Created partly as an excuse for us to see all our favorite bands at once, and partly as a response to the massive, sweltering day-time festivals – Substance is an immersive indoor experience steeped in visual and sonic exploration – bringing the global pioneers of the alternative scene together with the most essential contemporary acts from the US and abroad.

Now in its sixth year, Substance draws deeply from the ever-evolving scenes of Post Punk, Dark Wave, Industrial, Synth Pop, Experimental, and beyond – with multiple stages, levels, rooms, and installations – Substance offers a festival-quality lineup in a breathtaking, humane environment with top-level audio production and stage design.

Substance 2025 returns to The Belasco in Los Angeles and the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco.