The Venue

The NOS Event Center will always hold a special place in my heart. Not only is it a beautiful venue, but it has so much space to hold all the stages and attractions that Insomniac puts together.

For Countdown, Insomniac had multiple stages that all coincided with the alien invasion theme. The stages included Mothership, Nebula, Area 51, and the Twilight Zone. My favorite was the Mothership because it was ginormous and the lasers were bouncing off the sides of the tent, truly bringing us into another planet. Insomniac did an outstanding job with the stages and the event itself. There were carnival rides, a food court, merch tents, and the alien red-light district, to name a few. It was so much fun bouncing from stage to stage and exploring the venue to see all that Insomniac had to offer. 

The Music

Both of the days were stacked with great music. The first day I saw William Black, Dion Timmer, Kai Wachi, Saymyname, Troyboi, and RL Grime. My favorite sets of the night were probably Kai Wachi and Saymyname. Everyone that I saw threw down, but those two stood out to me. Kai Wachi just plays such a unique sound that gets the whole crowd going hard and I love it. That was my first time seeing a full Kai Wachi set and it will not be my last. Saymyname just had the crowd jumping and dancing for the entire hour. The countdown to the new year was in between sets so Insomniac did their countdown to 2022 with some visuals and confetti. It was truly magic.

On day two I saw Nurko, Kaivon, Of the Trees, Jason Ross, Flux Pavillion, Kayzo, and Rezz. My favorite sets of day two were probably Kayzo and Rezz. They both made the crowd come completely alive. I was so sad that day two had come to an end.

The weather was brutal. It was freezing. I bundled up with my artist merch and long sleeves and it was not enough. I hope those of you that attended the event dressed warm and didn’t make my mistake of not bringing a jacket. This was my second New Years' celebration with Insomniac and I am thinking of making it a new tradition.

I always feel alive being with the ones I love listening to some killer music. It makes the whole experience more euphoric. For those of you who went this year, you can attest to that. If you are thinking about ringing in the new year with Insomniac, I can tell you from experience that it will be one you won’t forget. I hope all of you had a safe and exciting New Years' celebration. May 2022 bring us all-new adventures, festivals, and some great new music. Happy New Year! 

Countdown Southern California

The lineup for So Cal includes Kai Wachi, Mitis, RL Grime, Saymyname, Subtronics, Kayzo, Jason Ross, and a host of other DJs. This is one of my favorite events. I went in 2019 and it was awesome. There are multiple stages, alien entertainers running wild, and so many activities to see and do. Insomniac knows how to throw an alien-themed party. It will blow your mind. If you haven’t purchased tickets yet, you can head over to the ticketing website here. Tier three tickets are 80% sold out, so I recommend getting your tickets fast. General admission two-day tickets start at 159.99 and VIP starts at 269.99.

The NOS Event Center is a beautiful venue that is perfect to ring in the new year. I’d suggest dressing warm because it will be a high of 67 degrees and a low of 41 degrees. We have a lot of cute outwear that will keep you warm and cozy during the two days. I will be wearing my Kai Wachi jersey with a long sleeve underneath and some black flare pants for day one. Day two I am wearing our Holo Star Mesh Bell Bottoms with a long sleeve crop top. The homegameauction website has so many different pants to choose from that will be perfect to ring in the new year. 

Countdown Orlando Invasion

Artists like Adventure Club, Gryffin, Flosstradamus B2B Nitti Gritti B2B Valentino Khan, Madeon, and Sullivan King will be performing. This is Florida’s first invasion and I don’t think it will be the last. There will be multiple stages at this event that will no doubt have tons of lasers and lights to transport you to another planet. The weather for the event is looking at a high of 71 degrees and a low of 50 degrees. It would be best to prepare for both. Bring light outerwear along with some cute pants and you should be set.

The Orlando Invasion website has tons of information regarding travel, hotels, airports, parking, and of course tickets. You can head over to the ticketing website here for more information. Two day general admission starts at 129.99 and VIP starts at 149.99.

