Who we are

Joseph Villa's roots in EDM trace back to the early 1990s, when he was a pivotal member of the rave group Global Underworld Network and World Evolution (WE). Global Underworld was comprised of Branden Powers, Nicholas Luckinbill (now with Insomniac), Chris Howland, and Joseph Villa himself.

Before 1993, Global Underworld had been organizing smaller indoor raves in discreet warehouse locations. However, they soon expanded their reach by hosting the first outdoor rave festivals in both Mexico and California during the early 1990s. This marked a significant milestone in the region's electronic music scene. The events were a resounding success, solidifying their influence on the burgeoning rave culture that is felt today.

In 1990, San Diego's downtown counterculture was poised for a significant explosion. The advent of the internet introduced a whole new realm of technology and connectivity. At a venue known as The Loft, located at 6th and Broadway, a vibrant mix of flower children, street artists, DJs, and emerging tech enthusiasts converged. This eclectic gathering laid the groundwork for the rave culture we recognize today.

The movement was rooted in ideals of peace, love, and harmony, emphasizing the notion that we are all one. San Diego and Los Angeles shared a deep connection in this cultural evolution, particularly through figures like Nik, who hailed from LA, and his lifelong friend Pasquale Rotella. Together, these cities played a pivotal role in shaping the modern electronic dance music (EDM) festival landscape.

Global Underworld's most notable EDM festival, known as Narnia, took inspiration from the beloved book series. This event transformed the outdoor rave scene into a magical, mystical fairytale centered around music. Narnia was the first outdoor EDM festival of its kind in the USA, and perhaps even the world, at that time, attracting thousands of ravers from across the nation and beyond.

Notable headliners included the Chemical Brothers, DJ Delight, Wicked Crew from San Francisco, and many more. With the visionary talents of Nik Nak and Branden at the helm, attendees celebrated the events as a foundation of love, community, and respect. The festivals grew so large that MTV and Spin Magazine came to document this groundbreaking phenomenon.

Other notable indoor raves organized by Global Underworld included Lilly Put, Universary, Edin, Opium, and Wild Kingdom, the latter being the first rave to feature fair rides.

As the late 1990s approached, the original collective known as Global Underworld disbanded. Branden moved to Las Vegas, where he became the entertainment director for the Hard Rock Hotel and Caesars Palace. Meanwhile, Nik and Pasquale propelled Insomniac to new heights, solidifying its influence in the 2000s and beyond. Joseph, on the other hand, established Electric State EDM to maintain his presence within the ever-evolving EDM scene.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Pasquale Rotella and Nick Luckinbill (known as Nik Nak) for their remarkable efforts in evolving what we began in the 1990s into the vibrant scene we know today. Let’s always remember to uphold the original foundation of togetherness and love; if we do, EDM will remain eternal. Love you all!