Situated on the North Riverfront, Mississippi Underground (1441 N. 2nd) has been on the minds of electronic bass fans and late-night ravers since its reopening in January. Its host of music presenters perform their sets with neoteric visuals, often featuring laser lights and pulsing neon. During event nights, the floors glisten with platform boots and bright attire, with attendees dancing close to DJ boards and booming speakers. Melodic bass, techno, and other styles fill the room as the artists perform—each with their own eccentricities and style.
A recurring event at Mississippi Underground that has gained prominence in the scene is Materia—combining the innovation of several local DJs into a collaborative rave. The event was originally held at Broadway Boat Bar but quickly surpassed the venue’s capacity. While it is mostly hosted at Mississippi Underground, the event has also branched out to different venues around the region.
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“We’ve kind of grown together,” says Julian Jordan, owner of Mississippi Underground. “They outgrew [Broadway Boat Bar.] Now it’s turned into the monthly Materia the last Saturday of every month.”
The Backstory
Owner and event planner Jordan says that it all began when his father bought property in the North Riverfront area 13 years ago, renovating a loft space into the Jordan’s Warehouse hotel.
Soon after, the idea of opening a lobby bar emerged, and the Broadway Boat Bar was opened. But its capacity was just over 200 people, and Jordan’s friends and acquaintances in the music industry quickly outgrew the space and began their search for something bigger. Before Jordan purchased what is now Mississippi Underground about four years ago, the property had served as a soap manufacturing facility and a restaurant equipment resale shop. It had been abandoned for years when Jordan came across it.
The Space
The renovation process for Mississippi Underground was inspired by the venue’s potential for housing underground music events. The venue is transformed visually to accommodate each artistic theme prior to shows. In its usual state, graffiti lines the black walls, adding to the industrial interior. An ornate, colored chandelier hangs from the ceiling, glittering with strings and bows. The words “Mississippi Underground” hang conspicuously above the bar, washed in orange and blue light.
Mississippi Underground hosts many musicians, each bringing their own concepts and artistic ideas. The venue’s open space and flexibility serve to enhance the distinct styles of each artist.
The sound equipment is more than adequate for performers. Large speakers are stacked on top of each other, often set beside the stage to enhance the sound. Bright lighting oscillates between the stage and dance floor. Colored lights change hues based on the performance. In one video, glittering feathers sway atop the speakers to the rhythm of the bass.
The Future
Jordan says that he is always up for new ideas and collaboration, and the events calendar is always expanding with new performances.
Bass in Bloom, a techno bass show that highlights the work of local artists, will be making a quarterly appearance, with the next iteration expected this summer.
Later this year, Mississippi Underground plans to host afterparties for Paint Louis, a Labor Day weekend event showcasing the graffiti community, which Jordan says has been a huge part of his life.
The Materia raves, which are now held monthly at Mississippi Underground, have acted as a catalyst for engaging younger fans in the scene—something Jordan says he is proud to be a part of. He has connected the Materia crew with other promoters in the city, such as Downright Entertainment, in the hopes of expanding the rave installments.
Jordan says that reopening Mississippi Underground in January has created a model for other property owners in the area, which often close earlier in the evening and limit nightlife opportunities.
“We’re definitely just getting started as far as this venue goes,” Jordan says. “We helped form a neighborhood association, so that’s been pretty cool. All the other property owners in the area meet once a month. They have reached out, and there is an opportunity to purchase more buildings in the area, so there might be more projects ahead.”
Upcoming Events
March 30
Materia raves have become a highly anticipated event in the local EDM community, with the regular group of performers gaining notoriety for their original sound. Local artists Manapool, Nadir, Umami Beats, and Sweeet co-host the events each month. The night usually begins around 9 p.m and closes at 3 a.m the next morning. A host of eclectic local DJs will present their music with entrancing visuals. Tickets can be purchased at the door and range from $20-25.
April 6
Popular artist Bianca Oblivion will be joining the Materia crew, Chief Kaya, Ternion Sound, and Onhell on stage for an all-night party. The event will begin Friday at 8 p.m and close on Saturday at 3 a.m. Tickets range from $30-50 depending on time of purchase.
April 7
Selekta Presents: Teddy Killerz
Bass artists will present their sets in a special boiler-room style, beginning Saturday at 8 p.m and closing Sunday at 3 a.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door.
April 13 & 14
Follow artists down the rabbit hole and into an illusion-filled, Alice in Wonderland-themed event. A boiler theme will be set up in the main room, while 28 artists will present their sets around the venue. Vendors, flow artists, an LED panel, and more will be available to create an immersive experience for rave-goers. The festivities begin Friday at 8 p.m and conclude Saturday at 3 a.m. Single night tickets are $40 for general admission or $75 for VIP access. Tickets for both nights are $60 general admission or $120 VIP. The second night will begin Saturday at 8 p.m and end Sunday at 3 a.m.
