There is nothing like a neck hangover.

Have you ever walked into a heavy metal Bar or Nightclub on Halloween wearing 15 centimeters pink high heels and a frilly dress? Have you ever done this while covered in fake blood pretending to be road kill for Halloween?

Didn’t I have a good time!

Except when the morning light showed up. No, not because I am a vampire who cannot stand the sunlight – or a mentally frustrated boy in front of his playstation. But because, morning light means morning, morning means waking up and waking up means hangover – a neck hangover.

Head banging is a skill. And if you are planning on hitting some of Sydney’s craziest heavy metal Bars and Nightclubs be warned it is a skill you MUST learn. Well at least if you do not want to wake up feeling that your neck is a small tree branch onto which you have just attached a coconut (all this plus a dying brain from too much alcohol consumption).

Unless you are a yoga master and your head is the ‘stretchiest’ around, waking up with a neck hangover is inevitable. So what do you do when you have one? Or what are the tricks to avoiding it?

Some say easy stretches before you start rolling your head like crazy to insane nightclub sounds give you a head start in the ‘avoid extreme neck pain the next morning’ race.

My advice would be: don’t drink – but isn’t that a killer.

Taking it slow won’t help you. Once you start, it is over. Head banging is after all a drug – one twist of the neck and you are addicted. At least until your neck holds up.

Heavy metal nightclub lovers will tell you, a neck hangover is so painful you will have to head back into the night scene to forget the pain. Since it is muscle pain though, Tiger balm is always a good resort. Massage it into your neck for a while and hope for the best.

Pannadol and fresh orange juice might help with the dizziness – but let us be realistic. There are no cures for major neck strain, all you may do is stay in bed, call your boss with a dying voice, and most of all DON’T LOOK DOWN. Coconut, coconut, coconut…

After my Halloween head banging in the nightclub scene to a hard core live band, while trying to stay up in heels, carrying my head off outside in both hands and hyperventilating, I say head to the Ivy and dance a slow and get yourself a chilled mojito.

By Amarande Chauvet

A List of DJ Scratching Techniques

If you, like many thought that scratching was just a random act of moving the record back and forth whilst twiddling a knob, holding the headphone against your ear and trying to look slick then think again. This technique that DJs use is far more than just playing with the record, it is an art form that takes months and years to perfect.

As one of the more well known techniques that a DJ uses, scratching has evolved from what it once was to incorporate a huge number of styles, that are used depending on the genre of music, be it trance, house, techno, RnB or hip hop.

Baby Scratch

This is the technique that most people associate with the DJ. This is when the DJ moves a record back and forth quickly with one hand. If you are on dance floor, you will probably note this is one of the opportunities a DJ gets to salute the crowd and look cool.

Chirp Scratch

This is hard to explain to a non DJ, but it is a variation on the baby scratch however also uses the crossfader (the crossfader is the thing that determines which of the two records is heard by the dance floor and to what intensity). When you see the DJ scratching with one hand, and moving a knob left and right he’s using this technique.

Hydrophonic Scratch

This is when the DJ scratches the record in one direction whilst using his or her thumb to moves the record in the other direction. Sounds pretty complicated.

Flare Scratch

Too hard to explain… perhaps ask a DJ or Google it.

Transformer Scratch

To the non DJ, appears to be one of the more complex forms of scratching and is when the DJ scratches with one hand and rapidly moves the cross fader back and forth with an intense look…

Scribble Scratch

This involves the DJ tensing his arm and kind of making it vibrate (try it it isn’t that hard).
Other

Other techniques a DJ uses to mix the music you love are the Euro scratch, orbit scratch, crab scratch and tweak scratch, however I can’t be bothered to explain them all it is just too hard. If you’re still interested then watch this video.

By Ben King

Bubble Nightclub
Alia Bar
Silk Road
Spice Market

The History of the DJ

Whilst everyone knows what a DJ is, few people would know the rich history regarding the rise of the DJ over more traditional forms of live music and entertainment. Once more, the what readers definitely wouldn’t be aware of is that the history of the DJ goes back to the 1800’s before radio’s were even invented.
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Trance Music Festivals From Around the World

If your reading this article then chances are you like trance music about as much as we do… which is heaps. The genre of electronic music that is trance, is a relatively newcomer to the music scene however despite this, trance music is still the focal point of some of the biggest festivals in the world.
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The Biggest Selling Hip Hop, RnB and Dance Music Singles of All Time…

Have you ever wondered what the biggest selling tracks of your favourite genre are? We have, so we decided to investigate exactly which tracks have sold the most and found that in the world of music… NOTHING IS WHAT IT SEEMS…
So without further adieu, below is the official list on number 1 tracks of all time from all the major music genres that this website cares about.
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A History of Hip Hop Music and Culture

Hip Hop and RnB have without question been the dominant music genre of the 2000’s. Approximately 40% of number one hits throughout this period have either been hip hop or RnB illustrating perfectly how a once obscure music genre can dominate the mainstream music charts for a decade so much so, that it has created a subculture unto itself.

