From "Basements Secrets" to E1 Sound: The Rise of TENSION

From basement beginnings to one of London’s most iconic club stages, TENSION’s debut at E1 is a celebration of underground spirit, friendship, and the dance floor energy that built it.

There’s a moment, just before the lights break through the haze, when the bass hums like it has a heartbeat of its own. The crowd leans in, the room holds its breath — and then the drop hits. That’s the essence of TENSION.

Born from the shared vision of three London Sound Academy alumni — I-DA, MARIUS SEBASTIAN, and MAXYM — TENSION was never just about throwing parties. It’s about crafting nights where the connection between DJ and dancer feels alive, where every track is a conversation, and where you leave knowing you’ve been part of something real.

It all began in the intimate basement room of Star of Kings, thanks to the support of Rob Star Pubs. Those early sessions were raw, close, and electric — the kind of nights where you could feel the energy in every glance and every bassline.

E1- London / Pic Credit: Licklist

From there, the journey picked up pace: an afterparty set on the MainStage at Egg London, a string of sold-out events, and a landmark birthday takeover at Ministry of Sound that brought together friends, founders, and a full-throttle dance floor.

Now, on Saturday 16 August 2025, TENSION steps onto one of London’s most respected stages: E1. Known for its impeccable sound and forward-thinking programming, E1 is a place where underground ideas get the spotlight they deserve.

Funktion-One Evo system from Sound Services installed in London club E1 - Credit: Audio Media International

About E1 London

E1 is one of London’s most respected electronic music venues, famed for its custom Funktion-One Wall of Sound and a warehouse energy that’s pure underground. Since its record-breaking 27-hour NYE opening in 2017, it’s hosted legends from Luke Slater to Sol Ortega, while staying true to its roots. This August and beyond, its forward-thinking bookings keep it at the heart of the city’s club culture—making it the perfect stage for TENSION’s E1 debut.

The lineup is a statement in itself. Alongside the founders, the bill features four Patchouli Deep residents — MARIUS SEBASTIAN, FERNWEH, AVANTIME, and MEAKIN — each bringing their own distinct sound and deep connection to our community. They’re joined by SONG & TOLLER, and PETER PIXZEL — co-founder and resident of the iconic WYS! at Fabric, whose career spans from Amnesia Ibiza to Womb Tokyo. His set will be one of those moments where London’s diverse dance tribes lock into the same groove.

At Patchouli Deep, we’re proud to see so many of our residents shaping such an important moment in TENSION’s journey — proof of what happens when friendship, creativity, and persistence come together on the dance floor.

🎟 Tickets: ra.co/events/2226093

📸 Follow TENSION: instagram.com/creative_tension_2025