SESH

BASEMENT is an underground nightclub located in the heart of Queens, New York City, renowned for its immersive sound system and uncompromising devotion to techno music. Opened in 2019 beneath Knockdown Center, a multi-use arts and events venue, BASEMENT quickly became a central hub for the city’s electronic music scene. The venue was conceptualized as a true homage to the European techno tradition, with its industrial, concrete-walled interiors, expertly tuned Funktion-One sound system, and an ethos that places focus squarely on music rather than spectacle.

BASEMENT’s commitment to late-night programming, often running until dawn, has set it apart as a sanctum for dancers and music purists seeking out the dark, intense experiences that many associate with Berlin’s storied nightlife. In a city where many legendary clubs have come and gone, BASEMENT has established a cultural reputation as one of New York’s premiere techno institutions. It is celebrated for its inclusive door policy, dedication to safety, and for fostering a dancefloor environment free from the distractions of phones and cameras.

BASEMENT’s significance extends beyond nightlife; it is credited with revitalizing a sense of underground community in New York, often serving as a launchpad for local talent while attracting the world’s foremost techno artists. Since its inception, the club’s structure and core mission have remained unchanged, though it has occasionally remodeled aspects of its lighting setup and programming to enhance the experience. BASEMENT has also grown to include its auxiliary rooms, Absence and Otl, which serve as smaller spaces for experimental or adjacent sounds, further solidifying its role as a vital platform for electronic music in the United States.

Notable artists who have performed at BASEMENT include international luminaries such as Ben Klock, DVS1, Helena Hauff, Aurora Halal, FJAAK, Tommy Four Seven, D. Tiffany, LSDXOXO, Function, Blawan, Phase Fatale, Dr. Rubinstein, and Anastasia Kristensen.

It has also featured rising and established local acts like Umfang, Volvox, Beta Librae, AceMo, DJ Swisha, and Frankie Decaiza Hutchinson, ensuring BASEMENT’s ongoing resonance within both the New York and global music communities.