Kosmik presents The Black Lodge

As counterpart to the side of the industry where Insta followers dictate bookings and dance-floor selfies have replaced actual dancing, the OG scene is still thriving and gathering experienced and younger ravers in pockets spread all over the West – LA being one of the main bastions for warehouse parties, DIY and authenticity values.

We start this interview series with The Black Lodge, and will present more promoters and artists repping the underground in the next few months.

From 90s Ohio to 2026 LA, DJ/producer Kosmik and his collaborators have created an electronic dance music space rooted in the underground and the spirit of Detroit techno, sporting over 100 events, 135 radio shows, soon ten label releases, and counting… with a next rendez-vous on January 24th; here are some words from the founder of The Black Lodge.

Kosmik, what made you want to get started in the nightlife culture, and what were your first steps?

I went to my first rave in Ohio in the early-mid 90s and it was a revelation – it completely changed my understanding of sound and what it could do. The Detroit and Chicago sound and DIY aspect especially felt revolutionary. This was the kind of ethos I and fellow midwesterner Kimyon Huggins wanted to bring to NYC when we both moved there in the late 90s. So that’s what we did – first starting in various warehouses and clubs in 1998, and building a community of like-minded folks, which led to a weekly event. We debuted quite a few midwest pioneers to NYC; I remember nights with Traxx, Theo Parrish, Mike Huckaby (RIP)…

When I moved to LA, I saw a similar need in the scene here – a return to rawness, DIY spirit, and a need for experimentation. Force Placement and I began to build a community by doing free monthly events at a small dank dive bar. Because our events were focused on the music and skills first rather than the spectacle, people began to pay attention. We also wanted to promote artists who we truly believed in and who were often not recognized. Eventually we grew out of the bar space and moved into warehouses. We kept at it, doing events every month, and eventually our movement could not be ignored. It was this consistency and ethos that led to where we are today.

What is your inspiration for The Black Lodge events, radio shows, label?

When I moved to LA, I was re-watching Twin Peaks. My friend was doing a show at the Hyperion Tavern, and when I walked in I was like “woah this just like the Black Lodge!” – dank, dark, and had a large red curtain in the back. I loved the atmosphere and homey vibes of the space, and that’s what sparked the whole idea. I also loved the concept of the Black Lodge in general – extra-dimensions, spirit beings, extraterrestrials… So the whole aesthetic and design and all the graphic stuff kind of revolves around our own concept of The Black Lodge we kick-started in 2015.
After we started to build a community and invite so many amazing artists like Ash Lauryn, Juliet Mendoza, Robert Hood…, we realized we’d like to also contribute to the scene by starting a record label; and shortly after I started the radio show that broadcasts on SutroFM in San Francisco and Mutant Radio in Tbilisi, Georgia in Europe.

Do you think your profile is typical or not in the industry?

We’re pretty atypical I’d say, and our whole ethos is to go beyond the categories people have tried to impose on us. We believe in the underground, not the industry. There have been many before us who believed in the same – we are following a tradition of non-conformity that we grew up with. We’re probably not a good model to follow if you’re trying to make money LOL. There will always be the mainstream and cookie-cutter spectacle stuff, and there will always be folks like us who resist it and provide alternatives; this is our religion and we are in it for the long term.

What advice would you give to folks starting out now who want to have a radio show or a label, or organize raves?

I’d say it’s key to see what is missing in this oversaturated marketplace and fill that niche. Bring something different, think outside of the box, and be creative. Truly understand what you are contributing to and know why you are doing what you are doing. Give it meaning, build community, and most importantly, remove your ego from all of it. Focus on the music and its power.

What’s next for The Black Lodge?

We are very excited for our next event Saturday January 24th. We have teamed up with Chicago label Nation and LA’s PrintShop to bring some excellent selectors for a soiree that starts at 6PM. This will not be a typical dance party, but an intimate gathering centered around uncompromising sounds and skills from the many visionaries performing, as well as a chance to mingle with open-minded guests, and enjoy some special elixirs and delicious food bites. Dek players for the night include one of the champions of the Chicago underground, Traxx aka duKe. Additionally, we will be joined by label mate, Sneaker from Dresden, Germany, midwest electronic pioneer Todd Sines, Nation member Naughty Wood from the Purple City of Minneapolis, and finally myself. Come through for a night not to be missed! All info on RA.

Follow The Black Lodge on Instagram, check out the label releases on Bandcamp, listen to the radio show archive on Soundcloud.