When I learned that the recently-launched Propyard would be holding a live music event hosted by Boiler Room, my ears immediately perked up. While I may severely lack experience with having a good ole rave every weekend, I am certainly familiar with Boiler Room.
Boiler Room has been widely recognised for its live streamed parties and concerts across the world and has helped launch the careers of some of the most influential names in electronic music today. Without Boiler Room, I would have never been able to delve into the world of house, garage, techno, grime, drill and more- that all effortlessly interweave with each other during every intense performance.
Unabashedly forward-thinking and progressive, I couldn’t resist the temptation of what it would be like to watch a Boiler Room rave first-hand from the small screen to real life. Plus it would be my first ever time attending a rave, so why the heck not?
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Prior to the Boiler Room event that took place on Saturday (May 28), I was unsure what to expect at Bristol’s “newest space for creativity and culture”, as Propyard held a Van Gogh exhibition that was viewed as a 20,000 square foot extravaganza in April.
I was intrigued to see the drastic transition from a light and sound showroom to an all out, lights out one-day music fest. Upon our arrival at 3pm, which I must blame my gluttony for taking my sweet time to devour a brunch meal at the Crafty Egg, we made it to a monstrous queue of ecstatic fans eager to be let in.
After a rigorous pat down by security, we walked our way into the entrance where we saw crowds slowly grow in numbers but not in great numbers yet - it was of no surprise as the party only began at 1pm. Behind the decks by the time we joined the bash was New York’s rising superstar DJ Gabrielle Kwarteng, whose beats, inspired by West African inspired percussion grooves and jazz, had instantly set a calm and uplifting mood as other ravers were seemingly induced into a trance.
I peered around the area to find food stalls conveniently placed across the outdoor area, while discovering there were not one, but three, overflow bars that were located both outside and its neighbouring indoors area. What was known as the residence of the 360 digital art exhibition temporarily became a seating area for amped-up attendees, alongside cocktail bars and a photo booth to forcefully drag all your friends to.
As the day progressed, the former Ministry of Defence base was gradually turned into Dance Central as myriads of people of all genders and races swarmed Propyard, shimmying with unmistakable passion to both classics and revolutionary new sounds during the event. Meanwhile, as I may have started on the wrong foot as a first-time raver by first attempting to bob my head and wiggle a finger in a blatantly obvious uncool fashion, I eventually found my own groove and confidence, as every performance brought a fresh and empowering perspective for the masses.
I even mustered up the courage to join the main stage with others who were allowed entry with prepaid VIP gold wristbands to watch Radio 1 DJ Elkka, whose cross-genre music hypnotised audiences, as her bold artistry was on full display for us all to appreciate.
Other acts such as O’Flynn, who has been hailed by Boiler Room as “one of dance music’s most prosperous newcomers”, brought scorching heat to the already warm Bristol weather as he played house bangers that oozed of powerful percussions deeply inspired by the sounds of Africa.
In addition, Boiler Room fan-favourite Bradley Zero made his return through his infectious beats riddled with house, jazz and R&B that has cemented his name as the ultimate tastemaker of our generation. Lastly, Boiler Room’s headliner, Australian DJ Mall Grab, who has risen through the ranks in the past six years to become a tour de force in his industry, spun heads and records with his electrifying set that elicited roaring reactions from crowds, ranging from piercing screams to cheerful whoops.
Despite my unideal choice of footwear of the day, as my wearing of platform boots backfired in the worst way possible, through teary eyes and excruciatingly sore feet I managed to successfully limp my way through a full-length’s day of raving and non-stop debauchery.
I might have awkwardly kicked off the festival season with cringeworthy mum dance moves, but Boiler Room’s day event is a shining example of how to throw a daytime party, because, boy, did they throw one exceptionally well. Until next time, where I hope to make my grand return with a professionally choreographed dance routine and perhaps a sensible pair of shoes.
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