It’s an odd relationship, the one between the Techno Crowd and the Dirtybirds. We always end up in the same places at the same time, and yet we never want to admit it. Techno heads act like we’re a little too cool sometimes, like the snobs we are, and Dirtybirds act like they don’t wanna wear black, even though they know they do.
Yet, even with saying that, there can never be any denying that some of the best nights of our lives have been had with the Dirtybird crowd, and I sincerely hope they feel the same about us.
We are two sides to the same dancefloor. Dirtybirds on the left and Techno fam on the right. Or maybe the other way around?
In fact, I’m sure if you really questioned the most hardcore of Techno Lovers, they’d probably have to admit they had at least a little period where they loved Dirtybird. Even for just a bit. That is if they still don’t love them now. Like I do.
I don’t feel I can ever let the Dirtybirds go, and I suppose I’m okay with that.
I have had some amazing moments surrounded by the music of the Dirtybird players, and I’m forever grateful not just for the fun times I had, but also for the people I met through those times.
I could probably go on and on about the wild moments had between I, New Mexico and Dirtybird, and still I am happy to know there still may be more to come. Starting with this next weekend.
First, with a show I’d like to talk about taking place on Saturday November 19th at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, as the creator of Sloth Acid Sacha Robotti will be playing for one night only.
Meow Wolf is perhaps one of the most magical places in the world, and Sacha follows a long list of amazing Dj’s that have brought their music to that dancefloor.
I have personally only seen Sacha Robotti once in my life, and it was the first time I went to Chicago, a story I feel helps support my belief that techno heads and Dirtybirds just find each other.
We were going to a House and Techno Festival at Union Park on Saturday and Sunday, but found ourselves with tickets to Friday night of another festival on the other side of the city that showcased a different side to electronic music.
We were definitely a bit out of our element both with the lineup and the style, and if I’m being honest I felt a little old, but there were enough acts on there to be interested, and we had nothing better to do, so why not?
Plus, there was one stage on the lineup we knew we could count on. Friday night, had Dirtybird. It was a great lineup too.
Claude Von Stroke, Nala, VNSSA b2b J.Worra, and of course Sacha himself, who I believe was playing right when we got there. A major moment for any festival experience, especially for us and our first time in Chicago.
It felt poetic in a way. All these years we had dreamt of going to Chicago, seeing the birthplace of House Music, hearing the sound they made, and then finding ourselves starting the weekend just like we spent so many weekends in New Mexico.
Dancing with the Dirtybirds, having the most wonderful time.
And sure, we’d go on to the other festival and we’d have our House and Techno weekend, but only after we had our fun with the Dirtybirds. Our fam. No matter where we are.
The same way it went the first time we went to Detroit, the same way we’ve spent so many nights here at home, and the same way you’ll get the chance to do it yourself with Sacha bringing a piece of that energy with his own hybrid, unique, bassy sound, that bounces between house and techno so effortlessly that all you can do is call it something original all on its own.
That’s Slothacid, and that’s what you’ll get this upcoming Saturday as Sacha plays alongside two DJ’s I know will help create the vibe right for the night.
First, with Joey Fettucinni, someone who not only shows his ability with every chance he gets to play, but also a person who is supportive, and understanding as well. Not something you normally say when promoting a show, but also something I’ve experienced firsthand when interacting with Fettucinni.
After that is Davy Jones, who I first I met when we were both still working at a call center together, where we’d talk about our dreams, and the hope of one day living them like we are now.
I can remember how committed Davy was to this idea even then, and I’m very proud to see how far he has come, not just in following his dreams, but also in how he attempts to support the dreams of others.
I’m happy for both Dj’s playing alongside Mr. Robotti as it will be a wonderful and full night of quality music in the way only the Dirtybirds and Meow Wolf know how.
But if you can’t wait for this one, don’t worry, because in Albuquerque the night before, on Friday, November 18th, We House Fridays, and Mr. Afterhours Presents is bringing the one and only Mz. Worthy to the effex rooftop to continue a string of shows that are unheard of in a place like New Mexico.
Mz. Worthy, I’ll admit to you now, gave me one of the best moments I’ve ever had on a dancefloor, and it happened strangely enough, on my birthday.
