In 2023, the global dance music scene was electrified as European hard techno and hard dance surged to dominance, captivating dancefloors worldwide. At the heart of this resurgence was LO PRO, a dynamic hard techno promotion company hailing from Washington, D.C. Founded by passionate music enthusiasts Nate Fleming, AJ Sharafeddin, and Mike Wagner, LO PRO has swiftly transformed from an underground spark to an internationally recognized brand within just two years. Their mission? To infuse the raw energy of European rave culture directly into the DMV’s vibrant nightlife.
LO PRO has forged partnerships with esteemed venues such as Bertha, Flash, Bunker, Strand, and Baltimore’s Mosaic Nightclub, presenting an array of exhilarating events centered on hard techno, hard groove, and Eurodance. The company has successfully hosted high-profile acts from Europe’s underground scene, including names like Fatima Hajji, Joyhauser, BYORN, Biia, and Parfait. Additionally, LO PRO is making waves with a burgeoning roster of North American talent, featuring rising stars like MADGRRL, Domina, and Neek. The upcoming month of July 2026 is particularly monumental for LO PRO, set to showcase heavyweights including HHUNTER, Junkie Kid, and Kayzo.
What truly sets LO PRO apart is its comprehensive ecosystem. The crew has established a resident artist program dedicated to nurturing local DMV talent, while simultaneously producing a YouTube series called LO PRO Live at Baltimore’s historic Graffiti Warehouse. Their growing merch line weaves together rave culture with high-end streetwear, further solidifying their unique identity. With plans to expand into new U.S. markets, Europe, South America, and to launch their own record label, LO PRO is poised for an exciting future. We recently spoke with Nate Fleming to delve deeper into this burgeoning collective, its origins, and its aspirations for the future of hard techno.
How did you first fall in love with rave culture?
“Thank you for having me! My journey into rave culture began with my first rave back in 2010. I was completely infatuated—the loud bass, the flashing lights, and the overwhelming energy of the crowd captivated me. Initially a dubstep enthusiast, my passion for electronic music grew. I immersed myself in various EDM sub-genres, finding joy in it all. Each experience made me appreciate the rave scene even more.”
What sparked the idea for LO PRO?
“In the period from 2023 to 2024, hard techno and hard dance experienced an explosive rise, particularly in Europe. I started paying close attention to this shift and was invited to the Verknipt festival in Croatia less than a week before it started. Seizing the opportunity, I booked my flight, and seeing the European rave culture firsthand threw me further into this world. I recognized that D.C. lacked a collective focused on this brand of techno, which presented a unique opportunity. I pitched the idea to my close friends AJ and Mike, and together, we brought LO PRO to life, quickly growing it into a recognized brand.”
Community and diversity are central to LO PRO. Why is that so important to you?
“Diversity isn’t just encouraged at our events; it’s essential to our identity as a brand and as individuals. The roots of dance music lie deeply entwined with queer and minority communities. Raves were born to be safe spaces—places to express oneself freely and escape the noise of the outside world, even if just for a few hours. Our events prioritize real connections and genuine energy, not simply trends. This authenticity resonates with people, fostering a rapidly growing, engaged community.”
How much of the LO PRO experience is inspired by European rave culture?
“I can’t claim full originality here; we strive to reflect the essence of European rave culture. From our marketing strategies to custom playlists designed for newcomers, we aim to encapsulate the vibe of real European raves. We’ve had the privilege of hosting fantastic European acts—Fatima Hajji, Joyhauser, and more—bringing that authentic sound to D.C. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear community members express gratitude for being introduced to artists they never thought they’d see live or for discovering how techno has positively impacted their lives.”
Which U.S. collectives have inspired LO PRO?
“While we draw significant inspiration from European artists, we also look toward incredible collectives emerging from the States. Groups like Trinity and Wasted Presents in L.A. and Agapë in New York are illuminating what’s possible for hard techno in the U.S.”
There are other techno collectives in the DMV. How do you view that scene?
“We acknowledge and appreciate that we weren’t the first techno collective in the DMV. Collectives like Maya Events, Neorave Nation, and others are crucial in pushing the sound forward. We’ve collaborated with several of these collectives and plan to continue doing so, not just to expand our brand but to foster and grow the techno movement here in the U.S.”
How do you approach genre when curating a lineup?
“Techno and hard dance encompass a wide array of sub-genres. We strive to book across this spectrum, from intense industrial techno to lighter hard bounce and everything in between. Our goal is for every attendee to feel engaged and energized from the moment they enter the venue until the final track plays.”
You’ve made a point of showcasing North American rising talent. Why?
“We believe it’s equally important to spotlight emerging talent from North America as it is to book established European names. Artists like MADGRRL, Angel Cannon, and others have graced our stages, showcasing the immense potential of U.S. talent in the hard techno scene.”
Tell us about the venues you work with and LO PRO Live.
“Fostering community is our top priority, and we’re fortunate to partner with some of the best venues in the DMV, such as Bertha, Flash, and Mosaic Nightclub. These venues facilitate our commitment to delivering quality hard techno consistently. Additionally, our YouTube series, LO PRO Live, captures live sets from Baltimore’s famous Graffiti Warehouse, allowing our community to connect and celebrate together.”
Tell us about the resident artist program.
“Our resident artist program is a cornerstone of our mission. We meticulously select and support the best local techno and hard dance artists, guiding their development and helping them grow beyond the DMV. It’s vital that our supporting acts feel valued and trusted, creating opportunities for them to showcase their talents alongside artists they admire.”
July 2026 is LO PRO’s biggest month yet. What’s coming?
“Our aim is straightforward: to create as many memorable experiences as possible while expanding our community. This July, we’re excited to bring sensational acts like HHUNTER, Junkie Kid, and Kayzo to D.C. These events are set to be our most significant and exhilarating yet.”
What’s next for LO PRO beyond events?
“We plan to expand our LO PRO merch line, launching items like signature LP trucker hats and more apparel. We want LO PRO to resonate not just within rave culture but in high-end streetwear as well. Additionally, we aim to establish our own record label, offering a platform for the artists who inspire us and discovering new talent.”
Where do you see LO PRO going next?
“Ultimately, we envision broadening LO PRO beyond the DMV to new U.S. markets, as well as Europe and South America. Our goal is to share the LO PRO experience—and the love for hard techno—with the world. LO PRO was founded by ravers for ravers, and that will always be our guiding principle.”
For updates and insights on everything LO PRO, be sure to check out their official Instagram.
