Little Haiti Rave Venue Unites Disparate Underground Music Scenes

Beyond the glitz of traditional Miami nightlife, there's a place where punk, techno, and goth lovers converge to enjoy the underground scene.

Located on Second Avenue NW in the heart of Little Haiti, the spacious yet discreet rave venue Domicile offers a venue for those seeking an experience that transcends the usual Magic City nightclub.

Like many who have heard of this place, college student Noelle Piatas was surprised to find that the city, with an international reputation for showcasing Latino opulence, glamor and culture, had a safe haven for those into all things grunge interested in techno. .

"I was very surprised by the number of people who attended the event because it looks pretty modest from the outside," said Piatas. "I just heard about this from a friend and decided to go there because I love the music they play and it was great from the start."

Therein lies the appeal and intent of Domicile: to be one of Miami's best kept secrets and to focus on partying.

"Often at events the camera is closed, which takes away the illusion that you should see what you're doing," says Daniel Bettencourt, a frequent visitor to Domicile. "It's also nice that people can enjoy the privacy of doing things they don't normally do and being able to express themselves. So I'm comfortable in a situation where I know people can't write what I do. and people just know how to have fun.

A quick look at Domicile's Instagram page confirms the understated vibe surrounding the attendees and performers, underscoring management's desire to cater to the underground scene while maintaining an aura of mystery around the space.

The New Times contacted the home's owner, Sagiv Isaraeli, several times, but was unable to arrange an interview as of press time.
While the club promotes events and artists on social media every weekend, many of the patrons are locals who find out about it through word of mouth.

"I actually found out about this place through a booking," says Winter Wrong, who was a DJ at the club and later returned as a guest. "You have to know where you're going. People of all personality types are welcome, but most [find their homes] through friends of friends."

The modus operandi tends to make followers of those who worship Domitilius. The proximity of the space and familiar faces contribute to the physical embodiment of its name: a welcoming place where people from all walks of life come together to have a good time. A house.

Some parties can even lead to the discovery of a whole new genre of underground music, such as Domicile's collaboration with funky dance party Probidæ or internet techno friends.

"You really hear a mixture of different genres, which makes it exciting," says Betancourt. “Baile Funk is basically Techno with a lot of Latin American roots and also a more hardcore type. There's also more hardcore and darkwave house music from the '70s and '80s, and that's the vibe they usually stay in."

Several prominent local music venues have closed in recent years, and Domicile has carved a unique position as a haven from the perennial chaos of Miami nightlife and the excesses of powerful tourist magnets like Miami Art. The week is a top priority for the club's longtime clientele.

“Unlike other hugely popular electronic music venues like Club Space or Treehouse, Domicile accommodates much smaller bands that mainly attract local talent and create safe spaces for people to express themselves,” explains Steffi Rangel, translator. "It's incredibly sad that Miami is losing places for local bands to host events, but at least we have a home where everyone can come together and enjoy great music."

A house. 6391 NW Second Avenue, Miami; www.instagram.com/home.miami.