I don't think it's just me, but...

[DaPhatConductor]

I used to think that the hardcore heads were all that's out there in Toronto, but there's a whole WORLD of party kids who don't go to the main core of breaks events. This was made abundantly clear by that Bassnectar party when it sold out DAYS before the jam and then when it came I barely knew anyone.

Why don't these paople come out to the 'normal' breaks parties? It's like every event is targeted at the same couple hundred people when there's EASILY thousands more who would come if they knew about it. Our little nook is an isolated island in a sea of possible breaks party-goers and something is holding it back...

Let's figure it out, and then get these cats out to our parties

 

[DaPhatConductor]

Oh, and by 'party kids' in the first sentence there i mean 'breaks enthusiasts' whoops!

 

[jungleboy]

...I think it's an issue for the whole scene right now...getting people out is a very tricky thing...I would be the last person you would want to talk to for ideas though!...

 

[DSV]

I'm always find it astonishing more people aren't into breaks. That thump-thump-thump-thump house beat is BORING. It seems a lot of people just don't know how to dance to anything else.

Although a lot of big name DJs like Sasha, Paul V. Dyke and Mark Oliver do seem to be mixing in the breaks (from what people tell me )

Later
Dave

 

[Eclectic]

Originally posted by DSV
Although a lot of big name DJs like Sasha, Paul V. Dyke and Mark Oliver do seem to be mixing in the breaks (from what people tell me )

Yeah, but their "Progressive" Breaks...

Meh....IMO.

 

[Destro Sanchez]

i don't think this is just a breaks thing......

it happens to techno, it happens to psy trance, and I bet it happens to jazzy drum n bass too.

there's lots of people out there that can fill a party.......but there's also lots of different parties to chose from too!
(ie. the bassnectar party and the purephunk (?) party on the same night...)

Destro

 

[docta seuss]

Originally posted by DSV
I'm always find it astonishing more people aren't into breaks. That thump-thump-thump-thump house beat is BORING.

you'd be surprised how many people have never even heard of breaks. or maybe you wouldn't..

the masses need educating.

 

[DSV]

Originally posted by docta seuss
you'd be surprised how many people have never even heard of breaks. or maybe you wouldn't..

the masses need educating.

so true!

 

[KickIT]

Its called cliques and Toronto is as cliquey as it gets.

*c*

 

[docta seuss]

ah.. bassnectar was so refreshingly non-cliquey..

 

[Hispeeddub]

They were taking a list of people names and e-mail address's that night ...supposedly for the next party... that might be a good starting point.... Thing is the vibe from the different crowds are so contrast... im a bit skeptical about the idea of the type of crowd that was @ bassnectar showing up and enjoying the type of breaks parties usually thrown in Toronto. Also I think there were quite a few peeps at that party who were from out of town. Im not saying its impossible though....when I lived in Vancouver some of my best nights were at a mostly breaks night called Pound, at the time is was @ the palladium, that’s pretty much how it was ... you had the "regular" party kid crowd and you had the hippies.... The hippies and the party kids would both rip shit up.... wikked vibe .. wikked music and wikked dancers .. damn I miss those days
But yeah.. from what have expericenced so far (which isnt a whole lot ) in toronto.. makes me think that its the people and cliquey additute which is holding back the Toronto breaks scene. Like you said it only caters to a certain crowd who dig a specific sound.. and it seems that the DJ's are too dependant on that crowd to push new sounds to new people....Ah but what do i know..... Things look promising for the future tho ...i think just a little new blood is all that is needed.

 

[The Electrician]

cliques ruin things though... especially when they get too big... Cliques are where the attitude comes in... which is bad. In order for breaks to get big.. people on the outside looking in have to want to feel like they can "belong" the the giant breaks clique. If they think all Breaks people are attitudy then they wont like to associate with the breaks people, Look what happened to the Techno kids, There used to be attitude flying all over the place a few years back... and now look at it... if you go to a Techno event now.. I can assure you, you will have a wicked time and meet tons of really nice people.

