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What's Happening With Durban Dance?

What's Happening With Durban Dance?
Submitted by XTREME-CLUBA on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 - 10:55

London FlyerOverseas the clubing scene is growing at a tremendous pace.

With huge dance events happening all the time!

Just one look at this flyer from London, and we get an idea of how big the dance music scene is over there. With the support clubs get, they are able to host huge events like this all the time.

The less support we give clubs here in SA, the less chance there is of big events such as this one coming to our country. Big name DJ's hardly ever consider us when going on tour. With more help from us, we could change this, and hopefully make big name DJ's want to come and perform here, and this will lead to our country and hopefully Durban being the host of some fantastic events.

Because as I'm sure you have noticed, even when a big name in the music industry comes here to SA, they hardly ever come to Durban, it's always either Cape Town Or Joburg.

What are your views on this? Is the Durban dance scene alive, and how can we improve it?




Subject: 
To be honest
shan's picture
Author: 
shan
Date: 
22 August, 2006 - 15:21

In my opinion hard house died some time ago.
No matter how good the drugs are, people just arent into monotonous aggressive doef doef beats anymore!
In its place we have electro and IDM (intelligent dance music) where there is more personality to the music and you have to have a sense of rhythm on the dancefloor (well its advisable anyway - you cant always hide amongst the lazers and strobe lights!!)
In a place like London where there is an endless anount of subcultures of course the house scene is very much alive...but Durban punters can be categorised really easily and are somewhat fickle.
Ya it does suck that Durban constantly overlooked and CT and Jozi get all the cool gigs...but we can only hope the situation will get better when there are decent venues to host world class acts. Seriously when was the last time 330 hosted an interntional dj like carl cox? Feels like at least 5 years ago.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Yep, from what I remember,
capdog's picture
Author: 
capdog
Date: 
22 August, 2006 - 15:31

Yep, from what I remember, house peaked out in 1998/99 or so, with the Mother Raves and all that. It's been on decline ever since.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Hard house
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
22 August, 2006 - 19:35

I no hard house has pretty much died out here,but it would still be cool 2 have at least 1 or 2 clubs around that still played hard house.As regards 2 what Shan says about international DJ's playing at 330.Just last year Several big name Dj's played at 330.
1 - Cosmic Gate played there in September.
2 - Judge Jules played there in December.
3 - The Organ Doners played sumtime earlier last year.
4 - cant remeber the Dj's name,but he is Japans no.1 DJ also played there last year.
And that just naming a few of the more famous Dj's..
So it wasnt that long ago that a big name DJ played there.
330 had the hard scene going strong untill they where forced 2 move due 2 the land lords decision 2 double the rent.
Yes its true that Hard House peaked in the 90's but that doesnt mean it cant make a come back.
In my opinion the hard house scene is dieing out, but can still be bought back,with the help of sum events every now and then....And of course building more world class venues here will help alot.Just look at the sucess of 330,
Rated in the top 10 clubs in the world
it was also the loudest club in the southern hemesphere
and is in the gueness book of record for 'club that has stayed in the same venue 4 the longest'.
And played host 2 the worlds best Dj's
So you can imagen what sucess we could have if we had several clubs that played hard house.I think u would be surprised.....


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Just look in your back yard...
the_looking_glass's picture
Author: 
the_looking_glass
Date: 
22 August, 2006 - 20:20

Errr, maybe the electronic scene would be on the rise if we all stopped complaining about it and actually started supporting local events. VERY GOOD EXAMPLE: The last Trip Hazard party. They had the best Break Beat, Incredible venue, cheapish drinks and Nick Grater AND an international DJ. So where the F***K were all the okes that complain about the durban scene? NOWHERE to be seen, there were like 10 people at most. Very sad indeed. Thats why they wont come here. Beacause we dont even support our local networks. Nice one guys.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Argh! Please don't hit me
capdog's picture
Author: 
capdog
Date: 
22 August, 2006 - 20:24

Argh! Please don't hit me angry man!


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Think about it
the_looking_glass's picture
Author: 
the_looking_glass
Date: 
22 August, 2006 - 20:34

You cant deny how cool the first party at the Willowvale Hotel was. Well, after that Im really surprised at how empty the last Trip Hazard party was. Its shocking to see an event like that fly by unnoticed. Dont worry guys, at least I'll be at the next one!


