Escape, Insomniac’s yearly 2-day Halloween celebration, is set to take over Southern California once again this weekend – turning NOS Events Center into a Psycho Circus!
While you may have your must-see sets ready to go, Escape is always a great way to find rising talent as well! Here are 5 of our top recommendations:
1. Zoey808
Who?
“Who is Zoey?” isn’t only the name of this masked artist’s debut album, but the question everyone’s been asking. Zoey808 has blown up so quickly that fans immediately clocked that there was no way a newcomer could have production this clean. His identity had been speculated to be anyone from Crankdat to Getter, but Redditors have zeroed in on the producer Diamond Pistols, due to previous work and his current connection with bbno$.
What to expect?
At first glance, Zoey808 makes fun if not basic trap; his SoundCloud hits include viral remixes to Mau P, Chris Lake, and Playboi Carti. But while he leans into his super y2k, meme rap/internet culture persona, his recently released album belies that he can go hard too. For his Escape set, we’re predicting a high-octane trap set that will bring out your bass face, but with just the right heaping of meme.
When?
Sat 5 PM at Sewer District
2. Rossy b2b Pauline Herr
Who?
Best friends, trap princesses and Sable Valley darlings Rossy and Pauline Herr are joining the Escape lineup this year under the absolutely stacked SV label takeover. This is one of the only times Insomniac has given them a prime-time festival slot, so you have no excuse to miss them! The girls are weapons when playing alone, but an absolute force when they’re playing b2b.
What to expect?
Both DJs credit their inspirations to OG icons like RL Grime, Flosstradamus, and Baauer – so if you love trap, you will love their set. For Escape, you can most likely expect the best of Sable Valley mixed with their own original styles. It won’t be just your typical “pots and pans” trap, but expect them to delve into wave, experimental trap, and even some future bass.
When?
Sat 11 PM at The Warehouse
3. Korolova
Who?
Korolova is a melodic techno/progressive house DJ who has quietly risen to fame (#50 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 this year!) playing not only all the big international festivals (Tomorrowland, Ultra, EDC), but in stunning iconic venues (think Pyramids of Giza, Tulum, etc.). Most recently, she released tech house banger “My Mind” with JOA, via Experts Only.
What to expect?
If you’re looking for a place to get lost in some deep trance-like vibes while also dancing to dark, energetic tech house, Korolova’s set will provide that space. You’ll be able to see why she’s such a global phenomenon (if not quite as big in the States) when she sends you on a progressive journey.
When?
Fri 6:55 PM at the Big Top
4. The Outlaw
Who?
For those who haven’t already put two and two together: The Outlaw is DJ Snake. More specifically, DJ Snake’s bass alias that he debuted at Lost Lands in 2024. This will be a big Escape year for the French DJ, as there will already be a Snake presence with his highly anticipated Marshmello b2b on Friday, but he’ll also get the chance to break out the heavier bass here.
What to expect?
Judging from his Lost Lands set and LA premiere show, the Outlaw will most likely bring some peak era trap/brostep/riddim, mixed with some of his signature hardstyle/hard dance sounds. For his Escape set, you can expect 2014 trap, you can expect the wubs, you can expect the bong-bongs. But whatever you do – do not expect simply regular DJ Snake.
When?
Sat 9 PM at Sewer District
5. Dual Damage
Who?
Dutch rawstyle duo Dual Damage has absolutely taken over the hardstyle scene in recent years with their divisive style and sound. At first glance, they may look like The Chainsmokers of hard dance; their mass appeal speaks for itself as they completely packed out the Wasteland stage during EDC 2025.
What to expect?
Energy, energy, and more energy! As the unofficial face of “modern” hardstyle (regarded as the sonic opposite of classic hardstyle), Dual Damage has put PVC kicks on the map. Expect to hear those extreme kicks (sounds like punching a PVC pipe on the ground), energetic breaks, and even uplifting melodies in their set – and expect to break a sweat!
When?
Fri 8 PM at Feeding Grounds
Check out the full Escape lineup here!