Snapped: Indie Festival Phenom Off the Grid Campout’s 10th Anniversary (A Photo Essay)

Off the Grid Campout founder, visionary and DJ Mikey Made has been on a mission to foster community in the SoCal dance music scene for over a decade. In the past few years, he’s expanded OTG’s footprint from Austin to Mexico City and many points in between. He’s acquired his own remote festival getaway – a sacred outdoor space dotted with Joshua Trees, only 2.5 hours from LA, as well as a new rave-ready warehouse in Santa Ana. Made has also brought The Scarab and The Cloud art cars to the likes of Burning Man, Lightning in a Bottle, Desert Hearts, and more. Each production is ideated and built by Made’s True Crew, a group of live event creatives (many of whom are also DJ’s) that come together for each unique build, whether it’s on home turf or under the often crazy conditions in Blackrock City. OTG events are not about VIP lists or hierarchy. There’s a palpable sense of equality and open access, which isn’t always found at today’s festivals.

“This is all for you.” – Mikey Made

From early roots throwing remote renegade desert raves with a few dozen friends, to celebrating 10 years in the game with a flagship 4-day festival, the journey has not always been easy. Maintaining harmony in an ecosystem of countless collectives, artists and promoters is always a challenge, but at the end of the day, the unforgettable sets, new friendships, and endless good vibes till the sun comes up make it all worth-while. From international touring legends, to today’s hottest trailblazers, to platforming rising talent that might otherwise not get a shot at the big stage, Made takes great care in curating his lineups, covering a wide range of house, techno, and drum and bass subgenres. Keep an eye out for upcoming events on their site and socials.

Special thanks to volterock_media and @that.cameradude for the images.