There are some gatherings that truly reflect the essence of Dance Music. Where the delectable grooves, the resounding basslines and euphoric synths lift our arms, and spread that warm smile across our faces. United in celebration, divided only by limits of our ecstasy – Dance Music brings together like-minded people like no other. Last November, Mumbai got a flavor of this music therapy through the very enigmatic By The Pier session. Introduced to the city as the first of its kind Open-Air-Deep House event, the mammoth event encapsulated everything that the gracious people at Regenerate stand for, but what resulted was something far beyond. A new flagship series emerged, that promised a complete experience for the avid Dance music reveler, minus all the festival camaraderie that we have all come to averse. In this editorial we recount all the Reasons why By The Pier became a memorable event, while we list down 10 Reasons Why You Should Be At By The Pier 2.0!
1) History Tells Us This Event Is Going To Be Awesome
Sure. You were there for By The Pier last November. You know exactly what we’re talking about. For those of you weren’t present, perhaps our Gig review would do some justice to the beautiful spectacle that it was. With such a fantastic start to this series, we can say as a certainty that patrons can expect the best musical experience clubbed with a host of other experiences that the good people at the Regenerate have got planned for us (more details ahead!) The event provided a never-before-imagined spectacle through its quaint setting, an iconic & picturesque backdrop and the company of some of the most breathtaking artists – headlined by none other than the legendary Kevin Knapp. If history has taught us anything, its that what was awesome, will always remain awesome!
2) This Is The Best Way To Listen To Music
Dance music is best enjoyed when served live! And when that is coupled with the pleasure of your close friends at an arms reach, under the open sky and with a community of the most beautiful people and pretty faces around, you know you’re listening to it right. Consider that you’re part of an experience that extends beyond your physical space – the iconic venue, kissing the edges of the Arabian sea and tucked away into the sea, away from all that hustle-bustle that we battle everyday. This is how music should be experienced – together!
3) Not 1 But 2 Headliners!
Yup! This time around, its all going 2.0! If the first event promised a headliner in the guise of the phenomenal Kevin Knapp, then this time around 2 artists will rock the headliner spots! As part of the open-air event, we’d have A Guy Called Gerald taking over the decks and we all know what he’s capable of. Standing out for consistent innovation, A Guy Called Gerald exudes excellence and refusal to compromise.Having started Europe’s acid house frenzy with his ’88 classic ‘Voodoo Ray’ and ‘Pacific State‘ (as part of 808 State), nine albums and 25 years later, he continues to push the boundaries of electronic dance music touring worldwide. A Guy Called Gerald is responsible for the birth of British dance music as you know it today and continues to explore what is possible both in the studio and in the club with his “Live in Session” performances. There should be no doubt, that By The Pier 2.0 will be a journey and a history lesson, in the true upbringing of House music.
Meanwhile, the afterparty is no less of a spectacle either! Supported by Troja and Audioglitch, the headliners for the afterhours session will be Techno stalwarts Whyt Noyz. David Sidley and Duncan Murray, are two lifelong friends who grew up sharing a passion for electronic music. In three short years the duo have created a unique style that combines driving techno, live drums and innovative vocal samples to devastating effect. With support from Techno gurukuls such as SCI+TEC, Octopus Recordings and Kaiserdisco’s KD Music, this duo have the capacity to extend your extraordinary day into legend-ary!
4) It’s That Same Venue!
It’s what counts the most – where you move your feet. And when we tell you that your literally hovering over the Arabian sea, surrounded by the ocean on 3 sides, and overlooking the limitless horizon, the music is bound to accentuate your every sense. The cool crisp air brushing your face, while the warm resurgent melodies guiding your torsos, that is what The Bombay Presidency Radio Club has to offer. Being India’s first radio station to broadcast first programmed radio – which began in July 1923, this venue offers a slice of history as well. With its adjoining pier looking solemnly into the sea, its become one of the prime locations for events, that last a life time! Keeping in tune with a venue that has such deep ties with Indian Music & Broadcasting, the By The Pier event finds a sense of poetic justice.
