NOCTURNE : TECHNO AFTER DARK
FOR THE NEXT FEATURE, TAKE A LOOK AT THE SAN DIEGO BASED EVENT SERIES AND COLLECTIVE "NOCTURNE". THIS BRAND HAS BEEN CARVING OUT THEIR CORNER OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MUSIC SCENE AND WE LOVE SEEING WHAT THEY DO. WE TALKED WITH CO-FOUNDER AND RESIDENT DJ DAVID KLAUSE, KEEP SCROLLING DOWN TO HEAR US TALK ABOUT WHAT MAKES NOCTURNE DIFFERENT FROM THE REST //
JANUARY : 2020
What is Nocturne? :
Nocturne is an event series focused on the more stripped-down side of techno. We feature a variety of sub genres including acid, industrial, hypnotic, melodic, Detroit, breaks, electro and more but we try to steer clear of the more commonly heard banging/progressive style of “techno.”
How did the idea come up? What is the main focus? :
The idea came up more than a year ago when my friend Will Lavin and I were offered a bimonthly residency at Blonde Bar in San Diego. Blonde Bar is one of SD’s premiere electronic music venues, hosting Dance Klassique, SD’s most established weekly house event, and other events. It’s a scene club for those in the know so we’re really grateful for the opportunity and their continued support. We started it in response to the lack of proper techno events in the area shortly after my return from Berlin, which really inspired my love and vision for the music.
Are there any high points and low points that stick out? :
The highest point thus far is when we packed out the venue for Edit Select. Techno of such a caliber is extremely rare for San Diego and especially for such an intimate venue. He was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed his time down here though. Kombat was the second most memorable set and the energy in the building was out of control. The lows were when we added people to the team who didn’t share the same vision as the founders and kind of went crazy.
Tell us a little about everyone in the crew! :
Will Lavin and I are the founders but we’ve added others to the team throughout the year. Dylan Payne was the first resident we added and is also one of the area’s most talented DJ’s and producers. He runs a revered podcast series and can mix vinyl better than most people can mix digitally. Dominic Vetuschi is our newest resident and another talented DJ and producer who’s really helped shape the event to be what it is today. Leah is our interior designer and perhaps the hardest working person on the team who we are very grateful for.
Tell us about the San Diego music scene. What kind of influence does the city have? :
The scene in San Diego is very community based so collaboration has been one of the keys to our success. It’s common for a portion of the crowd to know each other and this really adds to the vibe of the event. Effort is reciprocated so supporting other’s events has led to the support of our’s.
Where do you draw inspiration? any big influences? not only the music but all around feel :
The main inspiration was my stay in Berlin. They are setting the pace for techno on an international level with everything from the extended club hours, unique venues, game-changing sets, and overall clubbing culture. The Detroit sound and Woogie stage were also always huge influences but we try to always curate the soundtrack of the night for the dance floor, so I guess you could say that’s our biggest inspiration
How did it feel to have the 1 year party? Any goals for the future? :
We’re pleased to have been doing this for more than a year and don’t plan on ending things anytime soon. we have a talented upcoming roster including Machino, an ebm Wizard who’s really been getting a lot of international attention lately, Nikroma, one of the best dark progressive psy trance acts in the game, and edit select again in August so if you’re in ever in the SD area, check us out! We’re focused on bringing the freshest international and local talent so it won’t be an experience that you’ll soon forget!
Give us 3 tracks you've been hooked on lately :
*** 3 is too difficult so I’ll give you 5
1. http://opaltapes.com/track/taking-over we always try start the night off with ambient music and this is a personal favorite.
2. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ6QeWWTXi4 I’ve played this song at least 3 times in sets when I normally never try to repeat songs but it’s just too good. It perfectly displays the connection between Detroit and Berlin with the groove and hypnotic elements.
3. http://gmrcdmusic.bandcamp.com/track/oliver-deutschmann-needles-original-mix Oliver Deutschmann is one of my favorite producers and this song is a good reason why. A groovy dance floor heater.
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wHOflgGFgY&app=desktop Still waiting for the right time to play this one but I personally think this track sets as new standard for peak time. If you want to know what Berghain sounds like, listen to this track.
5. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=emeoGZt7_Ok one of my favorite songs ever. Every time I hear it it hits me right in the feels and it always gets the dance floor grooving.
