2016: Epic warehouse parties ruled New York nightlife

We're looking back at the trends that defined dance music in 2016. Next up, NYC's fantastic warehouse scene

It’s a dark night in New York City. The ground is shaking, sparse illuminations dance from wall to wall and bodies bustle back and forth. The air is thick with a tangible heat that reaches up from the floor and engulfs the concrete structures and metallic framework inside this unassuming and remote location. People's eyes are full of bewilderment and they wear mile-wide smiles on their faces, spirits lifted into transcendence by powerful techno played by the world's best DJs on top-of-the-range soundsystems. This is no casual soiree or makeshift get together: this is one of NYC's full blown warehouse parties, packing as much punch as a weekend-long festival into one night of dancing.

While warehouse parties aren't anything new to the city, in 2016 they've played a prominent role in powering its scene. They're the pinnacle of a thriving underground and their popularity has exploded thanks to next-level promoters and ravers hungry to experience something off the beaten path. And with New York being, well, New York, crowds desire bigger rooms, louder sounds and more extraordinary line-ups.

Add to that the fact that mainstream tastes are turning on to more seasoned music with every passing weekend in the US. We see preferences changing from Diplo and Calvin Harris to Richie Hawtin and Carl Cox; those who once preferred clubs packed like sardines and massive wobbly bass drops realize there is much more to be discovered. After stuffing their heads into the innards of Funktion Ones and swooping across liquor-laminated dancefloors, these same characteristically insatiable music lovers find yet another layer: the warehouse.