Torn over techno.
A well-known, Melbourne based DJ who goes by the name ‘Boogs’ headlined at The Prince Hotel at his own event, attracting hundreds of party goers to see him and other featuring DJ’s perform. The event was held in the prince bandroom, on Saturday the 30th of March 2019, from 10pm till 5am, at The Prince Hotel in St Kilda.
‘Boogs’ is a professional DJ, who has been a resident DJ at Revolver Sundays for over 12 years. He has been DJing in Melbourne and around Australia since 1996. Mixing techno and house music that he describes as “Robot Soul”, referring to his style as “electric spaghetti.” Other artists that featured at the event included Short Round, Sammy La Marca, Eliza Brayshaw, Mitch Bain and Sammy Swayn.
The Prince bandroom, for over 75 years, has been an iconic location for music lovers. It is one of Melbourne’s best known live music venues with many big names performing gigs and attracting mass crowds. However, as of 2016, the Prince bandroom has been best known for its new club called “Prince.” The club features many DJ’s every weekend and is recognized by its partying ‘beneath the flags’ – an interior décor they have chosen to include, by stringing up multiple colourful flags all around the venue’s ceiling.
As the event was held at a club, it is clear that the event was aimed to capture the interest of party goers and techno and house lovers; and as tickets were only $25, it was affordable enough for the younger demographic to attend.
The club was packed full of excited teenagers, dancing to the music and buzzing off of the energy. Despite the good music and popularity of the event, some attendees didn’t enjoy it as much as they hoped it would.
Grace Perin, aged 20 said “The sets were amazing; however, I wish it was held at another venue. The club [prince] attracts a younger crowd than I like.”
Samuel Gale, aged 21 said “I love boogs, but I didn’t enjoy the night that much. Lately everyone at his shows have been high school age, so I feel a bit out of place.”
Boogs has been a popular DJ for quite some time but has lately been attracting younger crowds, resulting in less ticket sales amongst the young adults. Some think that it is due to the venues that Boogs holds his events at, whereas others are starting to think that maybe they are just growing out of his style of music.
“I don’t really know how I feel about him [Boogs]. I still love techno music, just haven’t really been enjoying his for the last couple of years” said James O’ Riley, aged 21.
Despite all the negativity amongst the older millennials, the younger crowds seemed to have a great time, not bothered about age differences at the event. Zoe Gillett, aged 18 said “It was such a fun night. Everyone had a good time dancing. I would definitely go again.”
The event was a success with majority enjoying the music performed by boogs and the other featuring artists; but unfortunately, has left a few wondering if they have out grown certain clubs, or just boogs’ style of music.