Left: Liquid Tripp Ultra Crop Long Sleeve, Liquid Tripp Ultra Hi Rise Booty Shorts
Right: Liquid Tripp Buckled Crop Top, Liquid Tripp High Cut Thong Booty Shorts
Accesories: Lunautics Kawaii Hair Extensions, Nomad Kandi X homegameauction Space Babe Earrings

For what to wear to Countdown, you can't go wrong with shopping the New Year's Eve collection from homegameauction. This dreamy collection of shimmery metallics and glittery studded pieces has everything you need to bring in 2022 with all of the glam. Shop the new collection here.

It’s almost time to leave 2021 behind and start fresh. What better way to do that than with your rave fam listening to great music and hanging with some extraterrestrials. Both events are just three weeks away, so the time to prepare is now. Don’t forget to explore. Countdown has so many activities and places to see throughout the venue. There’s so much more to do than just listen to music. Stay warm, safe, and Happy New Year!

This was the second Countdown I have attended, but it was the first that was held on a single night. Even though this festival lacked multiple days like other NYE celebrations across the country, it surely didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. From the stacked lineup, the unmatched vibes, and extravagant art installations, my EDM loving soul felt as nourished as it needed to be to end the decade. 

The night began wandering around the festival to take in everything Insomniac had to offer. I always like to make it a point to experience the performers and art pieces outside of the main stages at a festival, and given how much my group and I planned on hopping from stage to stage early on in the night, we arrived at the front gates early with our excitement levels spiked high. 

Photo Credit: Insomniac/Countdown 

I’m a regular attendee of Insomniac events at the NOS Events Center, but I’ve never seen the grounds transformed quite as… other-worldly… as they were for the alien invasions at Countdown. Every corner was donned in extraterrestrial decor or inhabited by real life aliens. We stood in awe of the alien babes spotlighted in the makeshift red light district and my nostalgia was brought on full force by the Mars Attacks! aliens threatening to zap any passerbyers. Once the sun fully set the lasers that constantly shot across the venue were much more impressive, and I had to physically refrain myself from shouting, “Beam me up Scotty!” every time I saw one shoot overhead. Oh, did I mention that jaw dropping luminescent forest? If the sound of the stages didn’t pull me out of my wide-eyed daze, I could’ve spent hours wandering around in those beams of ever-changing colors. 

Photo Credit: Insomniac/Countdown 

The first set we started the jam-packed night with was throwing down with ATLiens at the Nebula stage. Once the sun went down the venue got COLD and only continued to gain a stronger chill once the night progressed. Luckily, there were plenty of heaters to huddle by around each stage so I stayed towards the back and danced during Gryffin and then headed over to finish out Elephante’s set at the Mothership stage. 

Passing by each stage gave me insight into how unique each one was set up and how it represented the name assigned to it. There were four stages set up at Countdown: Mothership, Nebula, Area 51, and Twilight Zone -- with the addition of two smaller stages/silent discos: Biosphere and Area 151. While my personal lineup didn’t allow me to fully explore each stage, they all had incredible production and did a great job of dispersing the attendees in an already crowded fest. 

Photo Credit: Insomniac/Countdown 

My night continued with rushing back to Nebula to catch Nitti Gritti and then back to Mothership to groove to Oliver Heldens. The excitement only grew with the booms of the bass as the clock ticked closer to midnight. 

Jai Wolf was my next stop. I’ve never seen a full Jai Wolf set before and now I’m slightly kicking my past self because I had no idea what I was missing. This was easily tied for my favorite set of the night. Jai Wolf’s set was the perfect mix of feel good tunes, familiar tracks, and absolute incredible beats that got me completely lost in the music and had my body groovin’ to each song. Which is exactly what I look for in a perfect set. 

Ok, now Porter Robinson. As soon as the set times dropped I was completely over the moon that I was going to be closing out the decade with a Porter set. He is my all time favorite artist and even though I’ve already seen him play 3 times this year, my stomach still filled with butterflies as soon as he took the stage. I heard a lot of talk on social media that his set was the most anticipated of the evening and I was fully expecting to be sandwiched in between ravers the entire time, but I was surprised that where my group was there was still quite a bit of room to dance around. Porter gave us quite possibly the best gift I could’ve ever asked for at midnight, ending and starting two decades with Language. My cheeks have never hurt so much during one set (from both smiling and the cold air). 

