grinder said:
Info is from friends & DJs down there as well as my last visit where I saw that what used to be one of NZ's best clubs and certainly Welly's largest – Sandwiches – had converted half their establishment into a tacky burrito bar, and there was a DJ playing commercial, dirty electro to an empty floor in the main-room which would never have happened a few years ago. (To be fair, there's still the likes of D-Dog & co pushing quality international acts at Sammies but it must be a struggle for them from what I hear). So it was back to Cuba St, Havana and Motel to drink as we'd given up on dancing altogether after searching the city for somewhere decent…
With regard to Sandwiches, you are dealing with a very small city with an even smaller scene. They did what they felt they needed to to stay afloat, unfortunately it was aimed at a young crowd which inevitably meant it became predominantly dubstep, DnB and electro. I believe things are changing there again and there is far more focus on local four-four which is awesome to see.
Again though, it's a big venue and from what I have seen lately, it's the bigger venues that are struggling. People want to head out for fun nights where they don't have to fork out loads on a cover charge. they want great drinks and a solid vibe, this is why the bars are thriving.
grinder said:
I guess DJ's and dance music really just aren't cool or a novelty anymore and as small cities we're susceptible due to our small population sizes.
I don't think this is the problem, I believe that it is more to do with what I've already talked about, the same 10 DJs everywhere. There is a distinct lack of excitement in the scene. People are bored and over the same old. If promoters would only see this and start booking different acts and DJs instead of their mates every time, I believe things would start to thrive. There also needs to be a coming together of the scene, as it were. At the moment things are very segregated. Promoters are out for themselves, there's no cohesion. In Wellington we are trying to amalgamate our scene, to bring acts, DJs and promoters together to ensure our scene grows. And it's working. This is something Auckland has never been very good at doing, but I think it's time they started.
grinder said:
I hear shit still goes off in Berlin…
Shit goes off in Berlin because it a huge city that is focused on art in all forms. It's also centralised in Europe, which is where everything happens, and most of the worlds best DJs and producers are based there for at least part of the year. It's a musical hub, much like Detroit was in the 90s.
Sadly, NZ is always light years behind Europe with what we choose to listen to. Dubstep being a good point. You would NEVER hear those awful chainsaws and horrid wobbly bass belting out of Panorama Bar or Harry Klein. But we are the antipodes, we are so far removed that we simply have no idea.
Having said all of that, I have noticed a change in Wellington. People want quality four-four. they are actively seeking it out and there is an obvious disdain for the bass-heavy dubstep and gash electro. Now all it will take is those who are passionate about it to slowly build the scene up again. It's happening in Welli, it can happen in AK too.
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