We have to get new people out. Bottom line. We have to start thowing NEW and INTERESTING events. Its not about a venue change and its not about fancy flyers. We have to get people interested in breakbeats. We have to get the old jaded people to accept the new crowd coming in... or it will never work and that is true, I've seen it.

"If you dont like breaks... you suck" that way of thinking needs to stop... and it has happened... Im probably guilty of it too at somepoint in life... But that's way we are humans and know how to grow...
I think everyone should look at themselves and think about yourself... Open up those minds and thoughts of yours... Get your own idea's... Dont judge people for appreances... Dont be a bitch... dont be an asshole... There is not point... It just makes yourself look bad in turn...

What's so bad about liking everyone... Young, Old, Nu, Funky... what's the fuckin difference...


that's what I think... If you think this is stupid, then start over again....

have a nice evening... whats there to do on a Monday night....?

Wes

 

[docta seuss]

the cliques don't support us little guys either. i'm sick of playing to small crowds..

yeah, i rarely go to the big breaks partés in the area because of the attitudes. i wait for the bassnectar-esque events . those "hippy" folk who come out to parties like the bassnectar shindig are some o' the downest cats in the city, and i always have a great time chillin with 'em, but you're fooling yourself if you think they'd ever come anywhere near most of the major events. hippy folk and bad attitudes don't mix.

unfortunately, the same cliques which are responsible for supporting the local scene, are also the ones holding it back.

 

[litespeed]

fuck genres.

good music is good music.

 

[docta seuss]

Originally posted by ev
fuck genres.

good music is good music.

say it loud brutha!

 

[KickIT]

Originally posted by docta seuss
the cliques don't support us little guys either. i'm sick of playing to small crowds..

yeah, i rarely go to the big breaks partés in the area because of the attitudes. i wait for the bassnectar-esque events . those "hippy" folk who come out to parties like the bassnectar shindig are some o' the downest cats in the city, and i always have a great time chillin with 'em, but you're fooling yourself if you think they'd ever come anywhere near most of the major events. hippy folk and bad attitudes don't mix.

unfortunately, the same cliques which are responsible for supporting the local scene, are also the ones holding it back.

what you just described is the definition of clique. Just because they're hippies and do their own thing, doesn't exclude them from the world of cliques.

and what is this bad attitude people talk about? i don't get it.

*c*

 

[docta seuss]

Originally posted by KickIT
what you just described is the definition of clique. Just because they're hippies and do their own thing, doesn't exclude them from the world of cliques.

and what is this bad attitude people talk about? i don't get it.

*c*

you're incorrect my friend. a clique is a a narrow, exclusive circle or group of persons.. exclusive being the key here methinks.

yeah, the "hippies" tend to be attracted to the same venues/types of parties from week to week, but they're completely aproachable and accepting of outsiders. the fact that they avoid scenes where they wouldn't feel comfortable doesn't make them cliquey. far too many breaks parties i've been to have been severely lacking in the comfort department. not half so bad as jungle parties though.. but i always end up having a blast, so i'll shut up.

 

[KickIT]

Originally posted by docta seuss
you're incorrect my friend. a clique is a a narrow, exclusive circle or group of persons.. exclusive being the key here methinks.

yeah, the "hippies" tend to be attracted to the same venues/types of parties from week to week, but they're completely aproachable and accepting of outsiders. the fact that they avoid scenes where they wouldn't feel comfortable doesn't make them cliquey. far too many breaks parties i've been to have been severely lacking in the comfort department. not half so bad as jungle parties though.. but i always end up having a blast, so i'll shut up.

Well say for instance, these "cliquey" people started going to these "hippie" events. I don't think it'll be too long before the hippies started complaining about it and started finding something else to do. They do stick together, just like any other clique. They have certain surroundings they are accustomed to and are comfortable in. Just like any other clique.