The remainder of my night and beginning of 2020 was closed out with SVDDEN DEATH’s VOYD set and 12th Planet. The entire evening was a flurry of extraordinary beats and joyful people. I did get a boost in my mood every time someone complimented my outfit, too! 

This year, I dove headfirst into the cyber vibes with the Reflective Wave Mesh Bodysuit and Down 4 The Ride Reflective Chain Chaps. 

Countdown 2019 was the best way I could’ve imagined ending both the year and the decade. Not only was the music incredible, but being able to groove, explore, and countdown to midnight with my favorite people was the cherry on top of a perfect event. 

While there are many NYE fests that call for your attention every year, I highly recommend spending your next new year’s celebration in Southern California. 

If you’ve received your wristband but are still stumped on who to lock in on your lineup, or you’re still debating on full sending it to this festival, worry not because this article will help persuade you to make those difficult decisions. 

While this stacked lineup is sure to have artists you’ll be dying to see, I’m sharing my thoughts to help narrow down those set conflict choices. 

Here are the top 5  sets I’m making a priority to attend at Countdown 2019. 

Yes, I am extremely biased because Porter has been my all time favorite artist for years, but for good reason! If you’ve never seen a Porter Robinson set, or you’ve seen 50, this is one performance you will not want to miss out on. His melodic beats and colorful visuals lift your soul and transport you to another world. Plus, he’s one of the artists ringing in the new year at midnight! Who doesn’t want to kiss their rave bae or dance into 2020 with Divinity or Shelter as the song that introduces you to the new decade? 

SVDDEN DEATH presents VOYD

SVDDEN DEATH is making his VOYD set at Countdown the first set his plays in the 2020’s. VOYD has been annihilating audiences in 2019, with theatrical stage presence and insane visuals, but according to SVDDEN DEATH the Countdown VOYD set is the one that really counts. 

This set will be a basshead’s dream come true, so if you have an itch to do some serious headbanging make sure to keep SVDDEN DEATH in mind. 

Oliver Heldens

If Oliver Heldens is on a lineup I always try to make it a priority to see him. His groovy sound creates the perfect atmosphere to let loose and vibe to some serious house tunes. If you’re a fan of his funky beats, this set is sure to make you walk away in a much better mood (even if you’re already having the time of your life). 

Want to be all up in your feels? Jai Wolf brings his emotional tracks to the table for every set he plays and Countdown should be no different. I have been particularly stoked to see him play since he released his album, The Cure to Loneliness, in April of this year. His newer indie/folk tunes are definitely a change of speed compared to the rest of the festival and I’m so excited to dive in head first. 

Why not melt your face off for the final set of the night? It was an extremely tough decision but 12th Planet has occupied my slot for the final set of Countdown. This is the perfect set to throw down any remaining energy you have at the end of the night and get down to some serious riddim and deep dubstep beats. 

I’ve shown you my essential lineup, so tell me who’s on your list of CANNOT miss at Countdown 2019? 

Still haven’t locked in your tickets? Get them before they’re gone! 

Here are some suggestions to help you make a great first impression with the electronic loving extraterrestrials: 

I Come in Peace.Love.Unity.Respect  

Step off your UFO and into the festival in this fun and glamorous space babe look. No matter what planet you’re from, you’ll be the star of the night in this holo-heavy outfit. 

Silver Drip Holo Corset Top, Neva Nude Kanye The Alien Super Holographic Pasties, Sky Full Of Stars PVC Mini Skirt, Demonia Hella Holographic Platform Boots

Future Reflective Renegade 

Reflect on 2019 and then take control of your future with this edgy reflective look. Not only is reflective wear one of the top rave styles right now, but you’ll shine brighter than the sun once those stage lights hit the crowd. 

Down 4 The Ride Reflective Chain Chaps, Reflective Wave Mesh Bodysuit, Neva Nude Reflective Cross Pasties

Alien Rave Babe 

Show your style is out of this world with this alien-inspired look. This outfit combines two of the most popular looks of 2019, neon and fishnet. If your fierce confidence from this look isn’t enough to make you stand out, the glow in the dark alien pasties will do the trick. 

