on Spotify.

Alesso Brooklyn Hangar Lunar New Year 2023 — Photo Credit: Eric Cunningham

Brooklyn Hangar’s intimate atmosphere heightened Alesso’s performance.

With VIP tables placed right above the long left and right bars, the venue maximizes the dimensions of the dance floor. This layout encourages folks to stay in the center, and it’s what allows the venue to construct LED screens that are just as wide and tall as the warehouse, meaning that the show is enjoyable from both the front and the back of the crowd. Additionally, VIP ticket holders had a designated viewing area that was right in front of the rail.

Alesso opened the night with an ID track that’s been titled “Hypnotize.” When the record’s razor-sharp synths and heightened bass first aired out of the speakers, it jolted everyone’s entire body. The crowd reciprocated with a loud roar of pleasure, and we were ready for a night full of dancing.

The night included several IDs, including unreleased music from the Swedish House Mafia and an updated version of his long-awaited ID with Martin Garrix, but the main highlight of the night was Alesso’s alternative take on his classic recordings. Instead of hearing the original version of “Under Control,” “Heroes,” and “Words,” he kept his set fresh by reimagining his classic hits with new progressive house recordings. Maybe it was the nostalgia, but these VIP remixes evoked the same mainstage energy of the early 2010s.

In many ways, this warehouse rave was like an oasis. On your way to the venue, you’re surrounded by tall warehouses, making you question if the space will be easy to find. But as you walk closer, you start hearing the bass, and you notice others walking in the same direction (there’s also signage identifying the venue). Once you step in, you’re engulfed by the electric music, flashing lights, and kinetic energy. How can a place like this exist in such an industrial setting? Is it a mirage? No, because you feel safe.

Rezz, RL Grime, Zedd, and ISOxo b2b Knock2 will also play at Brooklyn Hangar later this month as part of the IEG’s Lunar New Year celebration.