This is a place for everything related to Electronic Dance Music! Tracks, DJs, light shows, festivals, news, entertainment, reviews, interviews...this is about Electronic Dance Music Culture and Community.
More recently we've seen new DJs, promoters, photographers, production crews... people trying to make a difference in the scene, popping up. It's become a jaded topic, people saying that all these n00bs want is free entry to a party with the chance to say that they are actually doing something instead of just being a 'raver'. Some of these accusations might be true, but there are those fresh faces that are really moving towards a positive change and that want more than notoriety, they want to help the community move forward and introduce new and fresh ideas as well.
One such group of new producers, is [Space] Flux productions. Last weekend marked their second venture into throwing a party, the first being When Worlds Collide. That was as [Space] Flux, before that existed Peanut Butter Plur and an event that will go down in history, Power Ravers. That party set the tone for [Space], essentially it was all a cardboard art piece, the Megazord.
"I want art and interactiveness at our parties. The things we can do with cardboard, and the art we make with cardboard... I know it sounds funny, but you know what? Even now we'll take some cardboard and make it into something, like a giant Lady Rainicorn." - Mattypoi Flux
And they did deliver. Hanging out at the Electric Warehouse right above the stage entrance was the colorful wonder. And it's all too true. Decorations are a huge part to any event. As a party-goer, you should have fresh sets in similar locations, ever changing spaces for you to explore and check out what's going on. Putting music on in a room and throwing some lights in the mix doesn't cut it anymore (unless you're in the basement [lol]). For Lumpy Space Disco, all the deco was out. Being an Adventure Time theme, there were so many possibilities with such a wild and zany idea to work with. They had cut outs of different candy castle workers, models of Finn and the Ice King with a graffiti type edge to them. They had a disco ball hanging as well, adding to the disco feel. And of course you can't forget about the lights and visuals.
All around the main room of the Lab were Adventure Time projections with some of my personal favorite scenes in the mix. Biggie Stardust also came out out as the digital hostess to introduce DJs. Behind the visuals was none other than Morgan Freeman (Bluecrash). On lights and lasers was Paradox Productions, and they did the rooms up really nicely, as always. Also on it was Kevin Carpet, lying down by the smoking exit for most of the night. It's always such a pleasure to see him at a party, and you can expect to see him at any [Space] Flux party.
"Kevin Carpet! Every time I go to a party I look forward to seeing him. It's not a party unless Kevin is there! I won't have a party unless he comes, I really consider him family." - Maria Flux
Any Adventure Time fan would've felt right at home, so many people came in costume! There were so many Finn's, a BMO, a nice mix of Jake, and many different princesses (my favorite was the Fire Kingdom Flame Princess). It was so many people's first or first-five event. It seems to be a trend with [Space]'s parties, they attract the constant new breed. This is defiantly a positive with the way the Flux family is trying to put a positive spin on the scene.
"We've (the NY scene) had raves that are advertised as 'theme parties' but then at the party nothing is really themed. That's when I started thinking to myself, how can we make it better? The first thing I thought of was deco. Deco makes people happy, it's half the fun of going to a party, being emmersed in this new world." -Mattypoi Flux
"It used to be that you couldn't go to a party without cops bothering you asking you if your doing drugs, asking if you're getting into trouble, riding on you whether you're doing something or not. This scene should be a safe haven for party-goers. Our parties are a place where people can come together and just be accepted, not get judged, as long as they don't ruin everyone else's time." -Maria Flux
The music was blasting all night, with a good amount of dubstep, drumstep, and plenty of hard beats. In town for the first time ever were both GRiZ & Prototype Raptor! GRiZ was actually chilling with everyone in the beginning of the party, he's a mad chill person. For people here in NY, we are not too familiar with him. Anyone would have thought he was the man at the party, having a good time with everyone. It was awesome hearing them spin, brought a whole new flavor to the NYC scene.
The party was great, as usual, the post on the wall after the party were raving about how good of a time they had, it's always a positive to see. There was a lot of work that went into this party, and nearly turned into a migraine for [Space] Flux, but in the end, everything was pulled off nicely at the Lab. I can't wait until their next party, looks like it my just be the continuation of Power Ravers... which to you a say [duh].
For those of you watching the genre mix, you've probably came across JFlo at some point, after all he was dubbed the #1 beatboxing champion in the US for 2011. Not only does he beatbox, but he also get behind the mixing board to spin his own tracks, featuring loops of himself beatboxing and some instrument tracks. His stuff is pretty catchy, check it out!
All his mixing, like any other dj, is mixed in real time, with him adding his on beatboxing on top of the loops. To me, that means he's using a ton of brain power to keep on top of everything that's going on, it's pretty intense.
