vault sessions blog series
Back to the Warehouse
Back in 2018, Vault Sessions started their anniversary warehouse series in Elementenstraat (called Warehouse Elementenstraat back then), with the event Vault III. A concept focused on bringing cutting edge techno to the Warehouse.
Warehouse events usually were left to the big players in the game, while club events were for the smaller, more underground, promoters. So seeing a club event taking over a warehouse was not that common.
For most people, the boundary between club nights and warehouse events also exists. While club nights often are perceived as personal and intimate, where nights can be experienced as a journey, warehouse events are more focused on the production and show, and on the so-called headliner artists playing, giving you peak time energy in a shorter timespan.
Vault Sessions, being a club event by heart, is seeking to blur the boundaries between the club nights and warehouse events, bringing club-like line-ups and intimacy to a space that allows more audiovisual creativity. At Vault V, the last event at E25, feverish visuals matched the raw music played back then. Although our sound differed from what you know of us today, the aim has always been to promote forward thinking techno and help push music originating from artistic vision.
As time has passed and we have matured, we feel ready to bring Vault Sessions to the warehouse again. A space allowing us more creative freedom, while staying true to our club values. We are ready.
BACK TO THE WAREHOUSE
BACK TO THE WAREHOUSE
ABOUT VINYL
In the dynamic realm of music, where melodies weave emotions and rhythms pulse with energy, a momentous shift occurred hand in hand with the rise of vinyl records and Thomas Edison's groundbreaking phonography magic.
Journeying back to the late 1800s, when Edison orchestrated the creation of the first-ever playable sound recording on a groovy disc; this was a turning point that didn't just remix the sound scene but left a massive mark on the entertainment history playlist. It set the stage for the mesmerizing vinyl symphonies that'd become our ear candy in the years to come. Those carefully carved grooves turned the invisible into touchable, making these records the ultimate groove foundation.
And the groove train didn't stop there. In 1943, DJ Jimmy Savile threw the planet's very first live DJ dance bash. Picture this: jazz records spinning, and Savile playing musical matchmaker just like our modern-day DJs. He even rocked the twin turntables, a trick that became a DJ superstar move.
Meanwhile, across the world in the Kingston neighborhoods of Jamaica in the 1950s, things were getting wild. DJs cranked up street parties with monster sound systems, becoming the party VIPs. They owned the show, battling to drop the freshest jams on the loudest systems. And get this – they'd rhythmically chant over the music, a little technique they called "toasting." Little did they know, they were planting the seeds for an impeccable musical transformation in history.
As these sonic seeds of change began to take root, a couple of bustling metropolises – Detroit and Berlin – were gearing up for an extraordinary collaborative journey. Just as the rhythm of the past set the foundation, a new tempo was about to take over. Picture this: techno music took center stage, harmonizing seamlessly with the surge of vinyl records, resulting in an exhilarating fusion. Brace yourself, for these vibrant urban hubs were on the cusp of reshaping the musical landscape, introducing fresh beats to groove to and an entirely novel auditory encounter. It was a symphony of change that would make waves in the world of sound.
Picture Detroit as this futuristic playground back in the 80s, where techno masterminds like Juan Atkins, and Kevin Saunderson were cooking up a musical storm. With the rise of a new technological age, they had this wild and spontaneous idea to blend machines and music, and alas, Techno was born. It's almost like the robots decided to throw a dance party, and those relentless grooves they came up with? So catchy, that people couldn't stop tapping their feet and moving their heads to the beat.
Hold up, though! Berlin wasn't about to miss out on the fun. The image that we have today about Berlin would have not been the same without the force of techno. Over in the German capital, techno spread like wildfire in underground clubs and secret warehouse spots. DJs and producers were like sonic explorers, spinning vinyl records like magical compasses that guided us on mind-blowing trips through soundscapes that felt like a ride through a cosmic roller coaster.
And guess what? Vinyl records were the superstar sidekicks in this adventure. They weren't just ordinary discs; they were like passports to a sonic wonderland. DJs stacked them on turntables, whipping up seamless transitions that had everyone on the dancefloor going absolutely ballistic.
So why all the fuss about vinyl? Well, think of it as the ultimate dancefloor delivery system. Vinyl records were like the trusty messengers, carrying those thumping techno beats straight to our eager ears. You could touch them, feel their weight, and when that needle hit the groove, bam! A symphony of beats and melodies exploded into the air.
