Party Prophet: OLLYWOOD Is Rewriting the Rules of Queer Nightlife

If you’ve ever danced until the early hours of the morning under laser lights in Los Angeles, chances are you’ve already been touched by the magic of OLLYWOOD. As the mind behind some of the city’s most iconic queer nightlife events—TURBO, Evita, and Daddy Issues—OLLYWOOD has turned late nights into legendary experiences. Known for their maximalist energy, cult-y cool crowds, and genre-bending lineups, his parties are more than just events—they’re cultural moments.

Originally hailing from London, OLLYWOOD cut his teeth in the city’s gritty, DIY underground before bringing that raw energy to LA’s sprawling scene. That transatlantic influence is part of what makes his events so electric: a fusion of East End sweatbox spirit with Hollywood glam excess.

Beyond nightlife, OLLYWOOD is also building a new kind of creative network through his mens board at iconic model agency; STORM LA —a space for bold, beautiful faces who defy boring norms. Think fashion, art, and rebellion in one package.

At the centre of it all is OLLYWOOD himself—a curator, creative, and chaos-maker whose vision is reshaping queer culture from the dance floor outward.

What was your first clubbing experience in London—and how did it shape everything you do now?

My first gay clubbing experience was GAY late in SOHO London. I waited in line for around an hour to get in. I was terrified. It was the height of my emo phase so I was in a little tight polo, skinny tie, with black and white long hair. I remember feeling very confused because when I got inside, I expected to find people like me, oddballs and freaks, but instead everyone looked the same; typical white tanks, tans and short highlighted hair. When I left I was sad and questioned my identity. It wasn't until later that a boyfriend, who worked in fashion, took me to clubs like BOOMBOX where the crowd was more diverse and artistic, with people who liked to express themselves through the way they dress. The truth is, I have always felt more comfortable around "freaks" and the types of people that were probably bullied at school. When I put together a party now, I treat it like cooking, its a mixture of different ingredients and different people that make for a great party. 

What do you think is the biggest difference between London and LA nightlife?

When I first moved to LA in 2017, London felt lightyears ahead of LA and there was a feeling of all of the subcultures being in their own little pockets. I was used to a lot more diversity. But I'm proud of how much LA nightlife has grown in the time I've been here. There were only a few big promoters throwing parties when I got here and I'm excited to see so many new young promoters starting new parties. I'm always rooting for LA to be a city with legendary parties like New York, London and Berlin etc. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced throwing queer parties in today’s climate?

So I only throw parties in clubs and bars. LA has a 2am curfew which makes that very hard. We have a lot of cool warehouse parties in LA because of the curfew. But the warehouse parties face a lot of risk with being shut down and you have to build your whole infrastructure in the venue which is very expensive. Because of the curfew, I only have from 10pm till 1:50am to make money. In other cities most clubs close 4am - 6am. So that's a challenge to try and make as much door and bar money in that short time period. Also just getting people in LA to pay the door cover and spend at the bar is harder than other cities I have worked in. People need to understand they need to support the party or the party can't continue to happen. 

TURBO feels like a full-on art piece. What’s the vision behind it?

TURBO is now just 4 months old. It was created in partnership with the HUMP events guys. It's maybe the first party I have worked on that feels most authentic to my own personal style and aesthetic. The vibe is very sexy, black, leather, Balenciaga, Biker. We have really cool visuals. I am passionate about keeping the music feel good and dancey, but encouraging the DJs to put their own unique spin on it. We have an amazing venue; Harvard and Stone, which is an iconic rock music venue in Hollywood. It's super unique for LA, it's more like a dive bar from New York. There are not many venues like it in the city so it feels like you're transported somewhere else. 

Who are your biggest artistic influences—inside or outside of nightlife?

I studied fashion photography at London College of Fashion, photography and films are my biggest artistic influences. I grew up obsessed with Tim Burton movies and David Lachapelle shoots. So I have always been into these artists that have a signature style and build worlds in their work. David Lachapelle came to EVITA and really loved the party and I was able to tell him that so much of the aesthetic of EVITA is influenced by his work. The movies of Baz Luhrmann are also a huge influence and he also came to EVITA once. It's been incredible to meet my hero’s and have so many creatives at my parties that I admire and look up to. 

How has your model agency become part of your creative ecosystem?

I used to try and keep my fashion job and nightlife very separate, but then I realised how beneficial it was to blur the lines more. I love to invite my models and colleagues to my parties so they can become great places for creative people to network and connect with other people in the arts and entertainment industry. 

What’s the wildest thing that’s ever happened at one of your parties (that you’re legally allowed to share)?

It wasn't one specific thing. but one of our wildest nights was our first EVITA party back from Covid. Dua Lipa came and hosted and the line to get in was 2 blocks long, hundreds of people out on the sidewalk. The vibe inside was electric. People had been stuck inside for 2 years and everyone was so happy to be back out together and dancing it was unforgettable. 

What do you hope to communicate through your events? 

 I'm very aware that a lot of queer people still need to minimise themselves when out in the real world. Maybe they work a job that doesn't let them be themselves, they live with family who do not understand them or just find it hard to express their true colours every day. My parties are always about creating worlds where you can be the most extreme version of yourself and that can be different every time you come. I love seeing what people wear (or don't wear), I want people to dance, make out, make friends. I'm very gay and it's one of my favourite things about myself, I just want everyone who comes to the parties to love their queerness too. 

What’s next for TURBO and your other parties—any themes or collabs coming up?

I'm excited to see TURBO continue to grow and I hope it becomes known as a cool party that happens in LA. Ideally next year I would like to take it to other cities, the same way I toured my party DADDY ISSUES. It was an incredible time when I was able to tour that party and meet so many different people from all over the USA. I'd love to do it again with a new party.  Summer is coming soon, my business partner; Andres Rigal and I have a lot of major pool parties planned throughout the summer as well as EVITA pop up's, which we are excited to announce. 

Finally, what is your dream night out?

My dream night out is a night in! With my husband and my dog, Netflix and chill. When I'm not working I mostly want to be alone and have an early night. It can be very exhausting for your social battery, so it's important to recharge as much as possible. 

TURBO 

@THEPARTYTURBO

Is every fourth Friday of the month at HARVARD & STONE - HOLLYWOOD.