I actually had the chance to meet JFlo back at Power Ravers, and he gave me a personal show of his skills, and I apologize for video quality, I only had my phone to record, at least it was earlier on in the party not too many people were outside. Enjoy!!
And that's all for today kiddies. Don't forget to click the links and like the pages, listen to the mixes and keep it 100.
A Human Carpet?? At First I was as confused as DJ Ashley over here, but now it is a little more clear...keep reading, and Ashley, maybe this will answer your questions....
There are plenty of interesting and cool people in
the rave community. But I have not met anyone who can quite match up to Kevin
Carpet. Known around the states as the human carpet. He was at the last two
events I went to (Power Ravers/Pokèball). To say the
least, he's an intriguing individual. Being on the scene for a very long time,
Kevin has seen major changes to music, people coming to these events and the
community itself. Let's look together into the background and mind of The Human
Carpet!
Kevin Carpet!
[PAUS3] When did
you first joined the rave community, how were you introduced to them and what
was your first event like?
[KEVIN CARPET] I was at the Disco 2000 events at the
Limelight...where I was asked to participate and do my carpet thing. The head
guys doing the event knew me since I ran the doors of some famous clubs... My
first rave carpet was in the VIP area which overlooked the huge dance floor... And
I remember as I peered out during the night I had Joan Jett, Christina
Applegate, Billy Idol’s girlfriend and a lot of other cool people standing on
the carpets to view what was going on the dance floor...
It was a cool night and I went back every Wednesday for the same Disco 2000
party, but sometimes I laid by the bar and sometimes I was with the
Go-Go's... All depended on the night...
[P] Describe the rave community in your
own words.
[K] The Rave community in a whole is like friends getting
together at a party and enjoying great music and vibes and socializing... and
yes Dancing! As they say most Raves I go to are full of PLUR and Unity (I guess
that depends which ones you go to) but all the ones I go to are like that.
[P] How has the scene changed since the
time you've started attending raves?
[K] Well Raves were at least some underground ones
sometimes dangerous… meaning fights and all. Now it’s a Pleasure Peace Love
Harmony... again at most events. It’s great seeing everyone chillin and
enjoying themselves having a good time.
Helping People Over the Ledge Pokèball By: Sam Freund
[P] What is some of your favorite music
styles?
[K] Most people don’t know this but I DJed for years and
I played at a lot of electro, gothic and techno events along with 80's 90's and
industrial music....so I guess that’s what I like.
[P] Where does the name 'Carpet' come
from?
[K] When I first started doing clubs and bars as a carpet
people would say to me.."Hey it's Kevin the Carpet,” and "Hey Kevin
Carpet!” and Walla! The name has been born.
[P] What is it about wrapping yourself in carpets and getting stepped on? Is it a
fetish?
[K] When I first started doing this at gothic events I didn't
use a carpet just laid by the bar dressed in all black, gloves, a ski mask and
goggles... I laid very still all night and it was funny some people didn’t
think I was real they had to touch me. Then when I received a government grant
to do this. I had to think of other way to try and do this at different events
clubs and bars… So carpet idea came when some people told me it was hard to
stay on me cause my belly moved and they fell off sometimes, plus when girls
wore heels that would hurt so that wasn't too much fun.
Then a bar owner said to me if I came there early and lay in a carpet in the
corner where all the bartenders go and the shot girls and the patrons I could
be incognito and be a part of the bar. People would think I was bunch of
carpets there... Hmmm this sounded interesting....so it began. I got to this upper
east side bar that got packed by 10pm. I got there by 8pm before the staff got
in and set up. That lasted about 2 years and was fun except if I had 6 big guys
standing there for an hour and never left. Those times I was thinking I should
show myself, but didn’t. The owner also paid me and I got a ride home plus a
meal… So this was good! Then I started doing this at many other clubs and bars
all over NYC, NJ, Boston, and LA.
One thing about getting stepped on is not the main reason for the art… which is
a part of it, but the art factor comes to play when you’re at a space laying
there and being used as the object your portraying. Me a carpet... It’s about
being ONE with the venue as people go about their business and your there like
a chair, or a sofa. This IS a fetish for many, but to me this is an art. In
fact I get messages all the time from guys all over the USA and beyond saying
to me “Dude… How can you have guys walk on you? that’s gay.” I guess if I did
this for a fetish or other reason maybe. If a guy loves girls then he would
just want girls on him. Being a carpet is just that, being a carpet and carpets
can’t say you can go on ‘em and who can’t.
I have to delete (comments) on my Facebook. A bunch of guys every now and then
who do this for fetish and who write weird things on the pics and who may
harass the people on my page.
Let me take this opportunity to say I tried a rave at Rebel a few years ago and
I was by the bar and everyone looked at me, took pics and maybe went on the
carpet for a second to take pic and then came off. I remember I left that Rebel
after 2 hours and went to a downtown Hipster event where they loved me and had
fun.
