Berghain falls short at representing the underground culture…

Coming from London I always thought it was such a diverse city with a rich underground culture, but sadly to say over the last few years I’ve found that it’s diversity has been slowly slipping away as, what may have been numerous cultural genres, have now filtering down into a mire handful. And with this, it seems that the underground scene had diminished, especially with the closure of numerous underground clubs, bars and record shops. But it seems that the closure of these venues has opened up a door way to a scene of smaller more intimate venues in some interesting set-ups. A scene, which has been said to compare with that of Berlin. But does it?

Well a weekend in Berlin was on the cards and time to check out the underground vibe of Berlin. First impressions of the city really gives off an underground feel with interesting shops or bars almost at even turn. A trip down to Prenzlauer Berg really resonates this underground vibe with a slight hip, upbeat twist. With countless bars and cafés, interestingly different shops and numerous vinyl shops, you would probably expect things to be vibrant and full of life. Well the answer is… not quite. It’s got life and movement but on a much more laidback level. For a city, things are extremely chilled with people playing music on the street, and others chilling out drinking a beer, soaking up the atmosphere.

But the main two objectives whilst in this city was to make it to the Distortion Backyard Party and of course Berghain. So by 6:30pm Saturday afternoon we make it down to an old swimming complex hosting the Distortion Backyard Party. At that time they only hand the terrace open, with DJs, bar and barbeque, but shortly after our arrival, the smaller swimming pool was opened, which was quite impressive. Windows were obscured to dim the light, the pool was emptied and the DJ console was installed down at the deep end, with everyone inside the pool dancing away to the electronic grooves of the DJ. A unique set-up, which probably out weights any old warehouse that other parties may have to offer.

With jam packed weekend in Berlin, the idea was to head down to Berghain around Sunday lunchtime as it was running right through until late Sunday evening. So we make our way down to the club and there are only a dozen people in line. As we arrive we witness a couple get refused entry to the club with no explanation, and most of the people after were “granted” entry but only after severe looks of examination and questions like, “How many of you?” and “How old are you?” from hard attitude, sincere looking bouncers. During this time the atmosphere was grim, no one was joyful or seemed content about entering the club. They seemed more phased by the first couple being refused entry, and so were we, wondering what kind of place creates such a feeling. As we get to the front of the line, we get a severe eye-balling from the bouncer who then casually looks back down at his phone saying that we can’t come in. Naturally, the question “Why not?” was put forwards, which was immediately responded with a carefree “Because we don’t want you?”.
I was left walking away with absolute amazement and disbelief. I felt like I had just been refused from one of London most posh venues because I wasn’t dressed-up enough. I thought the underground scene was all about people feeling free to enjoy the music they love. I thought it was about people on a buzz of anticipation whilst in line waiting to get in a cool venue to listen to cool music, instead of worrying about whether or not you’re going get past the judgment of a bouncer, based on… on what exactly? Is this really the kind of image we want representing the underground culture?
On one hand we have Fabric in London letting in almost anything and everything, to the point where you have chicks in high heels and shorts skirts, dolled up with more make-up than a cake has icing. An image which personally I don’t feel goes hand-in-hand with the underground image. Then on the other hand, we have Berghain doing selection without sense. Could this just be there way of retaining that air of being special? Who knows!…

None the less, if you do ever get refused from Berghain, don’t worry too much, just get yourself down to Suicide Circus, which is right next to Warschauer Straße station. Follow the spray painted arrows through this old warehouse looking area to the door of entry and you’ll find your way into a crazy looking beach shack area with some fine music, crazy people and a free vibe.

Weekend 42 – 14, 15, 16, 17 Oct….

This week’s round up has grown massively since the previous issue of “Weekend Round Up”, showing off some very amazing night in some of the hot spots of the underground club scene over Europe.

A few weeks back we had published an article about a massive weekend in London and once again, the capital is going to be pumping. Friday night will be the starter of things to come with Krafty Kuts headlining a breaks night and Dan Ghenacia and friends partying away in Hewitt Street Car Park.
But it’s Saturday night which is going to kill you and not just for the long hours of partying or the massive line ups. More for the fact that you’ll be completely spoilt for choice as not only will fabric be celebrating its birthday with a massive night, which seems more like a marathon, but there are also the infamous nights; “Wiggle” and “Shake It!”. And that’s without mentioning that Ivan Smagghe and Derrick Carter will also be gracing the London with their presence.

