Mobile phones in the rave has always divided opinions, ever since technology innovations made it as simple as point and shoot on a handheld device to capture moments in high quality and upload them to social media in an instant.
With the rise of Tik Tok and similar content on neighbouring platforms influencing the current rave scene, it’s safe to say mobile phones are very much a marmite subject. Some people have no problem with cameras being out in the dance, whilst others can be rather infuriated when they see one too many in the crowd.
Now let’s not get it twisted, phones are a major part many DJs’ success these days. They’re a great tool for exposure – without them you might not have discovered clips of your new favourite DJ. However, I think we can all agree when you’re bang in the centre of the rave and you witness a literal sea of phones, it can be annoying.
Over the years a small number of events, venues and DJs have introduced no phones policies to help divert the focus away from social media and instead prompt ravers to live in the moment. Notable examples include the likes of Fold and Fabric in London, as well the most famous of all; Berlin’s Berghain.
One artist has recently looked to dial it back to the pre smart phone era – Solid Grooves head honcho Michael Bibi, who threw a very successful no phones day party at DC-10. To much surprise, the rule was abided by and the vibes looked immaculate. In videos you can see the whole crowd dancing with infectious energy, bringing back a sense of the old style Ibiza parties that people rave about. So, with the right crowd and venue management, it is possible to rave without phones.
More huge names have adopted the same approach of late, including Afterlife and Damian Lazarus whose residencies at Hï Ibiza have introduced the policy this season. Following on from this, sees one of the UK’s biggest underground parties designing a brand new concept.
Led by the minimal maestro Enzo Siragusa, FUSE has recently announced a new event titled X-Series. In 2008, FUSE set about building a community of ravers, who would flood through the doors every week to witness some of the best DJs the scene had to offer. Free from social media, marketing and ticket sales, they curated a real underground party in the heart of Shoreditch. Now, 16 years later they’re looking to turn back time and strip things back to basics for 10 Sundays where it all began at 93 Feet East from October 6th up until December 8th.
The rules are simple – no phones, no revealed line ups with special guests unannounced, a limited capacity one room party and finally a 21+ age rule. Now I don’t know about you, but we will definitely be in amongst that crowd to experience a little taste of the days before mobile phones. Will you be joining us?
Find out more about FUSE X-Series here.
Sign up to access to tickets here.
Words: Ryan-lee Austin
ratemyrave 