Collective Spotlight: CLBEVL
In this series, we spotlight up-and-coming collectives who are paving their own way while driving underground culture forward.
If CLBEVL seems elusive, that’s because they are. The LA-based label and invite-only event collective are on a IYKYK vibe, and that’s the way founder Daniel Garner likes it. Together with his community, Daniel throws a weekly party in LA’s Dirty Laundry club, as well as monthly warehouse events. The music is different to what’s usually on the LA-circuit. Daniel’s inspired by the sound of the UK underground from D&B to UKG to speed garage, which is why his events attract a crowd with a more left-field taste in music.
The CLBEVL imprint champions these sounds along with CLBEVL’s wider community. Artists on their roster include CYB3R, Mike Stern and POMPEZ, and celebrate bass music, positivity and inclusivity. Through CLBEVL, Daniel gives people who don’t fit into society’s binaries a platform to celebrate their authentic selves.
The Origins of CLBEVL
The name CLBEVL was inspired by horror films, although Daniel says the community is quite the opposite. “The name is just something I thought was cool,” he says, chatting from his home in LA. “I'm not an evil person, and the artists we work with are very positive and community-based. It's a vehicle to deliver the music that I love, and carve out this window for the art I want to curate and facilitate.”
It began as a radio concept in 2014, when Daniel and a friend were into Ed Banger, Justice, Daft Punk, and watched Boiler Room religiously. “We were DJing together, and started an online radio thing called Club Evil Radio,” Daniel says. “And we threw a lot of house parties, and grew an appreciation for the culture through that.”
Life got in the way, and Daniel had to put the project to one side. But he always dreamt of bringing it back to life. Then, in 2020, Daniel was given the opportunity to throw a bar gig at Dirty Laundry in Hollywood – and he had just the concept for it.
“That led to warehouse shows, so every Saturday we're at a bar in Hollywood, and maybe once, twice a month, we're throwing warehouse parties,” Daniel says. “It feels really good to be able to put your friends on and connect with people that like this music too.”
The Sound of CLBEVL
Daniel’s music taste is deeply rooted in the UK rave scene. He’s an artist himself, and has been producing music under his Aurient moniker for over a decade, but in the last few years the UK sound has dominated his style.
That, combined with the freedom of expression that defines CLBEVL’s community, has made their events some of the most forward-thinking and raucous on the LA circuit. “LA is in a cool spot right now, where it doesn't feel as cliquey or blocked off as it once did,” Daniel explains. “It’s a lot more accessible, and that’s cool because it feels like I can do whatever I want with the brand.”
Daniel feels empowered to push the art and music that he wants to push, and invite his friends to do the same. “I'm kind of a stickler with the art direction,” he laughs. “I love ‘90s anime and streetwear and the combination of dark and cute aesthetics. But I also love the classic warehouse vibe. So a lot of the tracks I'm making wink and nod towards that classic sound.”
The Label
Daniel launched the CLBEVL imprint in 2021. He showcases break-heavy, UK sounds while championing sex positivity, as sex workers make up some of his community. No other crew is combining the two, and Daniel’s aware it might take some getting used to.
“I'm not trying to, like, reinvent the wheel or create an imprint that’s hard to get on,” he says. "I want it to be accessible. I want to share it with the people that I love in my life and the people that I meet. The end goal is to build something that can organically grow, where everyone can thrive and feel safe being part of.”
The Wider Community
CLBEVL is all about friendship. The core crew is Daniel and his two housemates Mike Stern and POMPEZ, but their community extends far beyond that. They regularly team up with LA-based collective Coastal Hook to throw invite-only events together. “It's a monthly party in a new smaller space, maybe 150 capacity, and it’s just about the music and not about making money,” Daniel says. “We don’t post it on social media, we DM people the location on the day.”
The result is a community-driven event that only the extended crew knows about. It has warehouse energy with house party spirit, pushing the cracked-out, break-filled sound of the UK underground. And in a city that’s all glitz, glamour and influencers, Daniel feels it’s never been more needed.
“There is a very strong grassroots effort to rebel against that, and create events and spaces, usually after hours, that are inclusive,” Daniel says. “It’s a place where people don't have to worry about those things, and they can cross-dress, or wear no clothes, and just do whatever they want.”
Follow CLBEVL on Instagram for their latest events, releases and updates.