Head over to #ByThePier now to be part of this fantastic #DeepHouse vibe curated by @regeneratemusic On the decks now is @Oozeundat #ByThePier #deephouse #BombayPresidencyRadioclub #Openair #music #Celebration
The sun is set. The lights come on @ #ByThePier @regeneratemusic The setup here has transformed the city skyline tonight. Absolutely beautiful! #ByThePier #deephouse #Openair #set #music #food #beautifulmusic #goodvibes A photo posted by Bangin Beats (@thebanginbeats) on
5) Teleport To A New Dimension
Mumbai – the city is a vortex of energy, and we love it! The energy in the city is infectious and tantalizing! But every once in a while we need a breather and connect with nature and the environment. The iconic venue, has the unique edge of providing exactly that, while remaining in the city. Coupled with the combination of great music, delectable food and beautiful people, and we guarantee that you’d feel you have teleportation powers! For in a short time, you have been taken to a place you never imagined could have existed in the hustle-bustle of your city. So take some time off, head at Radio club, feel the wind in your hair (literally) and dive into the best musical experience the Regenerate team can curate for you. Its time to go back to the Pier folks!
6) Gorgeous Artwork + Delicious Food + Flea Market
We’re not going to deny it! At the last event, we were rarely distracted from the great music. But wandering off, exploring the arena, we were treated to some of the best artwork and art pieces from the best artists in the city. This time around, the team at Art Throng in collaboration with Clark House Initiative are up to something unusual and refreshing at the Pier. That coupled with an exhaustive list of brands that will be present at the arena, to make sure you shop till you drop. And for patrons who attended the first event, worry not, the food lineup returns with a splendid spread of variety. Relish into an assorted menu of tantalizing food from Pack-a-Pav, The J, Hot Rocks BBQ, The Guppy Pop Up At Olive, Bun Men and Two One Two Bar & Grill. And once you’re done gorging on all that food, make sure you burn off some calories on the dancefloor!
7) Tap & Pay
For any festival monger, you know when we say it, that this is a pain-in-the-butt. You need a quick sip, so you take a step away from the dancefloor, only to be derailed by a long line at the queue for coupons. Well, say bye-bye to all those woes, as Regenerate once again avail the services of AtomX Live, as they present the smooth cashless system. So no more long queues and digging up your pockets searching for that change. Just pick up your card at the entrance – recharge it – and swipe it around for a seamless experience. Tap it & you’re goof to go.
8) Diversity In Sound
By The Pier 2.0 promises a wide range of musical riches. Consider that you have not one but two headliners, both pioneers in unique styles of Dance Music. While the Open-air event will center around Deep and Tech House, providing some groovy elements to dance along to, the afterparty will feature the swirling world of Techno! Mumbai and its audience has developed a taste for fine Techno and Deep house over the seasons, and to find all of that on your plate at one go and at one event, is truly a remarkable feat! Hats off to Regenerate for bringing this vision to fruition! Get to know the artists and their sound here!
9) Music Takes Centerstage
Here’s a very strong reason for some. Rolling back the years, we look at the time, when Dance Music was genuinely underground. Your favorite DJs performed a few feet away from you, talking and toasting with you as they played some mesmerizing tunes. And after their set, you’d be catching up with them for a drink or a chat in the back alleys of clubs or warehouses. It was always about the music. By The Pier brings back that spirit of dance music in its entirety. Hence you’d find no MC, no pyrotechnics, no lasers, no CO2 cannons, no dry ice and no one forcing you to “PUT YOUR HANDS UP IN THE AIR”. It’s just you, and the music – however you choose to embrace it. Because after all, it is all about the music, ain’t it?!
10) It’s A Regenerate Event After All!
For people who’ve attended a Regenerate Gig before, you can vouch for us when we say that they have been the prime catalysts in sculpting the landscape of the underground dance music scene in India while creating an insight to the International underground scene. Apart from being such active members of the city’s nightlife circuit, they’re warm, wonderful people and the passion that they have literally shines through at each of their events. We’ve personally had the privilege of attending most of their events, and there has always been this familial vibe that overpowers the audience. Even though, each time, there’s always a host of new faces, everyone assimilates so easily into one big, loving, compassionate community, whose common collective goal is to lose themselves to the sounds being belted out from the speakers. So rest assured, by the time you head home on Saturday night, you’d be walking away with a smile on your face and love in your heart!
So what are you waiting for?! We’re just a few hours from witnessing history once again, as the next chapter for the By The Pier series is unveiled – 2.0! If you haven’t already, do head to the insider.in to pick up your tickets now!
Written by: Hamed Khalidi & Shule Puri
Leave a Reply