Volume 96, Issue 22
Friday, October 4, 2002
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Raving about London's electronic party scene
By Ben Freedman
Gazette Staff
 |
Allen
Chen/Gazette |
In the bowels of the
London underground, there exists an incendiary hedonistic cult. Unbeknownst
to many, the London electronic music scene has been resurrected since
the fall of Lush Nightclub as a phoenix of creativity and groove induced
meditation.
International DJs will play London at a cheap rate because they want to
come here. It's a breeding ground better than Toronto and Montreal, says
former Western alumnus Matt Wright, owner of Uber Industries.
Uber is one of many new, local companies whose business is hard partying.
Often started by students, the owners of these companies are young idealists
who believe in preserving their fountain of youth.
"We attract anyone who loves art and music together," says Ryan
Alaly, co-head of promotions for Endo Industries. "People who love
to be alive have created something with unprecedented momentum. It's a
good feeling."
Endo is amongst the oldest of the entertainment companies, having started
in January 2000.
Alaly says Endo Industries' kick-off event, called Entering Your Mind,
was the first local electronica party in 10 months and acted as a rebirth
of the London scene.
"We had all been partying in the electronic scene for four or five
years and it was dying," he explained. "We loved it and wanted
to give back – music makes me happy and this is sharing the love."
Alaly's sentiment is echoed by everyone involved in party promotion or
production. The pervading attitude is that quality must be a priority
over finances.
"The first and primary motive is to provide everyone with a party
they will not forget," says DJ Ruckus, co-owner of NEC productions.
"We want people on their deathbed looking back and thinking 'That
was a wicked-ass party.' Quality DJs, quality acts, new venues –it
shows how far we've come. Now we're beginning to go international and
intercontinental to bring in the best in the world."
Much of the current local vibesurrounds DJ Ruckus, whose expertise is
best placed behind his tables instead of party promotions. He spun in
London this past Friday on a break from his eight month, international
BIORHYTHM tour.
"Ruckus is incredible. He plays for the crowd and he's been doing
it for years," says Matthew, a veteran partier in the London scene.
"He epitomizes the scene in London, because he started here and in
the next few months he'll be massive."
Uber Industries has continued to be a fixture on the London scene. They
put on "Educate" parties at The Stonehenge nightclub on Dundas
Street on Thursday nights, showcasing DJs generally from the London and
Toronto scene.
"London is a better breeding ground for DJs than Toronto," says
Wright, who has been putting on the Educate sessions since the school
year began. "People are coming here from Toronto because it's ridiculous
out here right now. This is the place to be."
The Educate series brings in a slate of reputable DJs who run the gamut
of electronic genres and play until 4 a.m., Wright explained.
Those in search of an alternative to Jim Bob Rae's discover refuge in
the midst of an accepting crowd in the emerging scene. Many people are
unaware this avenue for partying even exists, while others shy away because
of a perceived association with raves and drugs. Ironically, though, London
parties have been almost void of young raversand the drug presence has
been very low-key.
"I don't think that there is a problem with [drugs] because people
keep it to themselves. These parties all have a bar atmosphere, without
the typical floor-dwellers or cracked-out-E-tards," says Amanda,
a veteran partier. "The age restriction definitely helps and the
security is prominent."
For those interested in the electronic party scene, there is reason to
be excited about living in London – this is where everything is happening.
When asked to define what the inexperienced might expect, Wright laughs,
"It's party music. It's where music is coming fromspecial effects
and instruments taken to a new level. We play with history, without the
limitations of the norm.It's mental and organic, with an earthy feel,
combining analog and digital."