The DNBNL SF Debut was the Start of Something Beautiful

Brownies & Lemonade brought their legendary DNBNL event to San Francisco for one unforgettable night — and what we hope is the start of a longstanding tradition.

Known for their outlandish and unique pop-up events — as well as their continuous support for rising artists in the electronic dance music space — the Brownies & Lemonade team are a deeply beloved crew. From a Fast & Furious-themed rave to one on an aircraft carrier to drum and bass in a Dave & Buster’s, every event somehow tops the last.

One of their most popular recurring events remains their DNBNL series, which has hosted drum and bass legends like Skepsis, Goddard, Skellytn, ShockOne, Murdock, Chase & Status, and Pendulum. Early this month, Brownies & Lemonade announced a new twist on the series. They would bring the event to San Francisco for one night at the renowned venue 1015 Folsom. As is common practice for the B&L team, the full lineup was kept under wraps with artists only dropping hints the day of.

Ghosts In Real Life at DNBNL SF. Photo Credit: @ericananmalay

A Thursday night didn’t stop the Bay Area from showing out for a night of surprise drum and bass.

While we had some reservations about the show being on a Thursday night, we knew it was truly a night not to miss. Apparently, the rest of the Bay Area thought the same thing because people showed up and packed the club out by 10pm. We arrived just in time to settle in for the second half of local legend UFO!‘s set, setting a beautiful tone for the night.

Ghost In Real Life took the stage next, turning the energy up high with tons of her own drum and bass remixes, including one of Paramore‘s “Misery Business” that had the crowd oohing and losing their minds. The night continued with plenty of positive energy throughout the audience, with attendees singing along, headbanging, and dancing together. While it became apparent that some American ravers still don’t quite know how to dance to drum and bass (other than by headbanging), attendees seemed to be having a blast and enjoying the music regardless.

Shy FX at DNBNL SF. Photo Credit: @ericananmalay

Ghost In Real Life then handed the reigns over to UK legend Shy FX, who took the energy to the next level. Mosh pits formed in the crowd, and attendees lost all inhibition to the drum and bass and jungle music emanating from the speakers. Shy FX set the stage for the secret headliner, Canadian-born Bensley.

Fresh off his release of “Carry The Fire” with Justin Hawkes and Kumarion, Bensley came well equipped to tear the place up. He started off with some new Metrik and it only got better from there. The energy in the club was palpable and intense. Attendees were sweating, dancing, and sharing their energy with those around them. It made for an unforgettable night and hope for more to come.

If the DNBNL San Francisco debut was any sign that the Bay Area wants more drum and bass, we have high hopes that the series will return and become a longstanding tradition. While San Francisco has one weekly drum and bass event called Stamina Sundays, this night was an opportunity for us to see that the local scene is still lacking in reaching fans on a grander scale.

This could even bring an opportunity to feature the curators, MCs, and artists who’ve been working hard locally for years. We’re stoked to see the B&L team show the Bay some love, and we hope that continues.