- Yet more proof why the Milan venue is such a vital space for electronic music.
- In recent months, the future of the Milan venue Macao has been under threat. The news that the city council agreed to sell the building housing the cultural centre carried with it the possibility of eviction. In response, the community surrounding the former slaughterhouse joined forces and put together a daily programme of events. Starting in early October, WE INSIST! featured everything from tango classes, club nights and concerts to tattoo conventions and vinyl swaps, involving artists who have passed through Macao's doors since 2012. This collective effort worked: a couple weeks ago, the city council voted against the eviction.
When I arrived at Viale Molise for the seventh edition of the biannual party Dance Affliction, the stairway leading to the main entrance was already crawling with a diverse crowd. The energy pouring from Macao's walls is one of freedom and respect, embracing music aficionados, ravers, punks, fashion kids and generally curious people. As soon as I entered the main hall, Pedro Maia's idiosyncratic live visuals and the intense bass of Queen Of Golden Dogs (AKA Vessel) washed over me. When the huge screen was moved, the Macao resident and Haunter Records cofounder Sense Fracture took over, mingling distorted live vocals and thrilling arhythmic beats. The whole building throbbed with life, and the columns and high glass ceilings were immersed in a red haze.
Despite the hefty lineup and significant clashes, each of the three rooms had a unique vibe. The Ghost Room was taken over by the London-based crew Bala Club, with performances from Kamixlo, Uli K and the 24-year-old composer and poet Swan Meat. The three artists presented an asymmetrical palette of global sounds, including reggaeton, gabber and crunk. Tempos switched as fast as the two pink neon lights over the DJ booth. Peak ecstasy, though, came during the final hours, first with Paradox's bewitching set of dubstep and jungle and then with the Macao resident Arcangelo, who closed the Temple in a mind-blowing fury of accelerated beats.
Dance Affliction was truly inspiring. Its high quality programme offered yet more proof that Milan badly needs places like Macao to maintain a thriving alternative arts scene.