My first idea was to be incognito doing this, however ravers are real cool
people and when they know when I'm there they bounce, jump and say hi to me as
they pass by… It’s a whole new idea and thus helping me to make my grant more
interesting. I do get some people who jump over saying sometimes “I don’t wanna
hurt him,” which is another misconception...I HATE PAIN! However, this is non
painful. When I lay where ever I'm at I get in a Zen like state and listen as
people trod on me and go by...hearing and sensing the environment. Being an
actual carpet... When this works it’s great... Doorways I like cause of the
interaction with people I hear... ”Love ya carpet guy...Hey Kevin...You Rock
Dude.”
It’s sad when I hear, “Oh no I hate stepping on him,” and then they gingerly
step or jump. Then I feel bad... For the people. But, for the most part I'm happy
and excited that I have been accepted at these events and people do write and
tell me these days.
It’s not a party if you’re not there or you’re a staple at these events... Of
course I know there are some who think otherwise and for that I'm sorry. It
really amazes me how people can adapt and have fun with this....the thing that
I do. Nowadays I have to thank ALL the cool promoters that ask me to join their
events...
[K] Gee I never thought about that...hmmm I think I try
to go almost weekly if there are events... And just until 5 months ago I never
could go to events for years on a Friday always missed those events cause I had
this Top 40, 80's 90's DJ gig... Paid well so I kept it, until I said to myself
I'd rather be carpeting and now I'm having a Ball at these Friday & Saturday
events.
[K] I forgot to mention Lady Gaga saw me at a few events (not raves) and
talked about me in a Youtube video I thought that was cool. She and her friends
stood on the carpet :D
I have to thank Kevin Bracken, Sam Black and Michael Dj
Ritalin for letting me carpet at their events (Refugee) in Brooklyn. Then when
that stopped I didn’t do raves for a long time till Ritalin said I could do The
Marvels event. That was at Ten Eckyk St... When I go there I ended up doing the
door for that one and it was cool cause it was there that when I went
inside I saw these cardboard boxes in front of the path to the outside smoking area.
That’s when doorway carpet came in effect....
And thanks to Aeryck NYCRAVERS Ritalin, Jeff Cohen and Atom C. At the
next one they found me a nice spot by the doorway... Which worked out great. No
one knew at the first event but the promoters by the end of the event some word
got around and it was cool the crowd had fun with it for the most part.
BIIIIG THANK YOU to Kevin for his time and honesty!! Make sure you say hi to him next time you see him at an event near you!!
Raves are an amazing thing, and this past weekend was one of the most amazing raves I've ever been to in Brooklyn, NY. December 3, 2011, Electric Warehouse AKA The Lab was where this historic night of epicness went down. It was a Power Ranger themed party, complete with two floors, VIP booths, UV body painting, full bar, gogo dancers (like their page!), light shows (like woah), a 30 foot Megazord, not to mention the #1 Beatboxer in America, Jflo!!
This rave was no joke, there were easily 800+ people there. Now I
personally went there a little early to help set the place up. I asked
around to see who needed help with what, and I met up with Andrew, AKA
StoryTime and built the aforementioned Megazord, it took five hours to
piece that baby together! But it was totally worth the time and effort.
It was sick, we're talking lasers shooting out of his eyes. The coolest
part is, Andrew put this baby together but measuring a Megazord he had
on a sweatshirt and scaling it up! Mad props on that!
Figuring out placement
Adding arms and stabling torso
Almost done!!
The Final Painted Laser Shooting 30 Foot Tall Megazord!
Once the doors opened up and the music started playing everyone was hitting the dance floor! By Midnight the entire place was packed with people. To describe the atmosphere in one word, euphoric. The thing about raves like this are that no matter who you are, what you do, how you dance...you are accepted into the scene. There are so many people that are real, others are there to just party, but in the end it's all about the vibes.
Quick shout-out to RACIST BUNNYW@X and Jake Dukes for putting on some Skrillex for me! Made my night guys, sick set, my glasses flew off my face, I lost them, and didn't even care!!
There were a ton of glovers there too. I met up with StoryTime, Daiki, Tails, Betsley, Supa Nova, Cookie Monster, Sarcastic...just to name a few. The thing with gloving is that you need to go out and actually do it. When you get to glove with other glovers you get to learn some new technique and critique each other. It's a growing experience, but you still need to practice technique at
home all the time. Slow, fast, new stuff, new angles, switch it up...you
grow like crazy and fast if you practice.
Of course there were also orbits, glow sticks, poi, and even fire poi happening! It's all so sick, and these cats know how to throw their lights!
The Peanut Butter family threw an amazing party, the DJs killed it, and it was the most unreal feeling to be surrounded by such positive feelings. Check out some pictures that already went up!
