The word on EDM/Dance Music with Aegipan Samarawickrama
Greetings, weary travellers. It is I, Chief Lunatic Pan, returning once more to deliver all that is electronically holy. Rest a while; there’s much to discuss…
So… the literal last-minute cancellation of the Esoteric Festival deserves words.
Many made the trek down to Donald for the 8th Eso, only to be left high and dry mere hours before the gates were to open. I can’t imagine the heartbreak and disappointment after driving so far out to rural Victoria.
So it was uplifting to see so many renegade parties popping up in its stead. It’s the kind of “fuck it” DIY attitude that fueled the rave and doof culture to begin with. As a bonafide anarchist, it warms my heart to see good people finding ways to party.
Esoteric isn’t the only doof that’s been cancelled. Indeed, festival cancellation is a trend on the rise. The devaluing of live music and arts industries continues, and Canberra is not immune. Multiple clubs and venues closed, with RIPs to sideway, Transit Bar, and Reload; all three places where the underground had just started to find a home.
Thankfully, happier venue news is to come when we get to the gig guide.
It’s safe to assume that no help from the higher-ups is coming, so once again… fuck it, we’ll do it ourselves. Make your voices impossible to ignore (whether it lands on the ears of council workers, moneybags, or politicians). And use your democratic right responsibly this election and vote for those committed to sustaining these industries. Call your representatives, research policies, and use ya noggin!
Right… we can turn to our usual happier fare, starting with a couple of notable recent releases.
Friend of the column and all-round talented youngster Microbial released his EP Seriously Silly at the end of March, and it sure lives up to its name! Ferociously minimalistic without losing any psychedelic mojo, the four tracks on offer can best be described as two robots having a deep philosophical discussion while passionately going at (with R2D2 in the corner ranting about how humans wish they could become cybernetic).
Don’t believe me? Go have a listen to it yourself. All I can say is that Seriously Silly tickled my brain in just the right way.
Local legend and production wizard Ed Reading, aka Humanizm, delivers another cracker EP titled Auditory Cheesecake – four tracks of delightfully chunky, groovy, juicy techno to get fists pumpin’ and feet stompin’.
Reading’s whopping 20-year career is on display here. It’s a fantastically layered affair with some sweet melodic moments elevating the atmosphere built over the beats and bass, all polished with professional-level production that retains that dynamic human touch. Out now on Mindscape Records.
Assuming that you’ve got one of these cracker EPs playing (brain serenaded by scintillating sound) let’s move on to upcoming gigs. We’ve got some big ones to cover, but first, some good news…
Canberra’s got a new haunt for the Territory’s discerning ravers – Beatsuite Boutique in Belconnen. With all of the solid venues closing down, a new one dedicated to providing a home for the scene is an absolute blessing.
Legendary crew Headz are Rolling have already found residency there post Reload closure. A night of strictly wax selectahs throwing it down early April served as a juicy warm-up. But Saturday, 3 May, will see the crew properly settle into their new home with Royal Rollers. You know the drill – free entry, local line-up, great vibes. Let’s show Beatsuite Boutique some love for keeping the scene alive.
On Saturday, 12 April, BYO rave Dissolve took over a secret northside location from 9pm – 5am with a fat rig and a fully-fledged audiovisual experience for a night of D&B, breaks techno, and prog house. Seriously, check out this line-up – Burley MF Bassweight, cspo, former column head honcho Kazuki, Lucidity, and Zala. This was a strictly 18+ event where only the best of vibes were welcomed. If that tickled yer fancy, get on Facebook or their event website for updates.
And it wouldn’t be The Drop without Soliq Records and this time, newly-minted collective Bush Kulture present TWO big happenings: the Soliq Records Bush Birthday Party (April 24-25) and the launch of a new label called Chill Kitchen (25-27 April). Both are being held on private property in Kangaroo Valley, so if you’re up for the trip, you can expect three days of tunes and community amid a stunning natural backdrop.
What’s this? Vision Entertainment and Dragon Dreaming are bringing award-winning Kiwi artist Opiuo to Canberra? And they’ve got Floridian bigwigs The Sponges supporting? Truly, we are spoiled. Friday, 2 May is the date to get your behind down to the old, repurposed Greyhound club in Symonston for a night of riotously funky big-bass fun. You will find me there with a smile and a spring in my step, absolutely tearing up the D-floor. This is unmissable. Tix are $60+bf via Humanitix.
And that’s it for another issue! As always, get in touch with anything EDM and EDMadjacent that you feel deserves a push. Otherwise, party hard, party safe… and party kind. [AEGIPAN101@GMAIL.COM]