Fishnet Bikini Top, IHR X J. Valentine PWR UP Corset,Pastease Glitter Glow In The Dark Alien Pasties, Heeled Combat Boots, Go After It Fishnet High Waisted Bottoms, Shrine Easy Tiger Alien Face Jewel

Captain Starlight

Get ready to take command of the stars with this complete outfit by homegameauction. You’ll be a shining star on the dancefloor with this look, topped off with an iridescent captain's hat, sparkling boob & body gems, and a holographic choker. You can find more complete outfits like this in the outfit's section of homegameauction's website!

Captain Starlight Outfit

Stay Lit

Looking for an easy way for ET to spot you and beam you up to his spaceship? Make sure you’re wearing a luminous look! Choose one of the light-up bodysuits and wings, and pair them with LED flow toys. 

J. Valentine Light Up The Night Bodysuit, Multi LED Wings, Astro Levitation Wand

Festival Fringe

Not onboard with the extraterrestrial vibe? Celebrate stepping out of this decade with these fringe-tastic looks. These colorful and unique outfits are just what you need to blast out of this decade! 

 J. Valentine Neon Carnival Fringe Harness,

J. Valentine Sassy Fringe Harness Bottoms, J. Valentine Sassy Fringe Harness Top

Sequin Star Sisters

Attending Countdown with your festie bestie? Check out these sassy and sparkly looks that feature subtle, space elements with these mesh skirts. The sparkles on the skirts will twinkle like stars under the stage lights, making you two the bright babes in this galaxy!

Don’t Forget the Fur

Stay fashionable and protected from frostbite with this year’s collection of faux furs and sherpa outerwear. Not only are these a must-have for the freezing New Year’s Eve chill, but they add a staple piece to any under-accessorized outfit. 

Now that you have your New Year’s Eve outfit put together, it’s time to finalize your welcome message when the aliens land at Countdown, December 31st at the NOS Event Center in San Bernardino, CA. See you there, Earthlings! 

Countdown announced an alien encrypted lineup that had Instagram and Reddit users scrambling to decipher the otherworldly hieroglyphics. That code was recently cracked and revealed an utterly stacked lineup for this year’s popular Southern California New Years' Eve fest at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino. Let’s break down which abducted artists you’ll be blasting off with into 2020. 

Feel Good Favorites

The first artists fans decoded from the list included the names, Porter Robinson, Said The Sky, and Jai Wolf. Personally, this was enough for me to be locked in on choosing this festival to spend my final night in 2019. I’m a huge sucker for music that can get me caught up in my feels during a huge event and this lineup is definitely full of the feel-good music that everyone can groove to. 

Who doesn’t want to dance their cares away on the last day of the year?

More artists on the list that fit this magical vibe include Gryffin, Elephante, Galantis, Alesso, and The Chainsmokers. 

The Best Bass

If the bass stage is where you set up camp for the night, the beats here will not disappoint. The invaders have a full attack ready for all headbangers ready to rage into the new year. 

Some of the most notable artists from this year’s lineup include 12th Planet, ATLiens, Borgore, and SAYMYNAME. The most anticipated bass set of the night (in my opinion) will be SVDDEN DEATH’s VOYD. This show has carried quite a huge hype from Bass Canyon, and I think I speak for everyone when I say, we can’t wait to see it live at NOS! 

This year’s lineup boasts a good assortment of artists that will abduct your mind with their tracks, and that isn’t just from the extraterrestrials that will be in attendance. Some of the house artists I’m most excited groove to are VNSSA, Luke Andy, Oliver Heldens, and Chris Lorenzo. Whether these artists are on the top of your list or you are yet to listen to them, their sound will be sure to pull you into their set and experience the chill vibes that have nothing to do with the frigid winter air. 

Come for the Music, Stay for the Experience

If the lineup wasn’t enough to get you to choose Countdown as the place to celebrate New Years, the galactic experience Insomniac has planned will get you onboard the mothership. 

In years past, human attendees have expressed how chilly it can get at this event, even when it’s located in the almost always sunny SoCal. Countdown listened to the feedback and announced their Global Warming Project for this year’s festival. This initiative includes indoor and heated stages, human heating pods, a solar flare garden, and indoor food & vendors. 