If you don’t know, the father of Hip Hop culture was DJ Afrika Bambaataa who forged the 5 pillars of hip hop culture being DJ’ing, MC’ing, break dancing, graffiti and knowledge during the 70’s. An arguably late edition to these pillars is beat boxing however this was not originally deemed to be an integral part of Hip Hop Culture.

Originating from the Bronx, Hip Hop culture is without question most identifiable with African Americans, however has been adopted by all ethnicities both in the USA and around the world, largely due to the contribution of Hip Hop groups such as RUN DMC and Public Enemy as well as hip hop music icons such as Grand Master Flash during the late 80’s.
Massive contributions to hip hop music and culture were also made by notable break dance crews including the Rock Steady Crew, New York Breakers, as well as the Kool DJ Herc, who pioneered the hip style of DJ’ing and turntableism which is still used today.

Due to the explicit language used as well as controversial topics that hip hop music addressed, conservative groups moved to censor hip hop music and artists on the basis that they glorified violence. If anything this only increased the popularity of the hip hop artists they tried to regulate, and reinforced existing prejudices that proponents of hip hop music and culture had against the police and government.

So popular now is hip hop music and culture that the national geographic published “hip hop is the world’s most popular youth culture” in which every country has its own brand and take on hip hop music and culture. Without question, hip hop is set to only grow, as a never ending line-up of hip hop artist cultivate their skills around the world.

By Ben King

Today’s recommended Brisbane Bars are:

The Exchange Nightclub
Club Russia
The Regatta Hotel

A History of Techno Music

Irrespective what end of the spectrum of techno music, whether you love it or hate it, chances are you don’t know a thing about its history and even less about what has made it one of the most popular forms of electronic music today.
Whilst techno is without doubt most popular in Europe today, techno music in fact originated from a Detroit Michigan during the 1980’s. Although Detroit is far more famous for exporting cars rather than music, the vast array of techno music genres we listen to today are variants on the original style of “Detroit Techno.” (Ironically Eminem, one of the 2000’s biggest names in rap music who openly hates techno music also comes from the same city)
The pioneers of techno music are without question the Belleville 3, given that label by adoring fans because they all attended Belleville High School, who’s first 3 albums popularised the fledgling genre of music.

However the main reason for the growth in techno music during this period was the fact that synthesizers and sequencers required to produce techno music became increasingly affordable. As a result, experimentation with techno music became increasingly popular within Detroit, in particular by those not wishing to follow the mainstream music of the time.
It wasn’t long before the techno music genre started to make inroads into Europe, with Germany and England becoming early adopters of this new style. When the Berlin wall fell in 1989, techno music exploded in German bars, nightclubs and underground venues, the most famous of which was UFO, hosted by DJ Westbaume and DJ Maute. This underground venue would be the first steps to founding the most epic festival of techno music being The Love Parade.

With the growth in techno music, various genres started to make a name for themselves and create their own following. He various genres of Trance music (hard trance, progressive trance, acid trance, uplifting trance) all have their origins in Detroit techno. Mainstream music also became heavily influence by techno, in particular with “techno remixes” of pop, hip hop, RnB and rap music.

Today techno music is without question the most popular genre of electronic music, so much so that it is often mistaken by newbie’s as the name for electronic music itself with DJs and groups such as the Aphex Twins, Basshunter, Daft Punk and DJ Rush pushing techno music into the mainstream.

By Ben King

Today’s Recommended Brisbane Bars:

Family Nightclub
Birdee Num Num
Cloudland
The Zoo Nightclub

A Beginners Guide to Trance Music

With the never ending and continuing changing list of electronic music genres, undoubtedly there are budding clubbers out there a little bit confused about what’s what in the world of trance music. Whilst trance and electronic music “haters” will tell you that all music that emanates from a computer falls under the category of “doof,” there is a huge number of variations and styles of trance that make it one of the most well known styles of electronic music.

The godfather of Trance music is a German guy by the name of Klause Schulze, who’s first album Transfer is believed to have been the origin for naming his style of music “trance.” Although trance music only started becoming semi mainstream during the mid to late 1990’s, he is widely credited for pioneering this style of music.

Although originating in Germany, the home of trance music today is without question the Netherlands, with 3 of the Worlds top 10 DJ’s hailing from this small European nation including DJ Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren and Ferry Corsten.
If the Netherlands is home to trance music, then Ibiza would be its living room. The famous clubbing Island of Ibiza without doubt the epicentre of trance music. The best DJ’s in the world and the most avid lovers of trance music flock to this small Spanish island to party during the northern summer.

