On the heels of his highly anticipated *Negatives* Tour and album announcement, Hairitage delivered an unforgettable experience by throwing an illegal tunnel rave that drew an impressive crowd of 1,700 people in Austin, TX. The renegade event, held in secrecy, was completely free and aimed to give back to his fans while providing a first taste of his forthcoming LP ‘Negatives’, which dropped today, Friday September 13.
This unique event took place in an underground tunnel near Lady Bird Lake in Austin, a venue that had previously hosted smaller acts but had never welcomed an artist as prominent as Hairitage. The exact location was kept secret; to gain access, attendees had to text “TUNNEL” to 707-940-9012. The rave perfectly captured the essence of underground electronic music culture, a nod to the renegade events of the 1980s, when electronic dance music was shunned by the mainstream. Back then, public authorities often shut down these gatherings, and society largely disapproved. To continue enjoying the music they loved, ravers held secret events in remote locations and underground areas far away from the public eye.
The success of this event raises the question of why more major artists aren’t hosting authentic experiences like this. As modern culture shifts, people are increasingly seeking genuine connections. This rave stands out in a crowded landscape of typical promotional events, offering something truly unique. An attendee we spoke with described the night perfectly, saying, “This is what raving is supposed to feel like.”
According to attendees, the night felt like a mini-festival, the underground nature making it feel exclusive and authentic. There was substantial room for flow artists and dancing, none of the attendees we spoke with felt like it was overpacked at any time. The lineup featured notable artists like Havoc, Malware, and special guest Ruvlo. The event ended on a major high with a back-to-back DJ set, where Crizzly made a surprise appearance. Hairitage, Ruvlo, Malware, and Havoc are all Austin-based artists, making this lineup an ideal tribute to the city’s underground scene.
Despite the underground and unpermitted nature of the event, the atmosphere was incredibly positive and respectful. Speaking with Hairitage’s manager, Parker Bronson, he said they chose the location for its storied history of underground events. In the past the tunnels have held smaller local events, but Parker wanted to bring in a “twist on the parties with something a bit more public with a front facing artist like Hairitage.” While inviting a more prominent artist to the tunnels, they ensured that the free entry and community aspects of the space were protected.
The event was organized by MarkMyWords, PrimeNightCult, and UP L8 Official. Photography was done by Kris Bryan and the videography was done by Kley Reynolds. A big shoutout to the team for throwing such an incredible experience! We can certainly expect Hairitage to bring this event back next year, making it even bigger and better!
Hairitage’s unique and immersive preview got us excited for what is to come, and today, he dropped his new LP ‘Negatives’. Stay tuned for his upcoming headline tour and check out our exclusive interview with Hairitage during Excision’s Nexus tour.
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