Going back fourteen years to 2010, a currently beloved version of “live-streaming” came into being: Boiler Room. Its rise in popularity had to go hand in hand with the mainstreamization of what was, up until that point, mainly an underground electronic scene. Certain DJs reached unprecedented viewership for YouTube content. A few for instance, are the Folamour X FLy Open Air (2019) set, Sama Abdulhadi Boiler Room Palestine and Fred Again Boiler Room London (2023). Those are just some of the names of DJs who have benefited through utilizing their resonance within the platform.
Another outcome of BR’s impact and the global response to it, is the act of “reclaiming” localized events, in the initial intimate set-up, taking place in basements or abandoned buildings. Simulating that original Boiler Room experience. Attempts like this, in a sense, are what is still maintaining the “underground” quality that the founder Bellville envisioned for his project. Luckily, if you are in Malaga territory, this day next week (Friday, 14/06), Etika Sound has organized their event, with the mentality of the Boiler Room Format. This very dynamic, exciting meet-up of both malagueño, local residents (@_fhiga_ , @maraghodoy); as well as much-anticipated Granada-based artists (@wae.wav and @serqtek). Prepare yourselves… this event is a no- miss! In fact there is a giveaway running right now on their instagram, where you and a plus one can win your tickets for free. Go take a look.
Returning to the brilliance of the whole concept of BR. Its success lies in one core element of its conception and construction: The dressing- down of an event’s format. From the get-go it was all about going against any kind of overwhelming precense on- stage and any kind of flashy surrounding environment. Instead it consciously sets a minimal background, that initially used to take- in unknown artists, putting faith in their audio-synthesis. This is exactly what the London scene had going for themselves. Therefore, Blaise Bellville was the man who filled-in the gap, he thought existed in the scene of the time. The accidental pioneer, who conceived the project’s vision just by passing by an empty old boiler room, could not have foreseen its evolution! This very simple format is super efficient: it blends the DJ/selector with the crowd, erasing the hyperbolic, useless line that was previously standing between them. It’s one of those things that could have originated anywhere, due to its existing global quality.
Having established a name for itself in the dance music industry and, consituting a widely-followed platform. It came to be the ultimate tool for accessing footage of some real, upcoming talent in the DJ market. Getting feedback from crowds, as well as mass exposure, if they are worthy. In a way, it is the most ideal path to follow, to climb the fame ladder, starting online as quickly as possible.
Finally, value is in the simple things… And small venue hosting DJs playing sets which are adressed to smaller, more intimate crowds it cannot get more simple than that! However, not to state the obvious, we should make a note that with time, due to BR’s rise into fame the crowds have witnessed a rapid increase! I guess you cannot deny progress.