Wanna know a secret?
If you’re not from the South Bay, you might be wondering what else there is to offer in the dance scene besides the Insomniac massives at the historical Queen Mary.
If you are from the South Bay, you’ll know that the scene is flourishing here – and that’s no secret to us.
House and techno are thriving like never before, and some of its success can be traced back to the groundwork laid down by a certain collective.
Secret Service – a community of like-minded artists, curators, and groove makers – have established themselves as a leading force for showcasing some of South Bay’s most stellar up-and-coming talent.
On Saturday, August 24th, Secret Service hosted their annual pier event in Long Beach at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, one of their most anticipated events of the year. This can be attributed to the venue’s breathtaking views which leaves every attendee speechless – whether it’s their 1st time or their 10th time.
And that’s the secret: Tasteful music with Belmont Pier’s ocean views.
Secret Sessions: Miss Dre EP Release Party
We’re excited to see the comeback of Secret Sessions – Secret Service’s inaugural event series founded back in 2019. Initially, these curated events would feature secret lineups and invites were extended by flyers or word of mouth.
Now, Secret Sessions is back with a level up. For this edition, not only was it their annual pier event… it also doubled as Miss Dre’s release party for her Higher/Visions EP.
The lineup featured an array of tastemakers, including Insomniac’s Day Trip founder – Adam Auburn – and Secret Service founders, Freaky Deaky.
Joining these hard-hitters were The Music Dealers’ very own Low Hanging Fruit, as well as Hot Pursuit, Adrian Reyes, David Bullock, Larsa, Shroomi, Sonju, and a takeover by Top Shelf Disco.
Event Highlights
The waterfront views aren’t the only thing that makes Long Beach’s Belmont Pier so special; it’s also the versatility to have 2 stages in an intimate space.
Pier Stage
The main stage was located on the pier, where attendees could dance to house music while overlooking South Bay’s ocean waves travel beneath them.
Side Stage
The side stage was hosted only a few steps from the main stage, tucked away upstairs in the structure.
Thanks to the Secret Service team’s sound design strategy, bleeding was surprisingly at a minimum considering the stages’ close proximity.
The look on attendees’ faces were priceless when migrating from the house music at the Pier Stage to the dark techno at the side stage.
Freaky Deaky
Power duo Freaky Deaky – also known individually as Salvad3r and GypCi – got the crowd out to Pier Stage, setting the mood perfectly for Adam Auburn’s sunset set.
Energy stayed high as friends came out to support the founders who’ve helped build South Bay’s house and techno scene.
Low Hanging Fruit
TMD’s Low Hanging Fruit – also known individually as Busterkun and Mt. Sierra – set the tone for the rest of the day as the Pier Stage’s openers.
Even as an opener, turnout was impressive as support came from all avenues… some traveling by car, and some by boat.
Hot Pursuit
The most surprising set award goes to Hot Pursuit, who absolutely destroyed the side stage with hard techno.
Hot Pursuit has signed on Paul Oakenfold’s imprint – Perfecto Records – and is known for their contributions to the Latin and house scenes… but boy, does he know how to please the underground.
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