Fort Worth is carving out a vibrant niche in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene, fueled by events like Ubbi Dubbi, Shaq’s Bass All-Stars Festival, and regular gatherings at Insomnia.
As I parked in front of Insomnia recently, the crunch of debris under my tires resonated through my car, a stark reminder of the lively atmosphere that awaited me. The sounds of nighttime traffic from I-35 mingled with cumbia beats from a nearby pickup truck, while the distant barking of dogs and the pulsating trap beat of another truck created a rich auditory tapestry. Beneath it all, a steady bass thumped through the club’s retro rock façade.
Arriving around 8 p.m. on a Thursday for Open Decks, a weekly event where local DJs perform 30-minute sets in exchange for a complimentary drink, I stepped into an environment alive with dubstep vibrations. This event is a product of AFTERDubz, a collaboration between AFTRLIFE Entertainment and Wubba Dub Dubz, both of which have made Insomnia their home base.
Stefanie Jeffress, co-founder of Wubba Dub Dubz along with Bobby Gonzales, welcomed me to the venue to experience the energy of the space and meet her team. Jeffress, who has been immersed in the North Texas rave scene since high school, is dedicated to elevating Fort Worth’s EDM culture. This Saturday, her team will host the afterparty for Shaq’s Bass All-Stars Festival at Panther Island Pavilion, marking a significant milestone for Wubba Dub Dubz as they continue to expand the local scene.
In a green room illuminated by black lights, I met Jeffress’s business partners, including Gonzales, Tracy Hazelton, and Nick Perlmutter, also known as Bluff Baby. Each partner brought a unique background: Gonzales as a former rapper turned entrepreneur, Hazelton as a cybersecurity expert and DJ, and Perlmutter as a longstanding presence in the local scene. Their collective passion for music is evident, and they are committed to offering more than just EDM events, having hosted a variety of shows and activities, including punk concerts and disc-golf tournaments.
While I view EDM through the lens of festivals like Ubbi Dubbi, which attracted over 50,000 attendees last May, Jeffress and her team are focused on nurturing a community that welcomes all music lovers. They aspire to make every event a celebration of self-expression and connection, despite the challenges they face, including local competition and an evolving audience demographic.
While the EDM scene is often associated with a younger crowd, Jeffress noted a shift in age ranges due to rising costs associated with attending events. Despite this, she emphasizes that the essence of EDM remains unchanged: a welcoming space for those seeking connection and understanding.
The team recognizes that building a robust community requires effort and collaboration among promoters, as well as a commitment to safety and inclusivity. Jeffress has implemented measures to ensure a secure environment, including training bartenders in administering Narcan amid the ongoing fentanyl crisis, reflecting her dedication to creating a safe atmosphere for attendees.
As Wubba Dub Dubz continues to grow, their focus on highlighting emerging talent through initiatives like Open Decks serves to build a bridge for local artists to reach larger audiences. Jeffress and her partners are determined to foster a supportive ecosystem while navigating the complexities of the nightlife scene.
With a lineup of events that includes Shaq’s Bass All-Stars Festival and the upcoming Ubbi Dubbi Festival, the Fort Worth EDM scene is poised for a bright future. These gatherings promise not just music but a sense of belonging for all who seek refuge in the pulsating rhythms and vibrant community that EDM offers.
Upcoming events include Shaq’s Bass All-Stars Festival on Saturday at Panther Island Pavilion, featuring an impressive roster including DJ Diesel, T-PAIN, and more. The Ubbi Dubbi Festival is set for April 24-25, showcasing top names like Alesso and Zedd.
Insomnia and Wubba Dub Dubz are not just venues; they are thriving communities where individuals come together to dance, express themselves, and forge connections, all set to the electrifying soundtrack of EDM.