Fast forward a bit, and yeah, we got all this digital goodness now too. But guess what? Techno and vinyl didn't vanish into thin air. Vinyl records became these treasured relics that serious music fans and DJs hunted down like treasures, keeping that analog spirit alive.
There's something special about that scratchy sound and that whole ritual of setting the needle just right. It's like a secret handshake between you and the music, making every spin a bit of an adventure. Vinyl's not just a blast from the past – it's still a big deal in the underground scene. Most labels and artists are all about those vinyl releases, keeping that old-school vibe alive and kicking, for good reason.
And today? The party's still going strong. Techno is still pumping, and vinyl records are still spinning, bringing generations together on dancefloors around the globe. So whether you're a tech-savvy robot or a human with a serious beat addiction, the techno-vinyl saga is a true timeless experience.
So there you have it, the scoop on how techno music and vinyl records joined forces to shake up the electronic music world. It's a story of beats, vinyl grooves, and a whole lot of good parties that'll keep you moving and grooving for years to come.
To appreciate this pivotal point in electronic music’s history, the All Vinyl Weekender is our way of paying an ode to the records that still keep our beloved dancefloor moving. We’ll keep dancing for as long as the vinyl spins.
ABOUT VINYL
ABOUT VINYL
vault sessions blog series
BLASHA & ALLATT
The anticipation leading up to the Meat Free Weekender can be both thrilling and a test of patience. As we count down the days between each Vault Sessions we've decided to pull back the curtain and share some 'behind the scenes' stories. Launching our inaugural blog series for Vault Sessions, we're diving into the lives and stories of Blasha & Allatt. This UK-based duo exemplifies the narrative of collaboration, shared experiences, and a mutual love for music.
"Oi oi! So many memories," Steffi (Allatt) reminisces when asked about their favourite time playing together, "but one that stands out was playing at the DBA for the MF x Vault Sessions party in March - I promise we haven’t been bribed to say this - just pure f***ing vibes!" Tasha (Blasha) mirrors this sentiment, "a memory that comes to mind is when we played at FOLD... the funniest part of the night was when we went b2b2 with Tasha & Anabel, we were all a bit cooked, ended up playing at 155bpm and couldn't figure out how we'd started playing so fast!"
When they discuss their shared quirks, it's clear that their strong bond stems from friendship and a shared love of music. Steffi playfully pokes fun at Tasha's focus on her mixing, "Tash watches me the entire time while I’m mixing! After 11 years of playing together, she’s still making sure I can beat match, I guess!" Tasha counters, "Steffi sometimes plays curveballs that throw me off track! I call it Eurodance and it really annoys her!"
Regarding their shared love for discovering music? "That's what keeps things fun for us," they agree. "We're both actively discovering music we love playing. We've always influenced and inspired each other’s musical direction, which keeps us on this shared musical journey." The most special part? They love to wind each other up, teasing, “Ahhh yeah, I’ve had this one for a few months now,” if one is playing a new record, even if they don’t own it.
But what challenges do they face as a female DJ duo? Steffi shares, "Finding a decent sports bra that offers support and comfort while you’re playing," while Tasha suggests, "We focus on our craft, and if you’re good enough you’ll stand out, regardless of your gender." They both concur that their role as promoters offers the chance to platform other talented women in the scene.
As for advice to other duos, "Remember, the common goal is to create a cohesive body of music that compliments each other. Channel your individual creativity in the way you mix, and pick the right time to drop your tracks."
When asked to assign corporate titles to each other, they jokingly propose that Tasha would serve as the Logistics Manager, given her impeccable time management, while Steffi would be a slightly less predictable assistant, thanks to her rather relaxed attitude towards flight times and itineraries. But let's face it - isn't that unpredictability part of the fun? Their yin-yang dynamic might just be the secret sauce to their electrifying sets.
We’re thrilled to hear from Blasha & Allatt about how passionate they are about their connection with Vault Sessions. "Vault Sessions feels like home. Every time we play is amazing, and you can’t help but smile when you’re behind the decks!"
So there you have it - Blasha & Allatt. Humour, dedication, unity, and talent, all coming together to form a dynamic force. This is their story. Their sound. Their success. This is Blasha & Allatt, as genuine and forthright as they come. So thank you both for your time and for all the lovely vibes you bring to Vault Sessions!
written by Seif Farag