My primary point of interest in terms of ‘Sound Art’ is the creation, evolution and analysis of DJ/Party culture. I refrain from using the word ‘Nightclub’ because the connotations associated with the business aspect are not of much concern to me. I am interested in the way ‘parties’ operate as social/sound spaces and how they can give us a microscopic insight into the cultural, social and political landscape of a given time and place.

Party culture and the history surrounding these events are often hugely overshadowed when analysing our past. For example in schools, a place (poorly) designed to prepare the upcoming generation for life puts its main emphasis on conflicts and politics. How do we expect to break away from the mentality of ‘you vs them’ when all we learn about is division? Focus is predominately on the bad people of this world, missing out the pockets of good and inspiring humans. Why should we solely learn about someone that won a battle, brought down a head of state or married a horse?

For one I am interested in DJ/Party Culture because I’m an aspiring DJ myself and this small corner of the music/sound canon has brought me a lot of joy. The reason I’m studying Sound Art is because my favourite producer Theo Parrish was a student of this field and I truly believe in the positive effects dancing and listening to music on a superior system has on our mental/physical health. The pioneer David Mancuso spearheaded the idea of community, inclusion and expression with his opening party ‘Love Saves the Day’ on Valentines Day 1970. I intend to base the majority of my research from this point. My reasonings will be explained at length later in my blog.

Being a history student myself I’m not oblivious to how important our general history is, of course we should learn about these things. However cherry picking history is dangerous. So if we are going to cherry pick, why don’t we pick something that is positive for once. Winning a war isn’t positive in my eyes. Coming together is.

“I want a situation where there are no economic barriers, meaning somebody who didn’t eat that day or only has a few dollars in his pocket can eat like a king. Theres no difference if you have a lot of money or a little.” David Mancuso