One of the more exciting aspects of this two-day event is whats being dubbed "Sonic Electronic" at the New Med, 3933 Woodward, Detroit a venue making its debut at "Sonic Boom" which hosts a more than a dozen electronic artists.
The mastermind behind Sonic Electronic is WDET-FM 101.9s late-night favorite Liz Copeland. After Metro Times offered her a slot to spin in one of the venues, she asked if we wanted any more DJs. We were all about it. Thus came forth "Sonic Electronic."
"There was a certain eye on flow and also on expanding peoples expectations. Were just trying to show different sides of the music," Copeland explains. "I think when a lot of people think of electronic music in general, they think about boom, chic boom and thats it. There are various different elements to electronic music that began simply when anybody could plug in an electronic piece of equipment. It goes way beyond DJing and Detroit even."
The diverse lineup covers hip-hopped-soul-funk, ambient-abstract, techno-soul, straight-out dance beats and a few live experimental setups. From Personas live abstract grooves to Clark Warners mix collages to Magdas techno-electro-disco experiments, the party will reach far corners of the map while maintaining a continuous flow. Not only is Copeland presenting the variety within the genre, shes also hoping the event will introduce the music to a variety of people people who may have shunned electronica in the past.
"I think it will attract a lot of the people who wouldnt necessarily go to the clubs that promote this kind of thing. A lot of people in the rock n roll world have this stigma attached to (the clubs). I know because I live in both of those worlds. Maybe theyll just peek their head in and go, Wow, this is actually pretty good stuff. If they enjoy it, cool, but not everythings for everyone. Hopefully, some of the people who come primarily for these nights will go into the other venues and go, Oh wow. That bands really cool. I didnt know that. Hopefully, itll work both ways."
Copeland herself is opening up the first night with an experimental mix. She just picked up The Andromeda Strain soundtrack and shes excited to incorporate the sci-fi electronic emissions. But she said she also might include a dancier DJ Rolando cut called "Jaguar."
The venue itself called the New Med is a soon-to-be-open Mediterranean restaurant-club two doors north of the Bittersweet Coffee House. Furuq Khan, from Mediterranean Café in Greektown, bought the space and is busy clearing it out with concept designer Tim Price for the upcoming show. The kitchen and booths wont be there, but the space should make for a fun standing-room-only party.
The all-ages show will include beverages, but no alcohol. And remember the lamination installation by Mare at the Detroit Electronic Music Festival the plastic square-circle design near the underground stage? Some of the same work will be set up at the show. The event will be Webcast by iorangepop.com and the performers plan on keeping the party going at the New Med until 3 a.m.
So if youre still rockin out across the street at the Majestic Center or down the road at the Gold Dollar after the party ends, dont fear the electronic. Go ahead and peek. Melissa Giannini writes for the Metro Times. Send comments to [email protected]. is getting ready for release