Preview
CONNECTED
Saturday, May 1
Sun Centre
Elton John may be known for still standing, but it is a sentiment that could just as easily be attributed to local DJ and promoter Domenic G. After innumerable no-name promoters parachuted into town from destinations as cosmopolitan as Edmonton and Toronto, G has become one of the last party people to still carry the torch of the all-night extravaganza.
His series of mega-parties, christened Connected, have become a sort of rite of passage, a staple of spring’s return. This year Connected turns seven and for G, the pace doesn’t seem to be breaking. Large-name DJs, coupled with a slew of local talent have kept Connected thumpin’. This year’s lineup features Calgary notables Jon Delerious and Fever playing alongside Olav Basoski and Toronto’s Big League Chu.
With Connected, G says he is trying to rebuild an electronic music community that fell victim to more supply than demand.
"I think there were a lot of shady promoters and events and after a while they all seemed to be the same. That really cleared out a lot of the heads. Things just became weaker because of it."
Oddly, G sees the controversial civic rave bylaw as one of the things that actually cleared out much of the chaff that had sullied the electronic scene. He contends that those who planned things by the books from the onset were least affected. "It’s the people that didn’t really have a vested interest in the music or the community that it ended up hurting the most," says G. "That and the medium-sized parties. But generally for the larger events it just thinned out the out-of-towners."
Although aware of his role in the continuing redevelopment of the local electronic community, G is quick to attribute his success to the great number of fans who comprise that community – those that are taking an active role in its rebirth.
"It’s back to people again, people who are into the music whatever the genre. The fad has worn off and now it’s the heads that come out and there are a lot of people in this city who really are into this. It’s not just a dance party, it’s a huge event on the scale of a rock show and it’s great that we can now again come together. That’s the best part."
As for the future, planning is already in the works for next year and if pushed to look into his crystal ball, G refers to Toronto, which is once again waking and walking to the beat of an electronic drum.
"Toronto’s local nights are really starting to see people come out again in large numbers, so we’re about a year and a half behind. I think it’s just come full circle, the guys who were playing seven years ago are now still holding their own and developing interest again from the ground up. It’s come back to the music, that’s a good thing." |
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