Travel With Me Through Proper NYE 2024: A Journey Through Sound
Story // Will Bollini
As the final hours of 2024 ticked away, thousands of music lovers flocked to the heart of San Diego for an unforgettable two-day experience at Proper NYE 2024. Hosted by FNGRS CRSSD at the stunning Petco Park, this festival delivered a euphoric blend of house and techno, creating the perfect atmosphere to ring in the new year. Let’s take a trip back through the energy, the beats, and the unforgettable moments that made this festival truly special.
The Grand Kickoff: A Sunset Welcome with Eli Brown
The festival began with an electric surge of energy as Eli Brown took the stage, setting the tone for what would be a night filled with pulsating basslines and driving rhythms. The crowd instantly fell into sync, moving as one under the golden glow of the San Diego sunset. His signature sound—dark, hypnotic, and deeply immersive—was the perfect invitation into the world of Proper NYE.
Grooving into the Night: Green Velvet’s Masterclass
As darkness settled over the festival, we made our way to Green Velvet’s set, where the house legend was delivering a masterclass in groove and funk. His iconic vocals boomed over the speakers, igniting singalongs and cheers as his tracks weaved through acid-house influences and infectious beats. Watching the sea of smiling faces around me, it was clear: Green Velvet wasn’t just playing music—he was controlling the pulse of the night.
A Midnight Like No Other: Eric Prydz Brings in 2025
The countdown to midnight brought us to the ultimate destination: Eric Prydz. There was an air of anticipation as the first notes of his set rang out, carrying the audience into an emotional, transcendent soundscape. As the clock struck twelve, fireworks lit up the San Diego skyline, blending with Prydz’s stunning visuals in a breathtaking symphony of light and sound. If there was ever a way to step into the new year, this was it.
Day One Highlights: Patrick Topping’s Infectious Energy
Another standout performance on night one came from Patrick Topping, whose high-energy set kept the dance floor alive. His seamless blend of house and tech-house rhythms had the crowd locked in from start to finish. With infectious beats and an undeniable stage presence, Topping ensured that the energy remained sky-high as the night progressed.
Day Two: Rising with Lane 8’s Ethereal Soundscapes
New Year’s Day greeted us with Lane 8, whose sunrise set was nothing short of magical. His melodic house sound, accompanied by dreamy synths and warm basslines, created an atmosphere of renewal and reflection. The festival grounds felt like a sanctuary as we danced into the afternoon, soaking in every beat and every emotion. It was the perfect way to reset and recharge for another night of music.
Dom Dolla Brings the House Down
As the evening arrived, Dom Dolla took the stage and wasted no time in delivering a powerful, groove-heavy set that had everyone moving. His signature basslines and expertly crafted drops created an electrifying experience, making his performance one of the most talked-about of the festival. Dom Dolla’s infectious energy was impossible to resist, making for an unforgettable addition to the night.
The Grand Finale: Charlotte de Witte’s Explosive Closing Set
As Proper NYE 2024 reached its conclusion, techno queen Charlotte de Witte took control of the decks, unleashing a relentless, high-energy set that captivated every soul in attendance. Her deep, driving beats pulsed through the crowd, leaving no one standing still. The synergy between her and the audience was undeniable, making for a closing moment that was as intense as it was euphoric.
Day Two Highlights: Kaskade’s Mesmerizing Journey
A true legend in electronic music, Kaskade brought his signature melodic and emotional sound to Proper NYE 2024, creating a breathtaking journey for festivalgoers. His set was a blend of uplifting vocals, deep basslines, and cinematic progressions that resonated with the audience, providing a perfect contrast to the harder techno and house sets of the night.
A Proper Celebration to Remember
Proper NYE 2024 wasn’t just a festival—it was an experience, a journey through sound, energy, and celebration. Every set brought its own unique flavor, creating a seamless, immersive adventure through the very best of electronic music. As we left the festival grounds, hearts full and feet sore, one thing was certain: this was a New Year’s celebration for the books. Until next time, Proper NYE—we’ll be counting down the days.
