Kruder & Dorfmeister at The Novo

Peter Kruder and Richard Dorfmeister shaped a whole generation of late-night listening. The two Viennese producers, working together as Kruder & Dorfmeister since the early 1990s, built a sound that slipped between genres without ever losing its footing: slow-rolling breakbeats, deep bass, dub textures, jazz chords, and hip-hop weight. Their 1998 double album The K&D Sessions remains one of the definitive records of that decade, a set of remixes that turned tracks from Lamb, Kruder's own Peace Orchestra, and a dozen others into something hypnotic and patient.

They're playing The Novo in downtown Los Angeles on September 24, 2026.

The Sound

Calling Kruder & Dorfmeister "DJs" undersells what they actually do behind the decks. Their sets draw heavily on their own catalogue and the wider downtempo, trip-hop, and dub universe they've spent thirty years exploring. Where most club nights push tempo and energy upward through the night, a K&D set tends to unfold differently: a long atmospheric arc that rewards paying attention. You don't need to dance. You can, but the music works just as well if you're standing still, drink in hand, letting it wash over you.

That's rare in Los Angeles's electronic music landscape, where most bookings at larger venues aim for peak-hour energy. This show is something else.

The Venue

The Novo sits inside the LA Live complex on Figueroa in downtown LA, adjacent to the Crypto.com Arena. It's a mid-capacity room (around 2,200 people) with a solid sight-line setup and decent production values. For electronic shows it works well enough, though the room is more versatile than purpose-built for club-style music. Expect a standing floor with some elevated sections, and plan for the usual LA Live parking situation if you're driving.

Metro access is straightforward. The 7th Street/Metro Center station connects the A and E lines and puts you a short walk from the venue. From Hollywood or the Westside, that's your least painful option.

Why This Show Matters

K&D haven't always been a frequent presence on American tour schedules. They've had periods of inactivity, side projects (Peace Orchestra, G-Stone releases, studio work), and a general preference for Europe's festival circuit. A downtown LA booking is worth noting. This isn't a nostalgia play, either. Their recent sets have pulled from newer material alongside the classics, and they've kept up with what's happened in downtempo and electronic music over the past decade. The through-lines in their taste remain consistent.

If you came up listening to The K&D Sessions or found them through the broader trip-hop canon (Portishead, Massive Attack, DJ Shadow), this one deserves your attention. If you're newer to their work, September 24 is a reasonable place to start.

Tickets are available through AXS. The Novo is an all-ages venue for most shows, though specific age restrictions depend on the individual event, so check before you go.