There’s a certain comfort in the traditions of a regular DJ club night – familiar faces behind the decks, the sticky floors of that tried and true venue, the expectation of a particular playlist. Sure, it’s a safe and cosy ritual, but like any routine, predictable parties can become as mundane as clocking into your 9 to 5-er.
Acutely aware of this potential for tedium, Canberra DJ troupe STRANGEWAYS offer a brave new world where every club night is different. Conjuring disparate themes for each event, the Strangeways DJs let their imaginations run wild with everything from venue décor to the tunes on offer.
“Running our own theme nights allows us to provide a unique and complete experience for our audience,” the trio of TomToms, Fidel Maestro and Chairman Wow says. “When we design our themes, we aim for the memorable, the fun, the unusual and the absurd – they’re not just an excuse for people to dress in skimpy outfits.”
Instead of bemoaning Canberra’s lack of venues, the Strangeways DJs mould their surrounds to suit their themes, creating complete sensory worlds right on the dancefloor. “In the past year we’ve covered the entire inside of Transit Bar with al foil, laid down astroturf on the dancefloor, strung French pastries from the roof and dressed 200 people in Bruce Willis masks. Our decoration is not supposed to distract from the music, but rather to flesh out the entire experience, much like Heston Blumenthal’s food-based experiences.”
Like Blumenthal, the Strangeways DJs aren’t limited in their taste. The trio sample everything from indie to hip-hop to mainstream pop, allowing any kind of music fan to let loose at their nights. “DJs can get caught up desperately chasing the latest tunes, remixes and trends, and pride themselves on not being ‘cheesy’. But so often the result is repetitive, predictable music. Music is so often used as a way for people to set themselves apart. We like to play music that resonates, not separates!”
Often mislabelled as ‘indie DJs’, the Strangeways crew are genuine pop fans unafraid to drop a Top 40 anthem without a hint of hipster irony. “It is trendy in certain circles to rubbish pop music’s over-produced and soulless nature, which is sometimes true. But it’s actually a lot harder to create a truly transcendent pop moment than it is to drop clicks and pops over a wobbly bassline. We play plenty of vintage, but we’re equally at home dropping current music if it’s really good.”
The next Strangeways night may be the most ambitious yet. Strangeways… ON A BOAT will transform Transit Bar into a giant underwater diorama on Friday September 10. The night will once again bring the growing horde of regulars who are flocking to Strangeways events not for the comfort of familiarity, but to experience their burgeoning tradition of unpredictability. “We’re here for you, Canberra. Pop music never stops giving... and neither will we!”
Strangeways DJs will play the red-eye set from 2:00am-close after Flight Facilities on Friday September 3 at Transit Bar. Tix are $20 + bf from Moshtix, 8pm kick off. Strangeways ... ON A BOAT! sets sail at Transit on Friday September 10. Free entry. Boss.
