Second coming for commercial raves?

We’ve had a pretty good response from our earlier post about what we perceive to be a growing commercialisation of the warehouse scene.

Although most crews appear to be keeping it underground, there seems to be a growing element willing to exploit the culture and market it under a ‘warehouse’ guise. We still haven’t quite worked out whether this is cool or not – is imitation the sincerest form of flattery? Or are we losing control over what makes a warehouse party?

As if to confirm our suspicions, Ministry of Sound’s “Annual” mix series is now marketing an “all night warehouse party” at the hordern on saturday 1st december. Again, a nice line-up with Booka Shade, Trentemoller and others playing, but it’s also $96 a ticket… Surely this is not a warehouse party? It doesn’t appear very aligned with the warehouse ideals – and it must be at least 13 years since the hordern could legitimately be called a warehouse venue. You make the call.

We’ve also been keeping fairly close tabs on another party called freshjams. They at least seem to have secured some proper warehouse space (note: venue has changed for this week’s do). But – they also seem to have a drink sponsor, which is kind of odd.

As with all these parties, we believe people make the call with their wallets. We will always be in favour of the real sound systems – and may we see more of them this summer to show the new kids what warehouse parties really mean.

~ by furtivity on October 30, 2007.