Even though this event is only one day, there is enough art, music, and good vibes beamed straight from outer space to provide the necessary festivities to make a more than memorable close to 2019. With a lineup this packed with talent, Countdown has set up four stages: The Mothership, The Nebula, Area 51, and Twilight Zone. Need to get the last solid photo of the year? Insomniac always has the best performers and art set up to document your memories for your followers or alien invaders. Plus, who doesn’t want a picture with a real extraterrestrial? 

Photo Credit: Insomniac Events/Countdown

Tickets for Countdown are now on sale! Still trying to see how you can pull together enough funds to secure your spot? Sign up for the affordable layaway option. 

Can’t wait to Countdown and blast off into 2020! See you there! 

I have been to the NOS Center a few times for events but this event was truly one-of-a-kind. This year, Countdown adapted a few new changes to the annual New Year's Eve event. Not only did the event switched from a 2-day to a 1-day event, but the event adapted a new theme for the evening. This year, we celebrated NYE with an alien/outer space theme for the event. Insomniac went all out for on decorations. Everything was alien, UFO or outer-space themed. They even used old carnival rides (the UFO shaped ones that spun everyone really fast inside) as a bar. The Area 51 bar was a spectacle to walk by and through. As always, Insomniac does a spectacular job with their performers. This year, special alien performers walked the grounds of the NOS Center. Talk about out of this solar system!

Photo Courtesy of Insomniac Events

Each set was zoom zoom zoom, and each DJ was supernova. I was able to catch every set I wanted to, but I had to brace the wind from stage to stage. Insomniac added plenty of space heaters to help but unfortunately, the wind swept the heat away. Regardless, everyone appreciated the help with the cold. The Solar Flare Garden was also created as an area to warm up and the flare part was a cool touch. 

Also the outstanding food options, my friends kept, and my fluffies kept me warm. So many beautiful people had fluffies on and I was loving it! I'm starting a petition to #BringFluffiesBack2019.

Get the Look: Side-stripe Windbreaker, Black & Silver Leg Wraps, Cross Faded Mesh Top, Disco Micro Booty Shorts, Alien Pasties, Fluffies

Insomniac added so many picture-taking areas for Countdown and for future events they’ll be doing, (*Cough* Beyond Wonderland *Cough*) It definitely got me pumped for 2019 festival season. 

Before Countdown, I wrote an article about 5 sets Not to Miss at Countdown and I was able to see every artist on my list - it was out of this galaxy! GG Mcgree came out onto the stage actually screaming into the mic. If that isn’t the easiest way to get me hyped for a set then I am not sure what could top that. Andrew Rayel was beautiful as always. I had to split Shiba San & RL Grime but it was worth it. The Prototypes were something else though, I have never seen so many people hyped for a drum and bass set like I did at Countdown. Even at Friction the crowd was wildly energetic (bonus: dancing definitely keeps you warm!)

Photo Courtesy of Insomniac Events

The stages were another world of amazing. Although the entire theme was aliens, each stage still looked different and brought a unique vibe to the event. During the  countdown they had aliens abducting whoever was playing and then they displayed the aliens taking over our screens and us. It was an amazing experience to be with everyone counting into the new year. This was my first Countdown experience and I have to say I’d love to do it again!

Hopefully 2019 brings you all the stars and planets you dream of! New events to go to and maybe I’ll catch you at a show this year, always come say hi! To infinity and beyond, fellow ravers!!!  

Cover photo courtesy of Insomniac Events

Andrew Rayel

I have seen Andrew Rayel countless times and his sets are always an amazing time. His music is so energetic that one minute you’re in the feels, and the next you're sweating from jumping in happiness. His euphoric tunes and progressive transitions are something that has set him apart. “One in a Million, Miracles, and Horizon ft. Lola Blanc” are some of my favorites. PLUS, Andrew Rayel will have a special place in my heart because my friends got engaged at his set EDCLV 2015! I'm definitely looking foward to seeing him again at Countdown. 