So if you are looking to educate yourself on trance music, below is a beginner’s guide to set you on your way to become a trance music expert.

1. Classic Trance

2. Progressive Trance

3. Hard Trance

4. Acid Trance

5. Uplifting Trance (also known as “Anthem Trance,” Stadium Trance” and “Euphoric Trance.”)

By Ben King

Today’s recommended Melbourne Bars are:

Bubble Nightclub
Neverland Nightclub
Evelyn Hotel

Who Are The World’s Best DJ’s

It’s a topic discussed by lovers of techno, trance, house and electronic music around the world… who are the best DJ’s in the world? Whilst differing tastes in music dictate who might be your favourite DJ, there is undoubtedly a group of DJ’s out there that are a cut above the rest.
So in an effort to answer this question, we did a bit of research online to suss out which DJ’s are the most sought after and came up with this list of the top 3 DJ’s in the World.

1. DJ Tiesto

Tijs Michiel Verwest (DJ Tiesto) is largely credited for revolutionising trance and hard trance music. The 40 year old Dutch DJ’s fame started in 1997 when he founded Black Hole Recordings. In 2000 he hit the big time with his remix of the Delirium and from 2002 – 2004 was voted the best DJ in the world by the bible of Dj’ing, DJ magazine. As resident DJ at Privilege nightclub, officially recognised as the world’s biggest nightclub, few would argue DJ Tiesto is the top DJ in world today.

2. Armin Van Buuren

The 2nd Dutch DJ on the list, AVB can also lay claim to moulding trance and euro-trance music into what it is today. Hailing from Kouderkerk Ahn Den Rijn in the Netherlands, AVB it wasn’t uncommon for this preeminent trance DJ to perform 6 – 7 hour sets at the Nexus nightclub. His 2000 compilation CD “A State of Trance” sold 10,000 which led to a vast number of top compilations mixing progressive, trance and techno. AVB is currently the host of one of the most listened to radio shows in the world with over million listeners also called “A State Of Trance.”

3. ATB

André Tanneberger comes in as the number 3 DJ on our list. Most known for his number one hit in 1999 (and a track some would say epitomises the dance music of the time) Till I Come, ATB is also known for an epic list of hits, ATB regularly release his ever changing style of dance/trance music in his native country of Germany. A DJ known for his ever evolving style, ATB’s release in 2005 of the compilation CD “7 Years” featuring all his hits received critical acclaim around the world.

By Ben King

Todays Recommended Sydney Bars are:

Bungalow 8
Carmens Nightclub
Establishment Bar

Types of Guys in Bars and Nightclubs

Whenever girls go out to bars and nightclubs, there is the unavoidable circumstance that we all have to face: getting hit on by guys. Guys can be sleazy, charming, cute, cool, hot, and everything in between…but how do you sort out the good guys from the bad guys? The right person in nightclubs can make your night enjoyable, fun, and provide you with a great hook up if that’s what you’re looking for. Here’s a little list of the types of guys in bars and nightclubs to help you avoid the perverts, and figure out those guys who just don’t make sense.

1. The funny guy.

This guy will normally be found with his group of guy mates, cracking jokes or doing stupid dance moves. Don’t get him confused with the ‘charming funny guy’: this guy is purely laughs, laughs, and laughs. He will be good fun for the night, but don’t expect him to call in the morning or take anything he says too seriously. He might make jokes about your looks, your weight, or anything else that guys aren’t supposed to say to girls; you are going to have to ignore these comments if you want the guy for anything more than a good laugh.

2. The pervert.

I’m sure that most girls have encountered enough of these guys to know exactly how to spot them, but leopards can change their spots. Some perverted or sleazy guys can masquerade as normal people, or can even be very charming. The easiest way to spot these guys and avoid getting in to a sticky situation is to watch for the warning signs: watch for excessive touching, excessive buying of drinks for you, and excessive ‘I’m trying to kiss you’ signs such as leaning in too close or trying to take you to quiet spots.

3. The guy who is just looking for sex.

Don’t get this confused with the pervert: the pervert is looking for any excuse to touch a girl, any excuse to look at a girl for more than two seconds, or any excuse to be alone with you so he can try and make some move. The guy who’s just looking for sex has more standards than the pervert, and will generally talk to you a little. He may want to get to know you and see that you’re a really cool person, but if you don’t want sex too then he’ll probably get your number and get out of there. Give him your number and let him do his thing…he is a guy, after all.

Stay tuned for more types of guys in bars and nightclubs!

By Kelly Teng