EVENT REVIEW: Otherland with Model 500, Jeremy Greenspan and more at Tattoo 07-24-14 by Natalia Toussaint

It was one of those weeks where you checked out Tuesday mid-morning. Friday and the weekend was finally upon me and I decided I wanted to do something a little different, get out of my comfort zone (music wise), and explore the road less travelled. This is how I ended up at the first Otherland event, celebrating the 313rd birthday of Detroit with none other than Model 500, Jeremy Greenspan and a slew of talented local Toronto DJs and producers, spinning a night of techno. 

The creative minds behind Foundry, Visions and my heavily attended Happy Endings were back at it again, MANSION was giving Toronto their take on the Toronto dance music scene with their new series Otherland. This event, promoted as “a new series of nights dedicated to the DJs, producers, and live performers who share our love for something different,” was exactly what the doctor ordered. Take away neon, the kandi and replace it with a mature audience there for the music and to dance the night away. Although, I am not the biggest fan of techno, yet can appreciate it, I looked forward to a new of adventures.

I arrived at Tattoo just after 11:30 p.m. and walked into room 1 where Gingy B2B with Kevin McPhee setting the tone for the night: upbeat tunes, snappy kicks, space-like synth melodies, and that Roland-TR909 drum beat, all wrapped around an analogue, yet very danceable, sound that somehow brought the animalistic side out of me. A group of dancers already showing off their flare started the dance party with more and more attendees joining in. Around midnight the dance floor was packed with swaying bodies.

I decided to check out room 2, where Toronto locals Members Only, Andrew Ross and Mikey Apples played throughout the night. It was easy to say this was the chill room. You were able to dance, maintain a conversation and see talent at its finest. Each time I came back to the room, more and more people were inside becoming one with the vibes. I was sad to see the room closed after last call. I highly recommend if you attend an Otherland event check out room 2.

Jeremy Greenspan, one half of Junior Boys with Matt Didemus, took to the decks just before 1 a.m. continuing the vibe environment Gingy and Kevin McPhee set out. His set was filled with tracks which pulled those wallflowers onto the dance floor. I lost my shit when Yo Vogue by French Fries was played, then followed by Saint Hood by Jeremey Greenspan and Borys. After these two songs I left the dance floor for a breather and to check out room 2 again. I was back just in time for Greenspan’s last song, No. 300003 (A) by Wax, as the men of the hour were taking their place on stage.

Model 500 took to the stage at 2 a.m. to a chorus of cheers from the crowd. It was an absolute honour to be in the presence of Juan Atkins, Mike Banks, DJ Skurge and Mark Taylor. Legends on their own but a super techno group feeding off each other. The talent on stage was dripping and it was a bit overwhelming, I spent the first 10 minutes of their set with a stupid grin on my face in awe. Once I could get over the fact that songs older than I am were being played, that I actually enjoyed them, I was able to let loose and let each song take over my being. The highlight of the night was when Cosmic Raindance by Cybotron was played. This was the first Juan Atkins (and Robert Davis) song I ever heard and it was an absolute pleasure to hear it on a proper system. The night could not get any better so I took the opportunity and took my exit.

The only negative thing I can say about the night was Juan Atkins’ microphone kept on glitching out but it was a minor thing to an otherwise splendid night.

The next installment of Otherland is hot on our heels, and is a great prelude to anyone starting their long weekend celebrations this Friday August 1 at Tattoo. Keep an eye out on the Otherland Facebook page for information when tickets for the third installment will be on sale.

LINKS:

Otherland
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MANSION
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Natalia Toussaint – EDM TOR