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Willowvale
shan's picture
Author: 
shan
Date: 
23 August, 2006 - 08:01

First party there was awesome - because of several things...it was a Rustpunk party and they worked damn hard promoting it. The Wild Eyes were also a big drawcard.
As for Triphazard, they use sms and emails to promote the parties but ive yet to see flyers / posters / any print media advertising. And you would think if they could bring out international djs theyd have some kind of budget to get the word out!


[ reply ]

Subject: 
True
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
23 August, 2006 - 19:00

Ya,like i said.If they just advertised properly.They would see alot more success.Think about it.90.percent of the time you find out about an event by seeing it on flyers/posters and so on.So i cant see why they dont.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
It was promoted
the_looking_glass's picture
Author: 
the_looking_glass
Date: 
23 August, 2006 - 20:14

I saw more flyers for that party than all the rest of them! They were all over the uprising festival, where hundreds would have been reached, I saw posters at Vestige, and they have a database that they sms. It was emailed too. If you think back, how was the rustpunk party better promoted? Anyway, I just want another big one with ALOT more people. What are your suggestions of getting the crowd there?


[ reply ]

Subject: 
ya
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
23 August, 2006 - 20:53

Ya,i also want another big 1.I sapose the only way to get more people there other than the tipical flyers and posters which must be put in all the right places, is to get advertised on TV and the radio most importantley,Coz if you think about all the events in the past that had big turn outs,they where all advertised on TV and radio.Thats the only thing i can think of doing 2 up the crowds.Coz without them,these events are destined 2 die out.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
I think TV is a bit
capdog's picture
Author: 
capdog
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 08:36

I think TV is a bit expensive, but radio maybe an option!

I can understand the Rustpunk party being busier - The Wild Eyes are quite well known, and you'll probably find Rustpunk has a much more dedicated fan base. This makes a big difference, cause people often support events when they know the DJ's that are playing.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Agree
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 10:03

Yes,i agree.....


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Understand
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
22 August, 2006 - 20:39

Yo i understand what you are saying,another problem is that the dance music scene doesnt get much publicity.Like that event u just spoke about,i never heard of untill now.4 sum reason DJ'S dont get any recognition,but if ur f***in name is Robbie Williams then ur talked about all over the radio and TV.Pathetic......


[ reply ]

Subject: 
dont moan about people not
Author: 
dysan1
Date: 
23 August, 2006 - 21:30

dont moan about people not going when people are not clearly and definitively informed. we cant suck information out of thin air. in london events are very well advertised, the same for cape town and other cities. in durban events pr is almost non existant and that blame should be directly aimed at crap, unprofessional promoters.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
UM
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
23 August, 2006 - 22:15

Well thats exactley what we are saying.In london they advertise well and here they dont.And if i could complain directley to our 'crap,unprofessional promoters' then i would.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Theres truth there
the_looking_glass's picture
Author: 
the_looking_glass
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 20:31

It would be comforting to know that it was, in fact, simply a case of bad promotion, and not a lack of interest from those who were informed. That's my real beef, people who do know but dont feel like coming. It would be nice to know that there are people waiting in anxiety for parties, because then its a case of contacting these promoters and suggesting new ways to distribute info. Ultimately we all just want big parties!


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Party
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 20:48

Ya,i guess the only way 2 find out, is to make sure that the events are well advertised,then if the turn out is still poor,then we no people just arent interested,and the promoters are not 2 blame.but i doubt thats what is happening,coz judging from other events that have gone by recently,the ones that where well advertised got good turn outs and the events that where poorly advertised got bad turn outs,as im sure uv noticed.
But yes 'Ultimately we all just want big parties!'
Thats 4 sure.....


