For the second year in a row, Afterlife took over The Mirage and proved, once again, why it has captivated the hearts and ears worldwide with its coveted brand.
Afterlife, the renowned party brand turned label, returned to The Brooklyn Mirage after being rightfully deemed a standout out of all events held at the massive complex last year. There’s no denying Afterlife’s exponential success since being founded by Italian melodic techno maestros, Tale Of Us, in 2016. What started as a lustful, esoteric party concept quickly turned into an imprint that boasted a collection of other-worldly melodic techno soundscapes. Names like Mind Against, Denis Horvat, Woo York, Adriatique, Recondite, Locked Groove and, more recently, Mathame, Fideles, and Kevin de Vries became some of the most in-demand artists in melodic techno after cementing their ties with the Berlin-based imprint. Since its induction, it has gained a devoted cult following that anxiously waits to see what the forward-thinking label – and its founders – will do next.
In addition to its roster of top-tier quality releases, Afterlife has taken its brand all over the world via isolated parties, festival stage takeovers, and showcases, including a summer residency at the prestigious HÏ Ibiza. It was only a matter of time until New York City, the epicenter of the USA’s thriving nightlife scene, secured a slot in Afterlife’s busy touring schedule. Last year, its debut edition at The Brooklyn Mirage was arguably the most anticipated show of the year, and boy did it exceed expectations. Sprawling across two stages – one melodic, one industrial – and an extraordinary immersive audio-visual art installation, “Endless Jardins’, courtesy of Quayola, the bar was set high.
This year’s lineup was a perfect mélange of longtime Afterlife mainstays and emerging fan favorites, such as Mathame and Courtesy. The sold-out two-room takeover boasted the stripped-back, raw industrial sounds of Ben Klock, Chris Liebing, Fjaak, Courtesy, Etapp Kyle, and Vaal in The Great Hall, while the main area treated fans to mesmerizing melodic techno from Return, Denis Horvat, a debut US performance from Italian brother duo Mathame, Mano Le Tough, Âme, and head honchos themselves, Tale Of Us.
From the depths of the night to the break of dawn, guests were taken on a sonic journey that was complemented by stunning visual performances from brilliant visual artists, Quayola. Particular highlights included a rare New York City appearance from Danish maestro Denis Horvat, whose unique selection style and deep original cuts, including AL025 stand-out, “Noise” – had the crowd hypnotized. As a sweet nightcap for those who stayed until the end, Tale Of Us played a surprise B2B set with Âme, swirling sensual, alluring selections with Innervisions label head Kristian Beyer’s signature minimal afrobeat grooves.
Don’t miss out on the last party of the season at The Brooklyn Mirage, Cityfox: Transcend, which will be taking place Saturday, September 28th. More info HERE!
