On the 30th and 31st of August, Värmeverket in Bredäng, Stockholm, was transformed into a pulsating epicentre of electronic music, art, and culture as the UNDERVERKET festival took center stage. The festival, which has quickly gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of music and creativity, delivered an unforgettable experience that captivated the senses of everyone in attendance.
A Celebration of Underground Sound
From the moment festival-goers entered the industrial, yet vibrant setting of Värmeverket, it was clear that UNDERVERKET was not just another music festival. The atmosphere was electric, with the venue’s raw, post-industrial charm providing the perfect backdrop for a celebration of underground sound, fashion, art and experimentation for the senses. The sprawling warehouse-like space was adorned with immersive art installations, creating an otherworldly environment where music, light, and color merged seamlessly.
The lineup boasted an impressive array of DJs and live performers, each bringing their unique sound to the festival’s stages. Attendees were treated to everything from deep house and techno, to hiphop and afrobeats, to rock,and experimental electronic music, ensuring that there was something for all kinds of music aficionados.
On the first day, the festival kicked off with an eclectic mix of performances that set the tone for the weekend. Highlights included a mesmerising performance by Victony, whose afrobeats enveloped the crowd in a sonic embrace. Meanwhile, the DJ booth was helmed by a rotating cast of talent, including the London-based DJ Lady Shaka, who brought the energy with a mix of club music with cultural and ancestral sounds that had the crowd dancing late into the night. Whilst the highly acclaimed Biji filled the white room with a roaring crowd.
The second day continued with even more electrifying performances. The Spanish DJ and producer BLANKA delivered a standout set, blending warm, exotic landscapes with experimental elements, creating a sound that was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Indian/Swedish DJ and producer, Javve, closed out the festival with a euphoric performance that had the entire venue moving in unison.
The Bawdy Yawdy Ball: A Night of Extravagance
One of the standout moments of UNDERVERKET was undoubtedly the Bawdy Yawdy Ball, which took place on the night of the 31st. This event, a spectacular fusion of performance art, dance, and music, brought a touch of extravagance and flamboyance to the festival.
The Bawdy Yawdy Ball was a celebration of self-expression, body positivity, and inclusivity, where attendees paraded and performed dressed in their most extravagant and creative outfits. The night featured a series of performances that ranged from voguing to all forms of beauty, fashion, runway and talent display, all set to a soundtrack of infectious beats provided by some of the festival’s standout DJs.
The atmosphere during the ball was electric, with a sense of freedom and celebration permeating the air. Performers dazzled the audience with their high-energy routines, while the crowd, dressed to impress, danced and mingled, creating a vibrant and inclusive space that celebrated diversity, queerness, femminity and baddassness in all their forms.
A Festival to Remember
UNDERVERKET 2024 was more than just a music festival; it was a celebration of creativity, inclusivity, and the power of music to bring people together. The combination of cutting-edge performances, immersive art installations, and the unique atmosphere of Värmeverket made it a truly unforgettable experience. As the last beats echoed through the venue and the crowd slowly dispersed, it was clear that UNDERVERKET had once again cemented its place as a must-attend event for electronic music lovers in Stockholm and beyond.
Whether you were there for the beats, the art, or the sense of community, UNDERVERKET left an indelible mark on all who attended, promising even greater things to come in future editions.
Tell us in the comments, what was your highlight from UNDERVERKET? If you missed this year’s festival, would you want to go next year? We’d like to hear!