RL Grime 

RL Grime has made many music moves since he first debuted in 2012, but even more, since I first saw him in 2015. In simple terms, he never disappoints. Trap, Future Bass, Big room, and Electro house are some of the genres he can excel in whether he plays as Clockwork or RL Grime. His new album, NOVA dropped in July and has been popular ever since. More recently, he dropped NOVA remixes Vol.1 and Vol.2, which hypes me up more to see him. All the different genres he can compose means he can take you to another world of music without you even knowing.

The Prototypes 

Not new to the Drum & Bass scene, the Prototypes have been around almost a decade. If you’ve been to a D&B set, you’ve more than likely heard their song “Lights” released in 2014. 2014 was a great year for them - they were nominated for best DJ, best producer, best track, and best music video at the Drum & Bass Arena Awards. They’ve put their mark on the EDM and the music loving community by having an outstanding number of remixes with countless artists. There’s a reason they are in my top not to miss!

Shiba San 

I might not be a huge house fan but for Countdown, I am trying to go to each stage at least once. Shiba San is definitely one that I can go check out! Shout out to Dancing Astronaut for showing me “Okay”. It got me hooked to Shiba San. Spending more than 15 years in French hip-hop production, Shiba San knows how to keep your feet moving and your energy positive all set long. Catch me there dancing my fluffies off!

GG Magree

GG Magree is one boss lady I’m dying to see. She sings, produces, and is the CEO/creator for her clothing brand; is there anything she doesn’t do?! GG stays heavy with her sets but her vocals give her a creepycool-girll edge. I have only heard her voice on songs like “Heart” by LAXX, “Ghost ‘ by JAUZ, or her most recognizable “Frontlines” by Zeds Dead & NGHTMRE. Now that she has a full set I can go see, I’m making it my mission to see her. I heard she is also a cat lover (so am I) and she uses them in her visuals. Count me in at Countdown!

I can't wait to ring in 2019 at the NOS Center with all you beautiful people! If you're still on the fence about getting your Countdown ticket, I HIGHLY recommend getting one sooner rather than later. Tickets are moving quickly, so don't wait! 

This year's Countdown theme is new to the event. The new theme, Aliens and outer space, is one I am definitely down to be a part of. The outfit options are going to be out of this world ( think neon colors, shiny skirts, glitter, and awesome platform shoes)! I will definitely be channeling my inner Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century, for outfit and hair inspirations (plus, this is an amazing excuse to rewatch our favorite supernova girl in this classic Disney Channel movie).

Insomniac is known for playing their attendees (or better known as "headliners" of the event) and I'm really looking forward to how they'll execute this theme. For starters, the lineup was dropped last month in a coded message. Before Insomniac even had a chance to decode the lineup, the internet was buzzing with guesses as to who would be playing. When the official lineup was revealed, I was blown away -  what a great mixture of genres! I LOVE bass but I do love other genres and this event is going to be a melting pot of great artists. Big names like Alison Wonderland, RL Grime, Andrew Rayel, Tiesto, The Prototypes, and plenty more! They also have plenty of stages to pick from and all in one night. It only seems fitting since I live in Las Vegas that the Bass stage would be Area 51. Although I'm a true basshead at heart, Insomniac gives me motivation to check out each stage because of the promise of the amazing production at each one, and because of awesome names they gave them: 

• The MotherShip
• The Nebula
• Area 51 (Bassrush)
• Twilight Zone (House)

Additionally, I'm really looking forward to seeing the art installations and performers that’ll be there this year.  I am a geek for the clouds, stars, and anything in the sky so I'm curious and excited to see the themed-attractions at the NOS Center. 

In addition to the new theme this year, Countdown also dropped another change this year. This year, Countdown will only be one day instead of two, like previous years. Personally, I kind of like the idea of one day because that saves money on hotels and travel, especially since it is on a Monday. It should be cheaper than if it was on just a Friday night. This could also be beneficial to crowds, but most people have New Years Day off so we will see what kind of life forms come out to play. 

Tickets are available for GA, VIP or a "combo ticket"! A combo ticket gives you two tickets, one for Countdown and one for Audiotistic. Audiotistic is a two-stage event, also at the NOS Events Center on Saturday, December 29th, with major acts such as Porter Robinson, Drezo, Chris Lake and more. 

If you're looking for a New Year's Eve event that's out of this world, don't sleep on Countdown tickets! Grab yours while their still part of this world.