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Well, this is not entirely
capdog's picture
Author: 
capdog
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 08:38

Well, this is not entirely true either. When Carl Cox (i think it was him, it was one of the big names) came to 330 recently, there were billboards everywhere! It was on the radio, everything. And the party was well attended.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Yes thats true
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 10:02

Yes,that is true.That was Judge Jules,there where billboards all over the place,I remember now.That is why 330 had better turn outs than most other places 4 there big events,coz when they had an event,they tried there best 2 advertise the DJ that was coming.If other places did the same, then im sure they would have simaler success.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Judge Jules... that was it.
capdog's picture
Author: 
capdog
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 10:15

Judge Jules... that was it.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Yip
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 10:36

Yip,did u go check it out, 330 was very fill that night,But not as fill as there closing down party,i couldnt even move,was insane.Got sum vidoe footage of that night.If u want it,i can send it 2 u sumtime.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Yeah I was there, only went
capdog's picture
Author: 
capdog
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 10:53

Yeah I was there, only went cause I got freebies from someone who didn't need them! Went in for like an hour, decided it was TOO full and then left.

Send me the footage! As long as it's less than 10 megs.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Cool
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 11:00

Cool,I just lv getting free entrance 2 clubs.It sure beats paying like R.50 ,sumtimes more, 2 go stand in a club thats so fill u cant even move in.

Sori dude,the footage is about 100.megs.Got a new phone with a 1.gig memory card in it,so i went mad that night taking vids.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Hey there
EMAN's picture
Author: 
EMAN
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 12:40

I was there for 330's closing night and ohh my word . U cant even describe it .

Any way Clubs like 330 are too few here in Durban or should I say non-existant . Firstly clubs are getting boring here and this needs to change .

When Big Events Happen Here In SA they would rather go to jo's or capetown and hense another Majour factor for the why bother attitude that is taken by the organisers when it comes to advertising .

Also Ppl are not on the look out for Adverts half the tym because they dont expect anything will be happening here .


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Hey dude, welcome, ya it's
capdog's picture
Author: 
capdog
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 13:31

Hey dude, welcome, ya it's an interesting one. Some people believe that house is dead/dying, and not worth it (there are bigger and better things), but then some people here want to see it revived! Supply and demand. If enough people still enjoy the music, then another club will open up.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Very True
EMAN's picture
Author: 
EMAN
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 13:49

Capdog - U are so right .
we'll just have to c if and when another club opens .

I personaly love almost all music and so am still content with the clubs that are around at the momment . I think that the current clubs should be encouraged to play alot more House or even have House nyts every so often - almost like an event .

That might help to encourage ppl to request house .

If House is dying/dead then it becuase its been religated to the back of the popular pile .


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Ya
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
24 August, 2006 - 13:59

Ya,i agree.I think club should have nights dedicated 2 diffents types of music,that way more people will come 2 like that type of music which should lead to other clubs opening up.I think that soon sum1 will open up a club that plays house music,and take advantage of the closing of 330.Coz if sum1 opens up a house club now,it will attract all those patrons that went 2 330, since there is no other places currentley playing that music.

Pretty good idea,i think.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
330 2 reopen
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
27 August, 2006 - 15:15

Hi there every1.Good news for all us house listeners.As i thought would happen is true, club 330 which recently closed down is 2 reopen sumwhere around new year.So look forward 2 this 1.It will be good.

Below is a part of the article,which was written just b4 330's closing night.

'Without a doubt, 330 is the longest running dance club in South Africa. That legendary run is now coming to an end. Just as End street in Joburg is now quiet, so too will 330 Point Road Durban. But... never fear, it will reopen. It's always a sad day, but at the same time it injects a freshness into the club, a new start, bigger, better things. They had no choice really. The tosser landlord decided to up the rent 100%. The last blast will be on the 12 August, so you better be there. In the meantime, Martin is looking for new premises and they will s till be having events up until the end of the year at different venues. By New Year new premises will hopefully be good to go. So, you have plans on 29 July 2006 for the 330 18 th Birthday (it's been that long!). Don't forget - 12 August is the official closing event - NO closing time (may even rock the roof off for 24 hours.) '

Ill be sure 2 let every1 now the exact date,when i find out.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
brand worth
s.o.l.asassyn's picture
Author: 
s.o.l.asassyn
Date: 
12 September, 2006 - 04:55

one of the reasons why those posters workd is becos 330 is a recognized and consistent brand. when you see a flyer with the 330 logo, there some definites. electronic music, Good sound, staircases that get you lost and found. you know what the beer prices are. you know that you may bump into that gorgeous girl with the eyes that send you fluttering. you know where to park, you know you mite see old mates.

