I almost went to Above and Beyond but I decided it was too far away and too late so I headed out to The Nile instead. There was no line at Midnight and there were only about 300 people inside. There was plenty of room to dance but the place was hot and humid and only a handful of people braved the heat to dance. The rest were mostly standing or walking around. Not many e-puddles, I'm guessing due to the recent busts. A lot of folks think the not-so-underground parties should become 18+ so the cops will leave us alone. I don't know if that will ever happen or if it will actually make any difference. I think it's time to focus on smaller, true underground parties that are not for profit but for the vibe and the music. Some of the house parties could have the best vibe. Anyone with a basement?

Anyway, Jae Van was spinning a solid set in the main room when I got in but like I said, not many people were dancing. There were only about 20 people downstairs where PepsE was doing his HH set and only about 5-6 in the back room where someone was spinning jungle and d&b. A lot of people were already leaving which was a shame because Darcy came up next and tore it up big time. Nice dark, hard and yet uplifting mixes. She got almost everyone up and dancing. She was great.

I still think all the promoters should get together and either buy a land or a warehouse for events. When it gets old just sell the place and buy a new one. Renting venues causes too many headaches and wastes too much money. Get a place and keep the drug dealers out so you won't risk loosing it to the courts. Everyone can do their private "purchases" before or after the party. We are letting drugs destroy the scene. We are giving up too much for too little.

OK! Enough preaching for one night. So, how was Above and Beyond? Anyone got any photos for me?

Ramy

this whole anti-drug sentiment is a wee bit off-putting. of COURSE raving isn't solely about the drugs - it's about the music. if it WASN'T about the music, we wouldn't be here. but if some people choose to use drugs to ENHANCE the music, and what's wrong with that? certainly i must admit that i have, at times, gotten fucked up at parties to the point where i don't even enjoy the music or dance, and that's not what it's about, but kids need to discover that on their own. drug use is a personal choice and shouldn't be criticized by others until that choice starts to affect YOU (that is, when i start stripping your car to hock for K). but most people simply want to use drugs recreationally and to enjoy themselves, to liven up the experience a little. the only thing that needs to be learned is MODERATION. it's sad that raving has become interminably associated in the public's eye as a drug culture, but when parties and promoters and DJs insert drugs into their names, it's hard to dissociate it. i dunno, i guess i'm still idealistic enough to think drugs can be used both for self-exploration as well as recreational entertainment. but obviously, they're not for everyone. people just need to figure that out on their own, they certainly aren't going to stop because they're TOLD to stop. we've been TOLD to stop our whole lives, and we obviously don't want to listen.

i'm glad Darcy was good though, cos she really made up for Ron D Core's absence at 140 BPM Up. I was up front watching her for most of her set at that party, and i fell in love. i hope she comes back soon, and to a heavily promoted and attended party.

jake
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I feel a quick clarification is in order. I've always said people on both sides of the issue MUST realize and acknowledge the difference between drug use and drug ABuse (check the articles I've posted here). What I think is hurting the scene is the later. When a person is sprawled on the floor with his eyes in the back of his head and a cop walks up and sees this, what do you suppose the cop should do? Look the other way? Understand the meaning of freedom and personal choice? No one argues that drugs do enhance the music but an E pit of teenagers is nothing but a wet dream for sensationalistic media and "concerned: parents who can't wait to get their torches and head for the hills. Drugs are destroying the scene because some people have abused them and are blatant about it. I still hear people brag about the 5 hits of ecstasy and the 10 hits of acid they need to take in order to "really" get off. THAT'S what bothers me. I never said to anyone "don't do drugs". I just hope people use common sense, that's all.

Ramy

WELL I ALSO WAS GOING TO GO TO ABOVE AND BEYOND BUT AGAIN TOO LATE AND DIDNT WANT TO DRIVE, IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY SO I HAD TO GO TO A PARTY! I THOUGHT THE PARTY WAS A LITTLE DULL BUT YOU KNOW WHAT, IT WAS FUN. I HAD MUSIC TO DANCE TO AND LOTS OF HAPPY PEOPLE TO BE AROUND, I THOUGHT THE VIBE WAS GREAT. WELL I MEAN WITH THOSE WHO WERE ACTUALLY THERE TO PARTY, NOT SIT AROUND AND BITCH ABOUT NOT HAVING ANY DRUGS!

TWIXX
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I missed DRC? She is one of my favorite DJs. I am practically in love with the woman! I think I am going to cry.

Antonio

I didnt go to this party because i stopped going to raves. electric daisy carnival made me relize its not about music its about money and drugs. they practically threw everything but my clothes in the trash and i just cant stand seeing any more fucked up cracked out ass ravers laying around in dirt piles grinding their teeth, sucking on pacifiers, wearing everything plastic and glittery they can find. I finnaly saw the light and I hope everyone else can relize that drugs are ruining this scene and all you cracked out kidz are ruining it. stay off drugs it is disgusting, go home and take showers and stay sober. I am not saying raves arent fun but please . I never thought I would being saying this but it is true, besides pills are so shitty now any ways you spend all your money on them at parties and end up being sober the whole night any ways.