After waiting in line for 2 hours to get into the Honest Deads Warehouse for the Merch Pop-up the day before, I knew I had to arrive early. Club Studio Time pop-up events are highly exclusive and a pretty big deal in Denver. You know which ones I’m talking about—those whitewashed walls, with the DJ perched dead center surrounded by fans going absolutely bonkers. I heard from a guy in line that they usually don’t let more than 50 people into a normal Club Studio Time set.
Luckily for me, this was the Deadbeats pop-up, and I believe their workspace was slightly larger. Rumor has it they’re going to let in around a hundred or so people. I arrived about an hour and fifteen minutes before the pop-up; I wanted to get there earlier, but the server at the brunch spot I was at took forever to get my check. As I made my way toward the back of the line in the scorching Denver sun, I was more excited than ever.
Denver doesn’t mess around…
Coming from Texas, I was thrilled to finally experience the videos I often watch on Instagram and YouTube in person. It felt different this time because it was a Deadbeats event featuring four different artists performing back-to-back, but still with the same club studio energy, on a slightly bigger scale. I was super stoked to catch a set by Distinct Motive. A personal highlight was when The Mellow Man arrived at the warehouse, running down the line, shaking hands, and taking pictures with fans. This small gesture made the whole experience feel even more intimate and personal than it already was.
After chatting with a young man from Texas, believe it or not, the time seemed to fly by. Five minutes until 11 am! We were getting close, and the excitement began to rise. What a time to be alive, attending my first Deadrocks and Club Studio Time event in less than 24 hours. This is definitely one to tell the grandkids about someday. Suddenly, we heard music coming from inside, the door burst open, and a nice gentleman in a Club Studio Time T-shirt made the announcement.
“It’s time! Come on in! “
Club Deadbeats Time.
Egar fans began pouring into the blacked-out warehouse. I was slightly perplexed because this was the same door we used yesterday for the merch pop-up. These wonderful magicians, where did all the clothes go? Whatever the case may be, I crammed my way inside and got as close as I could, front and center, without bulldozing through the crowd. Shosh was spinning and pumping the newly amassed crowd full of energy. I had missed her set the day before, so I was super excited to catch her performance.
A Club Studio Time pop-up was everything I had imagined it to be. Small and intimate, so close to the DJ booth you could almost touch it, and loud as all can be. Almost like you’re listening to your favorite DJ with your friends in your living room, only this was a real set taking place right in front of your eyes. Shosh’s vigor was unmatched; her long blonde hair flowed as she bounced back and forth. Her skinny arms pointed this way and that through her oversized baggy shirt. Her set was filled with nothing but bangers.
Shosh
I was so captivated by the overall vibe of the event that I almost forgot to focus on the music itself. Incorporating UK tones, the selection was gritty, uplifting, and had some garage-y undertones that added extra flavor. The highlight was definitely the end of her set, which was simply outstanding. When she slowed things down and delivered an incredible version of ‘Chrystals – The Days,’ I thought it couldn’t get any cooler. But I was wrong—dead wrong. They gave her one more track, and that’s when she truly wowed us with the most gnarly version of Wheatus’ ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ I’ve ever heard.
That was such an amazing experience! Every time the verse played again, it felt different — once it was a gritty drum and bass, and the next, it was this deep, billowing bass. It was so unique; I’ve never seen anything like that in real life before. As the last track faded out, I spotted a cheerful-looking, pale man wearing a baseball hat and a T-shirt that read “Dubstep.” Next up is Distinct Motive!!! I was so excited, I couldn’t help but scream at the top of my lungs, feeling like a true fanboy. And just like that, the switch was made.
Distinct Motive.
For a older gentleman, Distinct Motive, moved energetically across the decks as if he were 17 again. His sound is unique; deep, dark wubs will fill your mind. His bass seemed to engulf you completely in the cramped, crowded warehouse. We were nearing capacity, and it was getting extremely hot. We didn’t care, especially myself, being from Texas and all. ’90s rave vibes filled the room; sweat soaked my T-shirt and purple Colorado baseball cap. The woman to my right was a sweaty mess, but she had the biggest smile on her face.
Nobody seemed to mind the scoring temperatures; we were all caught up in the mesmerizing bass of Distinct Motive. Known for his hit track ‘Mellow Man,’ 2025 truly proved it was the year of the Motive. With an exciting pop-up performance at full speed and then supporting Zeds Dead at Night Two of Deadrocks XI, he was clearly on a mission. This set was no different. The bass shook the air, feeling like it was reaching deep into my soul—this guy was going all out! I wondered how he’d save any bangers for Deadrock’s tonight?
A brief pause in the middle of his set due to technical difficulties only made it that much more special. He was all smiles, and everyone seemed to cheer him on. Then he united the crowd in a massive Dubstep chant. I’ve died and gone to dubstep heaven. Blasting through his final tracks, I stumbled out of the room in a euphoric daze. It’s time for a coffee break and to get my butt back to Texas; my little man was sick, and Dad was needed at home. Until next year, Denver… fare thee well!