I’m not always a huge birthday guy, and I hardly ever celebrate my birthday the way others do.
In fact, I’ll even go as far as saying I’m kind of a grouch when it comes to my birthday, and my wife will tell you all about it.
But then there are times in your life where you just have to ignore all the stuff you learned and were told and you have to follow your heart, and that’s how I ended up in a warehouse on the night of my birthday ready to see the legendary electronic act known as Rabbit in the Moon.
If you don’t know who Rabbit in the Moon is, look them up, and if you do, you know this was one of those things you don’t pass up, regardless of date or time, and yet somehow the universe gave me this as a birthday present.
It’s still kind of crazy to think of now, especially because of how amazing it really was.
The show Rabbit in the Moon put on exceeded all expectations and the night proved to be a part of a bigger story I’m still living.
But as I look back, I try to think, what was the moment that kicked the night off with its epicness? When did it all start to become a blur? Who is responsible for that?
And on that first night, just like now, years later, I know without thinking twice, the moment it happened.
It was just before Rabbit in the Moon came on. We were on the dancefloor somewhere hidden amongst the crowd, and there were decorations everywhere, and these giant rabbit in the moon totems scattered throughout the small sea of people, which is not the norm for a warehouse, but it gave a feeling that night that something big was building and everything around you supported that.
And then this moment happened, where it got dark, and silent, and the warehouse was filled to the max with both anticipation and actual people.
And in that moment the DJ dropped the sickest Drum and Bass track I may have ever heard. It just dropped. Out of nowhere. Like, it was one thing, and then another. And as this new thing, the music was destroying the dancefloor.
In one instant the entire crowd jumped and cheered in unison and joy, as the music felt so fucking good. It was just real, and honest, and right. Bumping this drum and bass in a warehouse in the middle of the night right before Rabbit in the Moon went on. It just felt like we went into a time machine. It makes me feel the way I always feel in Denver.
Denver makes me feel like I’m back in 99’.
I couldn’t believe how good that felt, and yet when it was all over, that’s the one moment that perhaps stood out the most. The moment we let go. The moment it went off the deep end. The moment we went back in time.
I’ll be forever grateful to Mz. Worthy for giving me that moment, because I suppose looking back it was about more than just music. It was about believing in something, and going and getting it, and following your heart. Being who you truly are.
What I am is a crazy little techno panda who would go anywhere at any time for the right fuckin beat, and that night with Mz. Worthy on that dancefloor, was amongst the best I’ve ever had, and I am so grateful that she is coming to Albuquerque to share that magic with the people I know here.
She taught me to follow my true self just by following the music, and I’m so happy that Mz. Worthy will be showing her true self here on Friday, November 18th, on the effex rooftop under the stars.
Playing alongside Mz. Worthy are two of my absolute favorite Dj’s in New Mexico, not just for their skills and versatility, but also for their commitment to the music and what it stands for.
First is a DJ I feel is meant to take over for years to come in New Mexico, with femme.antics. Both as a DJ and as a promoter.
What I like about femme.antics is her ability to play any style, while still staying connected to her own vibe. I believe she’s playing house for this one, but also don’t underestimate her present and future as a proper Drum and Bass DJ.
Second, is the one and only Badcat, who is not just a first class Vibe Engineer, but also a true advocate for our entire culture. When Badcat plays it’s as If she’s playing for something more, and I suppose I feel that because I do the same.
With every word I write and every moment I have, I know it belongs and comes from so much more than just myself, and what I like so much about Badcat as a DJ is that she respects that balance. She wants you to feel something as well as learn it. I cherish that so much.
So, in closing, this upcoming weekend is special not just because of the music being played, but also because of the moments had with the people making the music. We zone in on the culture so much sometimes that we don’t stop to notice all the other people that are a part of it. The ones living it everyday, trying to make it better, trying to be better. Trying to help us catch that beat.
As always, for both shows, go early, stay late, support this culture and the beauty in its future.
Come find me on the dancefloor.
I have a pretty good idea of where I’ll be.
Getting crazy with the Dirtybirds.
As usual.
Ourdancefloor.net 