I’ve been reporting on Aberdeen’s creative industry for almost 3 years; attempting to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the North-East’s artistic offerings. For a city that often gets left out of conversations about the Scottish party scene, we have a ridiculous amount of unique talent to offer. Danza Catartica is no exception.
Although mentioned in previous pieces and highly recommended via social media, I felt that Danza’s Season II kick-off was a perfect opportunity for The Gaudie to fully explore the occasion. Founded by Aberdeen-based DJ Cornetta (@_cornetta___), DC curates semi-regular events across the city’s most beloved party venues. Often hosted at D2 or The Tunnels, Cornetta is helping revive the underground music scene in the Granite City – something I know is sorely missed.
Unfortunately for artists and their appreciators, we are living in an age of AI, it has taken over event flyers, advertising, menus, etc, and shows no sign of stopping. Against this, Danza Catartica stands out as a series of events that prioritises authenticity. It remains true to the essence of raving and soundsystem subculture; holding human connection at the core of its ideals.
I fell in love with these cultures when I discovered the emotional release that the dance floor offered to those who sought it out. DC continues its second season as a space for this magic, providing a prime opportunity for those who seek to find themselves through these mediums.
Posting on Instagram (@danzacatartica), they describe it best themselves:
“In an ever-changing and fast-paced world dominated by technology and mass-consumption, the nights aspire to become a space for expression, experimentation, and of representation of a community of dancers, united by the appreciation and attachment to a more specific and selected sound.”
This last line is important. A “specific and selected sound” is certainly provided. In their general description of musical themes, Danza Catartica describes the origins of Techno and House music played in sounds from Detroit and Chicago. Their sound selection also takes inspiration from Minimal Techno, the UK Soundsystem culture, and Southern European free parties, influenced by dub, break, bass, and roots reggae.
Cornetta continues to infuse her parties with authenticity through her selection of guest DJs and visual artists. Bristol-based artist @rob_halhead creates the event’s posters and social media based-visuals, providing acidic and trippy artistry to illustrate Danza’s Catartica’s alternative vibe. Gray’s School of Art graduate Lucas Park began creating visuals for DC parties after feeling inspired by the party’s core concepts. The local designer VJed at the final Season 1 DC in May, and was back this week in D2. I had missed the last Danza, so was excited to experience the additional impact of crafted VJ work. Taking inspiration from Halhead’s previous work and his own interpretation of the parties, Lucas’ visuals incorporated an extra level of expression and experimentation into the night; the glowing screen illuminating the dancefloor in colourful pulses of lined light.
Having never been to a party that had visuals accompanying DJs, I was impressed by how much I enjoyed the added bonus. I’m often one to take off my glasses whilst dancing, letting a hazy mix of lights, bodies, and darkness accelerate my appreciation of the music. However, as different musical styles flowed throughout the night I was able to interpret the visuals differently, mentally attributing them to the tone of each sound and altering the meaning each time.
Cornetta was joined on the decks by the talented Aberdeen native Sofia Elettra (@sofia_scagliarini), curating a mix of UK Bass, Jungle, Dubstep and Dub across digital and vinyl. Saturday’s event lasted 4 hours, with a steady flow of enthusiastic dancers weaving in and out of the venue. Energy was high when the night ended at 3am, with many thanks dedicated towards the pair of DJs, and Lucas, for delivering an electrifying and well-received set.
I’ve frequently heard forlorn tales recalled of booming nights at Tunnels, Unit 51, Rare Thursdays, and more. It has often seemed that Aberdeen has lacked the same post-covid pickup in partying that other major cities have achieved. However, the last year has proved this point otherwise. I fell in love with the party and rave scene in Edinburgh, but I found what I was truly looking for in Aberdeen. Offering smaller, more intimate venues, and a close-knit creative scene, there is a stellar sense of community that captures the underground party scene ethos. The title of this piece comes verbatim from my Edinburgher friend, who leaned over to me at the end of Saturday night’s set, and said: “I didn’t know Aberdeen could be this good.”
‘Expression, experimentation and representation’, as stated in Danza Catartica’s mission statement, are palpable across all elements of the initiative. Whether a club newbie, or seasoned scene lover, DC offers something to be discovered for all.
The next installation of Danza Catartica has not yet been announced, but updates and more information can be found @danzacatartica.