Category: Events
Techno Beach Miami | SU.06.30
Visionquest at Mansion Review
My first time back at Mansion since my First/Last time in 2008. Gotta say I like what they did with the venue overall and would come back. Not too crazy on Thursday. Not too many Dbags.
Only bitching:
01. Sound – I don’t know why clubs with big money get EAW/Funktion One. All top and Bottom – No Mid/Mid-Bass. It’s not terrible, but it’s not in the same universe as Dynacord/EV or 8th day.
02. Lee Curtiss – His productions are nothing short of incredible, but disappointing mixing as usual. I don’t think he was Fd up either. He played early so no excuse. Some artists should stick to producing and keep far away from the decks.
Techno Beach | SU.04.22
Miami Nightclubs Grow a Dick?
For too many years there hasn’t been many choices to go hear quality electronic music in Miami, and perhaps most of the U.S. Most venues have stuck to a Top 10, commercial, safe, cheese sound. Basically whatever is on the radio or Area. Most venues have stuck to the same boring, stale, played out Guetta, Afrojack, Laidback Luke formula month after month with no hope of fresh sounds in sight.
Like most real house music lovers, I don’t ever listen to the radio, and I especially don’t listen to Satellite Radio. Whenever I’m in a friends car that has satellite radio, and we turn on Area, we burst out laughing at how bad the music is. Then BPM is even more of an abortion. It’s sounds like “Kids Bop 21.” I picture a bunch of kids dancing around a cartoon mascot. If it’s a successful formula, why does Area keep changing it’s name every month?
I don’t shuffle everyday, or ever.
Electric Pickle came in around 2008 and was the only club that had the guts push the envelope. It was a risk that worked way better than anyone’s expectations, with the venue now overcapacity most nights. Miami New Times rated Electric Pickle a well deserved Best Nightclub. Pickle has been consistently flying in the hottest upcoming talent week after week. It’s one of the few venues where people “Go For The Music.”
Other than Pickle, there’s Treehouse, and the Monthly Techno Beach party we started due of the lack of choices.
Right after WMC 2012, all of a sudden other venues are Growing a Dick.
Mansion
I realize, underground house music sounds are not for everyone and every venue. Case and point – A few months ago Mansion had Dennis Ferrer, who I thought was a perfect fit that could have just played his cheesy “Hey Hey” hit track all night long, and the crowd would have been happy. However, Ferrer decided to play Subb-an and other Deep House grooves. It was quite the mistake, clearing half the room, and getting Ferrer kicked off the decks within 45 minutes.
I’ve been to Mansion once, and never again. Everyone I respect has the same view. The layout sucks, the vip consumes the dance floor, and the crowd consists of top 10 desperate douche bags. We all feel the same way about SET and pretty much anything Opium Group puts out.
Now Mansion is doing Art Department on Thursdays. I still will not go though.
LIV
Live is probably one step above Mansion and other Opium properties as far as over the top commercial sound. LIV attracts people like Paris Hiltion that think it’s a fucking barmitzvah and you can nag the DJ even if it’s Steve Angello to play Hip Hop or “Something You Can Dance Too” mentality.
Now LIV is bringing in Danny Daze this Thursday to open up for Guy Gerber. WTF?
Club Space
I haven’t been to Club Space in over (4) years either. The last time I was there, I had a girlfriend in town and wanted to show her the Terrace till the next day. Unfortunately Lazardi (their resident DJ) was playing the most awful top 10 garbage mixed in with latin beats. Yes I know we’re in Miami, but it doesn’t mean you have to play so latiny. The small group of people that seemed to enjoy it would jump up only when the smoke blew while the majority stood around barely moving their heads. Needless to say we were disgusted that the #1 rated club for electronic music in the U.S. was like this. We left, and I have not returned. Occasionally they bring in Loco Dice, Marco Carola, Desyn Massielo, some talent in the Techno Loft, and I’ve been tempted to go. Other than that, Club Space hasn’t brought in breakthrough talent in a long time.
Now Club Space is bringing in Audiojack on May 5. If they’re doing it in the Techno Loft – Lame, Terrace – Awesome!
What does all this mean for the electronic music lover in Miami? Variety finally? I don’t think clubs like Mansion and LIV are ready, or will ever be. They should stick to their mainstream Demographic. Club Space on the other hand can probably pull it off and should get rid of commercial sounds all together. Yes I realize it’s a business, but you have to take risks.
Whatever happens, I’m happy enjoying quality electronic music with friends and quality music lovers at Electric Pickle, Treehouse, and Techno Beach.