THERE'S NO PLACE QUITE LIKE TUNNEL

A look inside the acclaimed queer party's return to Los Angeles: plus a conversation with founder, OZA

Founded in 2021 by resident DJ, OZA, TUNNEL has quickly become a regular haunt for the freaks, ravers, and electro connoisseurs of Los Angeles. It’s not hard to see why. The hybrid queer party and multimedia platform has a sultry, welcoming energy, with the aura of a runway show. TUNNEL has collaborated with unconventional artists across many mediums over the years, ranging from underground talent to globally recognized music and fashion brands like FKA Twigs and Jaded London. It’s become the West Coast mecca for club kids.

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The reason for TUNNEL’s genuine cult following extends past the material, though. There’s a certain balance about it. Masculine and feminine, novice and sage; it’s a place where contrast blurs, leaving nothing but your soul, the sound, and the dance floor. Combine this authentic balance with the sounds of techno, hyperpop, and electroclash, and one can’t help but give in and let TUNNEL reveal the depths of your freak.

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We attended TUNNEL’s post-hiatus homecoming on September 13 in Downtown LA and left with a reaffirmed understanding of “rave therapy” and unity.

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The talent curation for the evening was high-octane, recession-indicating fun, featuring indie electronic artists deBasement and Frost Children, and techno/trance/hardgroove DJs and producers OZA, u.r.trax, and Joanna Kuchta.

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We had the chance to speak with TUNNEL founder, OZA, ahead of the event. Check out our conversation and photos from the event below!

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‍How has your vision for TUNNEL changed over the years? In what ways has it stayed the same, and where do you want to take it next?

It's definitely evolved with me. Initially, it was about creating a space for queer people like myself and my friends that didn’t exist in LA at the time. Somewhere that felt safe but also raw and exciting, where we could fully express ourselves and push boundaries with music. Over the years, it has been wonderful to grow TUNNEL into a platform for emerging artists that links LA to underground cultures across the globe. My focus now is continuing to broaden our reach while still maintaining an intimate and rooted tie to the queer spirit that makes it so special.

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What do you want people to experience at TUNNEL?

Aside from the euphoria and release that accompany an exceptional rave experience, ultimately, I want people to connect with something new. Whether that be to an artist they discovered on the lineup, a person they met on the dancefloor, or to something within themselves. I hope each person leaves feeling expanded in some way.

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Describe how this particular lineup and event came together - what is your process for putting together TUNNEL?

I approach TUNNEL lineups in much the same way as I do when crafting a DJ set. I usually start by thinking about the energy flow I wish to create for the night. Then, I create a "playlist" of artists I believe are currently pushing music forward and feel right to tell that story. The narrowing down of my list and the logistics that follow feel like solving a 1000-piece puzzle, but I genuinely love the journey to the last piece. :)

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Follow TUNNEL on socials and stay up to date on their next event! @tunnel.worldwide