Inside NOLA EDM’s & The Midnight Assembly’s First UV Paint Party
⚜️ With two stages, underground selectors, and a full UV paint concept, NO RETURN is bringing festival-inspired energy back to New Orleans nightlife through a collaboration between NOLA EDM and The Midnight Assembly. ⚜️
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Inside NOLA EDM'S & The Midnight Assembly’s First UV Paint Party
New Orleans nightlife has always thrived when people decide to build the experiences they want to see themselves.
That spirit sits at the center of NO RETURN, the new collaboration between NOLA EDM and The Midnight Assembly bringing a two-stage UV paint party to Santos Bar this May. Inspired by the energy of old-school festival culture, late-night warehouse parties, and the raw chaos that makes underground nightlife memorable, the event blends bass music, club sounds, immersive visuals, and DIY spirit into one late-night experience.
For Lord Chilla, the idea started from a simple thought: why not create the kind of multi-room party experience New Orleans rarely gets to see anymore?
We caught up with Lord Chilla (@lordchilla) with The Midnight Assembly (@midnightassemblynola) to talk about the inspiration behind NO RETURN, building immersive nightlife experiences, and why underground events still matter in New Orleans.
NOLA EDM: For people stepping into the first No Return, what is this night and what inspired you to bring it to life?
The Midnight Assembly: I’m just going to be 100, I always loved clubs that had different rooms with completely different vibes, and I never been to a UV paint party before so I really was like, hey, lets throw one.
NOLA EDM: This is your first event together. How did the collaboration between NOLA EDM and The Midnight Assembly come about?
The Midnight Assembly: NOLA EDM has always looked out for me, promoting my events, doing what they can to lift me and everyone in the event throwing space up.
Selfishly this was my way of trying to give back, giving my experience and resources I personally wanted to see NOLA EDM front and center in the event throwing space.
So we linked up!!
NOLA EDM: No Return is built around two stages and an immersive UV paint concept. What was the vision behind creating a multi-sensory experience like this?
The Midnight Assembly: I like festivals, I like festivals a lot, seeing my favorite festivals like voodoo and buku leave New Orleans, I just really in my head wanted to pay homage to that era, DNB in one room, club music in another.
NOLA EDM: As organizers, you’re not just booking artists, you’re shaping the energy of the entire night. What were you intentional about when curating this lineup?
The Midnight Assembly: So I was responsible for booking the club section of the night.
But when it came to upstairs, Tokidokihoe was my first choice and I feel like she is the new headlining act in New Orleans and should be treated and respected as such.
I like what Jake Ryan has going on plus he kinda owed me one.
NOLA EDM: There’s a strong underground and community-driven feel to this event. What kind of space are you trying to create for people on the dance floor?
The Midnight Assembly:DIY till I die, I just honestly just want this to be fun, low pressure, and take photos of people with neon face paint lol.
NOLA EDM: Santos is known for its late-night energy and raw environment. Why was it the right venue for this concept?
The Midnight Assembly: It had to be here, Santos is the premier two stages late night venue in this city. One of my favorite parties Tech.N.O. does a monthly here and its always such a vibe.
NOLA EDM: What does No Return represent for you in terms of where the New Orleans EDM scene is heading?
The Midnight Assembly: To be honest this is really a call back to festivals of a bygone era in New Orleans like Buku Fest. I really wanted to capture that feeling inside a night club. As far as what the means as to where the edm scene is heading I just honestly hope its for the best tbh
NOLA EDM: Looking ahead, is this a one-night experience or the beginning of something bigger for NOLA EDM and The Midnight Assembly?
The Midnight Assembly: I will say this, NOLA EDM and Midnight Assembly are both individually run by two very busy people, so its not a matter of if but when, we’ve been having some dope talks so I will say this. Next time you see this collab again it will have to be major, and bigger.
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About NOLA EDM:
NOLA EDM is a New Orleans-based music and culture platform dedicated to documenting, promoting, and producing events that highlight the Gulf South’s electronic and underground scenes. Through artist interviews, editorial coverage, and festival production, NOLA EDM connects fans, promoters, and creators shaping the city’s next wave of sound. Follow NOLA EDM on Instagram for weekly event updates, giveaways, and exclusive artist features.