Downtown Phoenix venue Warehouse 215 pulsated with sounds and color on Saturday, June 21, during the latest installment of the Phoenix Warehouse Project’s clockwise-360 stage series: a headlining set by Chase & Status, the duo’s first show in Arizona in over a decade.
An event promoted by AfterShock Bass, Relentless Beats, and Phoenix Warehouse project, the event featured two stages- the Cathedral Stage (main indoor) and the Vestibule Stage (semi-outdoor patio), separated by the immersive Drum & Vase art Gallery, an interactive floral installation with glowing vases and vibrant designs that attendees could pass through between or during performances.
The night was a series of drum and bass sets from DJs across both stages, each building up the energy and setting the tone for the night ahead.
CHIIEF opened the Cathedral Stage with a mix of hard-hitting tracks that filled the atmosphere with sentiments of nostalgia and euphoria.
The night progressed with sets by U.K.-based artist Fred V, from former duo Fred V& Grafix. Fred V offered a smooth, melodic blend of drum & bass songs, like the duo’s hit “Ultraviolet” and Wilkinson’s “Used To This,” with the transitioning into some harder-hitting dance tracks as well as displaying multiple lasers and flickering lights from above.
Opening for Chase & Status at 11 p.m. was artist Pola from duo Pola & Bryson. Pola followed with a vibrant set that balanced the heavy drums and bass with heavy-hitting drops, mixing in early 2000’s R&B hits that had the crowd singing along.
Also opening the night during CHIIEF’s set was local artist Troneva on the Vestibule Stage. The intensity grew throughout the set, featuring vocal-heavy experimental basslines.
Following about an hour later was JMAU5, another local artist who some could argue brought some of the most intense, vibrant energy to the night. People from outside the patio came swarming in to listen, creating a tight but extremely energetic ambiance. A majority of the tracks got mixed with samples of popular rap hits such as Travis Scott’s “Fein” and Lil Uzi Vert’s “Just Wanna Rock,” as well as a combination of EDM hits like Fred Again’s “Everybody.” Elements of dubstep, hardstyle, and classic EDM were each brought to the set, earning a strong crowd response at the end.
Finally on the Vestibule stage was Arietta, brought on a similar vibe to JMAU5 with the continuation of heavy bass; however, it had a bit more melodic and dynamic feel.
By around 12:45 a.m. (Pola left the stage slightly after his expected end time of 12:30), all eyes turned towards the headliner of the night, Chase & Status.
The U.K.-based duo started the set off with their hits, “Selecta,” featuring Stefflon Don, along with some of their rap hits, “Liquor and Ciggarettes,” and “No Problem.”
From there, the energy from the crowd took off with the teasings of their top chart hit “Baddadan” throughout a few of their tracks, along with hits “Backbone,” featuring British rapper Stormzy, and “Disconnect,” featuring Becky Hill. The majority of the crowd sang in unison and bounced in rhythm from beneath the floor.
Performed within the 360-degree stage setup, the show provided fans with a fully immersive experience, allowing them to capture the performance from various angles. Lasers cut through the fog from every direction, with the bass vibrating the room. As the final track faded out, the adrenaline stuck around- capping off a night driven by sound, speed, and pure energy, leaving attendees with an unforgettable impression of Chase & Status.
Edited by Shi Bradley