it comes back to the concept that a brand has values and distinctive aspects to the public's understanding of it. if this understanding remains within the people that have already experienced the brand, then it is unlikely to spread quickly.

if promoters tried inventiv techniques like sharing databases, that might help.

and if the informal community communicated more, that cud help too.

science is not the way
we need to talk about it>>


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Howdy, good point... you
capdog's picture
Author: 
capdog
Date: 
12 September, 2006 - 08:43

Howdy, good point... you must be in marketing then? :)


[ reply ]

Subject: 
I C
XTREME-CLUBA's picture
Author: 
XTREME-CLUBA
Date: 
13 September, 2006 - 15:20

Good point,I think that people recognise a brand and stick 2 it,which is why 330 did so well.Other clubs need 2 find new ways of attracting people 2 there club.They should take pointers from places that have succeeded andtry copy the way that they advertised and such...


[ reply ]

Subject: 
surfing the chaos waves in Durban
kliktrak's picture
Author: 
kliktrak
Date: 
14 September, 2006 - 09:05

Yeah I think the debate will continue for ages...

I have been involved in electronic and dance music in KZN and Durbs for a decade and a half now, and the thing is it always ebbs and flows in waves

Its just how one rides it out, and hope that you get a couple of schweet sets before the tide goes out

Keep it +ve and remember DIY, cause no-one else will ;-)

Peace

KLIKTRAK
http://kliktrak.partychief.com


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Yo Kliktrack doooooood
Obi's picture
Author: 
Obi
Date: 
14 September, 2006 - 10:20

Whassssssup there guy? Got Loubser on your case dogggggg!!! Welcome to the site brazow!!!

KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE, BUT YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER... MWHAHAHAHAAAAA


[ reply ]

Subject: 
nice one brothet
kliktrak's picture
Author: 
kliktrak
Date: 
14 September, 2006 - 10:29

aaah so this is where y'all been hiding

sneaky bass-turds ;-)

schweeet so you still in durbs ? what ya up to ? drop me a mail : kliktrak@gmail.com

chillos

KLIKTRAK
http://kliktrak.partychief.com


[ reply ]

Subject: 
People are ungulates
Author: 
hedmekanik
Date: 
14 September, 2006 - 13:11

I'm a promoter. I've been involved in a few gigs in Durban. Out of maybe twenty in the last 5 years I can honestly say that perhaps five made it worthwhile, in terms of support - and these were all gigs that got good media, with posters on poles, flyers in all the right places. Flux, Scar, Frequency, NONONO and all the others were tight gigs, featuring the best our country has to offer of a wide variety of music. Top-class sound systems, decent decor and a concerted effort to bring culture to the masses were a feature of all. So why weren't they all a success? Because people are sheep - when a cloud appears they go 'Aww, it's kak weather, I wanna stay home and chill' or else they bitch at the price ('Thirty bucks!!! Jeez, that's soo expensive!!') or else they're such fucking sheep that if the crowd isn't going, then they're not going ('Aww, nobody knows about it, there'll be no-one there..'). And then half-naai has-beens play to capacity crowds at stadium gigs...
People are ungulates, folks, and they don't necessarily value culture as much as you or I.
Wouldn't piss in their eyes if their brains were on fire.
As you can tell, I feel strongly about this.
Maybe it's cos I lost a lot of cash, trying to educate Philistines.

The force is strong with this one...


[ reply ]

Subject: 
You're right, but there's
capdog's picture
Author: 
capdog
Date: 
14 September, 2006 - 13:42

You're right, but there's more to it from a spectator's point of view:

1) Durbanites are spoiled for choice - the supply of cool nighttime stuff to do far exceeds the demand.

2) Birthdays, weddings, rugby, dvd's with a chick, dinner, local pub for a quiet one... etc... people miss loads of events because they have other priority commitments on the night, it's not always the weather.

3) Daytime events... surfing at the crack of dawn requires that you go to bed at a reasonable hour.

4) Weekends away. We all go camping in the berg, up and down the coast... so yeah I get what you are saying, organisers are frustrated but it's the nature of the business in this city.


[ reply ]

Subject: 
Durban's got cool nightlife ?
kliktrak's picture
Author: 
kliktrak
Date: 
14 September, 2006 - 15:52