FNGRS CRSSD’s Proper NYE/NYD closes 2023 out in style [Festival Highlights]

FNGRS CRSSD‘s Proper NYE/NYD festival provided a lively celebration for house and techno enthusiasts, concluding 2023 on a high note and setting the stage for a dynamic start to 2024.

FNGRS CRSSD, renowned for its bi-annual CRSSD Festival, ushered in 2024 with flair through the second edition of Proper NYE/NYD. Spanning from December 31 to January 1, the event dynamically transformed San Diego’s Petco Park into a colossal celebration of house and techno music. The highly curated, four-stage spectacle showcased an impressive lineup of over 50 artists, including world-class talent such as Zhu, Chris Lake, Diplo, Tchami, 8Kays, Duke Dumont, and more. This diverse array of musical talents delivered an electrifying mix of beats that reverberated through a sold-out audience, creating an unforgettable New Year’s experience for all in attendance. Read on as we dive into the highlights of Proper NYE/NYD 2023!

The Venue:

Petco Park, typically known for its Padres baseball games, underwent a stunning transformation as it played host to Proper NYE/NYD. The festival’s use of this iconic and easy-to-get-to venue contributed to a unique and immersive experience in the heart of America’s Finest City. This was particularly evident with the festival’s expansive main stage, set on the baseball field—a relatively uncommon occurrence. With its natural logistical setup to accommodate large crowds, Petco Park had rather short wait times at the bathrooms and concession areas. Signage throughout Petco Park, guiding people to different festival areas, was clear and easy to follow, even though navigating the baseball stadium could be somewhat challenging at times. 

The four stages positioned around the venue were also well-spread out and strategically placed to minimize sound bleed. Something important to point out about this year’s edition is how different the stage layout was due to the construction going on at Gallagher Square, which hosted the festival’s second-largest stage last in the 2022 edition. As a result, a makeshift space was created in a parking lot outside of Petco Park to accommodate Proper’s second-largest stage. The only real negative logistical experience this year was getting inside the venue, especially on the first day. Lines were very long and somewhat disorganized in comparison to the smoother operations of CRSSD 

The Talent

Proper NYE/NYD’s lineup was undoubtedly a major draw, featuring a carefully curated selection of both established and emerging artists. The inclusion of world-class acts like Chris Lake, Diplo, Tchami, Claude VonStroke, Claptone, and Duke Dumont and rising artists such as Simon Doty, Azzecca, 8Kays, and others showcased the festival’s commitment to providing a diverse and electrifying musical journey through the realms of house and techno. On day one, Hayden James brought his contagious groove to the Field stage, mesmerizing the crowd in attendance. Massano continued to captivate both new and existing fans at the Wall stage, flooding the dance floor with his melodic techno tunes. As the night progressed, Tchami and Duke Dumont heightened the anticipation for the new year at the Field with their dynamic and diverse styles of house music. Closing out the night (and the year) was none other than GRAMMY® nominated producer Zhu, who delivered a stellar and dynamic performance. The high point of his set was complemented by a fireworks display lighting up the whole baseball field, creating a stunning scene as he started to play ‘Faded.’

Proper continued into 2024 with amazing artist sets on day two at the Field. English electronic duo Gorgon City ignited the Field with a high-energy set that was very techno-infused featuring tracks such as their remix of John Summit’s ‘Where You Are.’ Diplo took the reins soon after and continued the techno vibes through the first half of his set. His experience in captivating crowds showed as he played mashups of pop vocals infused with recognizable techno rhythms. Boris Brejcha took the stage next, delivering his signature high-tech minimal sound to the Field. The masked producer’s track selection, coupled with ignited pyrotechnics and an energetic crowd, undeniably marked his performance as a standout moment of the night and the entire weekend. Last but certainly not least was Chris Lake, the Black Book Records boss, who brought the weekend to a close with his tech-house sound, setting the crowd on fire.

The Production

When it comes to production, FNGRSS CRSSD typically places a strong emphasis on the music rather than extravagant stage designs and festival themes. This was particularly evident at the three smaller stages this year, where sound quality was excellent with little to no soundbleed despite their proximity. The stages still had enough visual elements such as LED features (the Wall was using multiple projectors), strobes, lasers, and floodlights, perfectly synchronized with the beats of house and techno. Even the Field stage, with its massive LED screens and towering speakers, maintained the same minimalist vibe as the other stages, providing a backdrop for world-class headliners. This approach is expected from the promoter and aligns seamlessly with the CRSSD vibe. In a festival landscape where elaborate production is increasingly anticipated and demanded, it’s refreshing to enjoy the sounds of house and techno music in a large-scale event that still gives off an intimate vibe

Final Thoughts

In its second iteration, the team at FNGRS CRSSD utilized Proper NYE/NYD marked a triumphant return of house and techno to Petco Park. Despite the ongoing construction at Gallagher Square prompting FNGRS CRSSD to reevaluate the festival layout, the promoter adeptly adapted, ensuring an overall pleasant experience. The crowd exuded a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the production met the high standards associated with FNGRS CRSSD events, and the 50+ artists showcased their exceptional talents. Considering it’s only the second year of the festival, and with ongoing construction, one can anticipate optimizations for future festival editions. For aficionados of house and techno, Proper NYE/NYD should undoubtedly be on your list of must-attend New Year’s celebrations.