In fact we would be interested to know which one of these nights would tickle your fancy more….

[polldaddy poll=3915870]

thursday
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Brixton Academy – DOOM Extremely Rare London Show
London (England)
19:00

DOOM (aka MF Doom), Hudson Mohawke, The Herbaliser, Jamie XX

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The Faversham – Technique – Free Party (Album Launch Tour)
Leeds (England)
21:00

Magda, Marc Houle (Live), David Martin, Jay Kilka, Christian Maiden, Paul Kaminski, Brad Mercer, Matt Long

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friday
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7-9 Crucifix Lane – Counter Culture presents.
London (Engalnd)
22:00 – 06:00

Krafty Kuts, DJ Fresh, Cookie Monsta, Slyde, Drumattic Twins, Cut La Roc, Plaza De Funk, Peo De Pitte, 2t Thugs, Drum Monkeys, Scoundrels

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Hewitt Street Car Park – Freak N’ Chic
London (England)
22:00 – 06:00

Dan Ghenacia, Dyed Soundorom, Djebali, Chrissy Maranello, Lee Rands, Shaun & Ellis, Stevie T

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Piccadilly Train Station – The Warehouse Project presents MINUS
Manchester (England)
21:30 – 05:30

Richie Hawtin, Magda, Marc Houle (Live), Ambivalent, Krysko, Greg Lord

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Motion Skate Park – Bloc Launch Party
Bristol (England)
22:00 – 05:00

Green Velvet, Claude VonStroke, Andrew Weatherall, October, Vent, Julio Bashmore, Jo Hart, Placid, Damian Schneider, Scuba, Ramadanman, Appleblim, Al Tourettes

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Thekla – Play 8th Birthday Finale
Bristol (England)
10:00 – 04:00

Layo & Bushwacka!, Deep Groove, Dirty Dollz House

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Watergate – Clubmotoren
Berlin (Germany)
24:00

Ellen Allien, Kiki, Marco Resmann, Kassette Boys, Sebastian Wilck, Renato Ratier

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Robert-Johnson – Hotel Arpiar
Frankfurt (Germany)
24:00

Ricardo Villalobos, Rhadoo

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Pika – Just Married!
Verona (Italy)
10:00 – 04:00

Derrick May, Alex Mastini

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Magazzini Generali – Into The Great Wide Yonder Tour
Milano (Italy)

Trentemoller

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saturday
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fabric – 11th Birthday
London (England)
23:00 – 05:00 (monday)

Ricardo Villalobos, Craig Richards, Lee Burridge, Tyrant, Terry Francis, Ame (Live), Damian Lazarus, Dixon, dOP (Live), Floating Points, Levon Vincent, Move D, Ryan Crosson, Stacey Pullen, Tobi Neumann, Trus’me

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Paramount – Wiggle
London (England)
23:00 – 08:00 (see after party @ Jaded)

Clive Henry, Nathan Coles, Terry Francis, Eddie Richards, Lewis Ryder

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Hideout – Shake It!
London (England)
23:00 – 07:00

Layo & Bushwacka!, Magda, Marc Houle (Live)

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22-26 Farringdon Lane – A Night With… Ivan Smagghe
London (England)
23:00 – 06:00

Ivan Smagghe

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Cable – We Fear Silence presents Metalheadz
London (England)
22:00 – 06:00

Goldie, Noisia, Fabio, Alix Perex & Jubei, Logistics & Commix, Lenzman, Heist, FD, Redlight, Storm, DJ Die aka Blue Fontaine, Kito
MCs: SP:MC, Justyce, AD

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East Village – Jack With Derrick Carter
London (England)
21:00 – 05:00

Derrick Carter, Stuart Patterson, Karl Gonsalez, Severino, Dan Hill

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Suicide Circus – Uschimania
Berlin (Germany)
23:59 – 09:59

Ewan Pearson, Spencer Parker, Matthew Styles

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Tenax
Firenze (Italy)

Ellen Allien

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sunday
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Cable – Jaded (Wiggle Afterparty)
London (England)
05:00 – 13:00

Nathan Coles, Claus Voigtmann, Raymundo Rodriguez, plus a surprise guest

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Stealth – Zleep 006
Nottingham (England)
21:00 – 04:00

Magda, Marc Houle (Live), Chamboché, Micawber, Nick Cobby

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Electrik – One Deck Session
Manchester (England)
19:00 – 24:00

Andrew Weatherall

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