Photo by Brenda Brooks
Audio By Carbonatix
South Florida nightlife is getting a major boost with Domicile’s latest project, Chemical X, a production company aiming to bring an entirely fresh experience to the underground scene.
And how is it choosing to say “hello” to the community? With a Hello Kitty Mega Fest, naturally.
Domicile, which has been throwing techno events around Miami since the closure of its Little Haiti location, will host its introductory Chemical X event on Friday, November 22, at the Venue in Wilton Manors, and if you’ve frequented some of Domicile’s events in the past, this promises to be a rave like no other.
While the underground rave is well-known for retaining a vibrant display of local partygoers, Domicile’s founders felt the need to do something even bigger.
“Chemical X is focusing on bringing new and innovative event experiences to South Florida, where the events will be more diverse, integrating elements such as vendors, art installations, themes, and other entertainment to enhance the guest experience on a larger scale,” says Sagiv Israeli, cofounder of Domicile and Chemical X. “South Florida lacks venues and events that cater to the alternative community, and we strive to put on quality shows with value for locals. When you leave our events, we want you to feel ecstatic not only for having a good time but for the satisfaction of knowing your hard-earned money was well spent.”
The upcoming inaugural Domicile x Hello Kitty Mega Fest embodies this approach perfectly, featuring a lineup of local DJs mixing techno with sprinkles of dubstep, breaks, and electro. Charlie Levy (AKA Lengua) is particularly excited about the Hello Kitty collab.
“The combo of fast techno and the fun Hello Kitty theme is going to produce high-energy sets that’ll keep the crowd grooving all night,” Levy says.
“The lineup is interesting in that each artist has their own specific flavor of techno – one set might be more grungy, one set might be more futuristic, one set might be more hypnotic,” adds Zerosum, another DJ on the evening’s lineup. “The unifying factor is that they will all be very high energy and very danceable. We hope guests walk away knowing that they gave their all on the floor.”
Of course, while Hello Kitty is also quite a unique way to introduce a new brand to the world, Chemical X cofounder Bebe Novaes says there’s a bit more nuance behind the theme selection.
“Hello Kitty is legendary,” Novaes says. “The character is the perfect embodiment of everything we are going to represent in our new venture: fun, peace, happiness, love, and unity. It’s about friendship and being there for others – a safe space for you and friends to make memories with.”
In addition to that message, the iconic Sanrio character will also inspire a kawaii overload, with vendors selling Hello Kitty and anime-themed items, including memorabilia, jewelry, clothing, and toys. Plus, for those who get their appetite on during the raves, everything from food to themed drinks will be available to attendees.
Given the evening’s location in Broward County, New Times couldn’t help but wonder what exactly about the new locale stood out to them, especially given that Domicile usually hosts events in and around Miami’s urban core.
“We love the diversity of Wilton Manors because there’s a synergy between the venue, neighborhood, and us that we feel will be very welcoming for the alternative community,” Israeli says. “Domicile’s future permanent home is still under construction but should be finished soon. That venue will boast a state-of-the-art audio system and aesthetic never seen before in Miami, with indoor and outdoor spaces. It’ll also be located at the up-and-coming entertainment district in central Miami.”
What are you waiting for? Come dressed as your favorite Sanrio character and show off your inner Hello Kitty freak.
Hello Kitty Mega Fest. With DomnRob, Frezno, Lengua, Ros3yy, Technofa1ry, and Zerosum. 11 p.m. Friday, November 22, at the Venue Fort Lauderdale, 2345 Wilton Dr., Fort Lauderdale; 954-765-6968; thevenueftlauderdale.com. Tickets cost $30.31 to $36.37 via dice.fm.
