This wretched year decimated the global club scene. But there’s optimism the world will become one big dancefloor again in 2021. Festivals, like Hideout, are releasing line-ups, bands are announcing tour dates and clubs are locking in DJ dates. Before we release the handbrake on clubbing again, what would turn dancefloors into the ultimate nirvana in 2021? What would make the global scene more vibrant? Previously we asked several Dubai-based DJs, producers and promoters what changes they’d like to see in the local scene. Now we’re asking: “How would you like to see clubland reset globally?”
DJ Rossi
Worldwide I’d like to see no more fake DJs playing pre-recorded sets. They should be banned from getting any gigs or exposure at all! They should step aside and let the real DJs that have passion for playing play. It’s that simple. They don’t deserve to be on stage doing that rubbish. Pretending to DJ makes a mockery of everything DJing is about!
Paul Mendez
It’s going to be a long road back. But this allows us all the chance to more or less start again and create quality driven nights and events ‘for the people’ and not the fat cats stuffing their pockets with ridiculous amounts of cash. DJs, agents, managers and event organisers must get back to basics with respectable booking fees and ticket prices. The ‘small people’ must be allowed a slice of the pie or I really don’t think there will be much of a scene left, which would be a tragedy.
Jixo and Danz
It would be nice to see more small underground venues open globally. There are so many rising DJs who play quality sets. However, they’re not given the chance to perform and showcase their talent because they’re not big enough names for the top venues. Promoters and club owners should definitely be more open to include those artists on their line-ups. It’s all about the music in the end.
Milko Moustache
Who hasn’t been irritated by everyone waving their phones around on a packed dancefloor? It would be hard to tell everyone to put their mobiles away while in a club but it’s not impossible. Remember, we thought the same about the smoking ban in clubs when that was introduced. If there’s a will, there’s a way.
I’d like to see overpricing in clubland reset globally. Even a tiny bottle of water costs an arm and a leg nowadays. People go to clubs to let go and enjoy, not to leave broke. Make clubbing affordable for the majority of patrons, especially in times like this when most are financially vulnerable.
Let’s put more focus on the performers. It’s frustrating to see clubs invest millions on interiors and various gimmicks while forgetting the main reason people attend is for the guy/girl who controls what comes out from the speakers. While we’re at it, let’s have more artist variety. We’ve seen the same few big names on every poster/flyer for major festivals and clubs for quite a while now. These copy and paste line-ups suppress the scene’s growth and makes the underground lose its purpose.
And let’s give the little guys the respect they deserve. DJing for “exposure”, a few drinks and multiple hugs does not pay bills. DJing is a hard work and needs to be remunerated accordingly. This issue needs to be addressed and rectified.
Danny Kwang
Phones on the dancefloor should be banned. It’d be great to see public shaming of anyone that feels it’s okay to start videoing on a dancefloor. Or for a bouncer to remove them for 15 minutes. No phones on dancefloors needs to be encouraged.
We will definitely see a bigger focus on local talent in 2021. Many European countries have the benefit of having quality on their doorstep and I hope to see some of these big names losing their egos and supporting the clubs that gave them their break. I can see some of the cooler cities, like Manchester and Leeds, focusing solely on homegrown talent, while keeping their industry alive. They have such a large pool of wonderful artists to choose from.
Let’s have less DJ posturing too. A DJ should always be in a corner and a musician or singer should always be on a stage. If you are playing someone else’s music, it should always be about selection and making the crowd dance. The focus should never be on a human jukebox pressing buttons. If you are singing or playing an instrument then you should be front and centre. My best club nights have been with friends or strangers dancing on the dancefloor, not facing a stage. My best gigs have been with friends or strangers facing a stage, admiring the artist performing. There’s a massive difference.
Conor Rainey
I’d like a clubland reset globally on Instagram culture in clubs. I understand wanting to take a picture with friends or a short video as a souvenir to remember the moment. What I don’t understand is the camera in the hand competing for ‘likes’ with 500 of the 750 people in the club. Put the phone down and enjoy your night!
Also, less VIP culture in clubs. I get that it’s a large revenue stream and, as you get older, a couch to sit on and talk waffle with your new best friend can be more comfortable. But having a bottle of champagne delivered with a parade of sparklers through the dancefloor? If this is your big ‘look at me’ moment be sure that people are looking, but they’re not thinking what you think they’re thinking about you.
Also read: How Would You Like To See Clubland Reset Locally?
Main image: Cocoon at Printworks, London, by Jake Davis