I also don't get this notion where people are meant to feel uncomfortable. Are there people who tell these people to leave? Do people get in their faces and ask them why they are there? I highly doubt it. A party is what you make of it. If you are uncomfortable with your surroundings because it is different from what you are accustomed to, don't blame other people who are there having a good time.

*c*

 

[KickIT]

Actually just to add to this point. I will give you that meeting new people and sharing a vibe isn't quite the same. Some people are cold, some people neutral and some people genuinely love meeting new people. Just because you get the cold shoulder from someone doesn't mean everyone is like that. Brush it off and move on.

*c*

 

[D-Monic]

Originally posted by KickIT
A party is what you make of it. If you are uncomfortable with your surroundings because it is different from what you are accustomed to, don't blame other people who are there having a good time.

Yep.

 

[Hispeeddub]

Originally posted by KickIT
what you just described is the definition of clique. Just because they're hippies and do their own thing, doesn't exclude them from the world of cliques.

and what is this bad attitude people talk about? i don't get it.

*c*

Main Entry: clique
Pronunciation: 'klEk, 'klik
Function: noun
Etymology: French
Date: 1711
: a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; especially : one held together by common interests, views, or purposes

Narrow and exclusive are not 2 words i would use to describe the type of people at bassnectar
I think the point here is that if new people are going to come in they need to feel comfortable... i could see how people new to the sound and style would be intimidated by the breaks scence here in toronto. Heres an example i read of a while back.

A good example of the T.O. breaks clique is I once brought a
friend who didn't listen to breaks to an event and he enjoyed the
music and danced his heart out. I was excited for him. I was happy
that he enjoyed the music that I love. However I looked around and
people were standing around loooking at him like he was nuts. Mind
you he's not the best dancer but who cares.. the guy was going off!
People were staring and one guy proceeded to stand behind him and
mock his moves. I was so embarassed. Not for him.. For these people
who thought they were being cool but were just your average bully.

I agree the party is what you make it and have really enjoyed myself at all the toronto breaks partys ive been too, but that for the most part was due to the music... peronally i dont mind a cliquey or a sketchy or whatever crowd so long as the music is good and there is room to bust.

 

[Stormshadow]

Well as a sort-of-outsider looking in...I agree with the cliquey aspect.
I love breaks, but I didn't always enjoy going to breaks parties in the TO area because I kinda felt like I didn't belong.
ie. everyone at breaks parties seemed like they were there just to be with certain people, and gave off the feeling that it was 'their party'. Kind of an immature, snobby vibe going on. I guess I've just never understood mob mentality. I'd rather be exposed to lots of different music and people.
Not to say that's really how it is, or that everyone is like this...it's just the feeling I got when I'd be at some parties.

As someone who enjoys all kinds of music, and likes going to house, techno, dnb, and breaks nights...I always found it strange that the breaks parties had this weird vibe.
And c'mon...breaks are PARTY music for christ sakes...you'd think they'd have the best vibe going on!

But imo...it doesn't seem to be an issue as much as it used to...I've personally seen a lot of new people when I've been out to a few breaks parties as of late (the Freeland party at System had a great crowd).

 

[Aphrodite]

it's kinda like having a big family.. I always know I'll see those smiling faces

nobody should ever feel intimaidated @ a breaks party!!! I feel most at home at them!

 

[docta seuss]

there you go, a couple much more eloquently written versions of my thoughts by a few people.

 

[KickIT]

I don't know what to say other than...

there are jerks everywhere, don't let them ruin your night or leave you with a negative impression of everyone else there. While I can say yes, there are groups of friends who go to breaks jams. Are we cliquey? maybe but we're all best friends. I didn't realize that hanging out with your friends made you snobby. It still doesn't mean we don't appreciate a good party and a good vibe and that we don't want more people coming out.

Maybe if every breaks party in Toronto wasn't 200 strong, you'd see more variety and more people out. I agree Freeland at System was refreshing and it was great seeing alot of people out. I honestly don't think the root of the problem is people. Maybe some people need to learn to other people a little bit better (on both sides of the coin).

*c*