A Chronicle of Adelaide’s Electronic Music Scene: 2005-2007

1.0 Overview

This document chronicles a series of electronic music events that shaped Adelaide’s vibrant scene between 2005 and 2007. This dynamic period was driven by the vision and dedication of promoters like Anthems, Stardust, and The Enchanted Crew, who consistently brought premier international talent to the city while nurturing a strong local community. The following archive, compiled from original event mailers, provides a detailed look at the parties, venues, and artists that defined an era.

2.0 Events of 2005

The year 2005 was characterized by a powerful duality in Adelaide’s electronic music culture. It saw major collaborative efforts aimed at unifying the scene under a single banner, alongside a diverse and flourishing array of genre-specific nights catering to every taste, from classic house to hardcore and jungle. This push for unity, exemplified by events like ‘ONE,’ showed a scene-wide recognition that collaboration was key to elevating Adelaide’s standing on the national stage. Iconic local venues such as Earth, St Pauls, and Cargo became the backdrop for a year of ambitious productions and legendary performances. This chronicle details the key events that made 2005 a foundational year for the scene.

2.1 The Adventure // Saturday September 10 @ Earth

Promoter: The Enchanted Crew
Headliner & Lineup: This event was headlined by the legendary UK drum and bass pioneer Goldie. He was joined by a formidable international contingent including Subfocus (UK), MC Lowqui (UK), Will E Tell, Banga Matt, Ajax, and Blanco. The local lineup featured MPK, Devious, Noddy, Mark V, Odyssey, H Bomb, Banshee, D Jon, Adrian V, and Snoozy MCs Harass, with additional hosting from MCs Jase and Judeboy.
Venue & Time: The event took place at Earth, with doors opening at 10pm.
Key Features: Billed as a follow-up to the popular “Winter Enchanted,” The Adventure utilized Earth’s “two-room capacity” and was enhanced with “extra sound and lighting.”
Tickets: Pre-sale tickets were available from enchantedforest.com.au, Venuetix, and other outlets, with early bird tickets offered to keen partygoers.

2.2 ONE // Long weekend Sunday October 2 @ St Pauls

Promoters & Vision: In a significant move towards collaboration, Stardust, Ultraworld, and Anthems joined forces to present ONE. The event’s philosophy was a direct response to a fragmented scene, aiming to unite promoters and partygoers to act as “One group, One force, One mindset, One goal.”
Venue & Date: The unity-focused event was held at St Pauls on Sunday, October 2.

2.3 The Playtime Ol’ Skool Jam featuring Ray Keith // Friday October 14 @ Earth

Promoter & Headliner: PLAYtime presented an “Ol’ Skool Jam” headlined by Ray Keith, revered as “the original jungle terrorist” and a key figure from his base at Blackmarket Records and Dread Ray.
Supporting Acts: The lineup included fellow Blackmarket Records artists Chopper and Terrorist, supported by MPK, Noddy, Fiction, John Doe, and MCs G-Swift and Xpress.
Venue: The event was hosted at Earth.
Ticket Offer: A unique entry offer was made available: while entry was $25 at the door, the first 250 attendees who registered online gained free entry. Those who registered but arrived later still received a discounted entry of $10.

2.4 Cargo Anthems // Saturday October 15 @ Cargo

Promoter & Concept: Billed as “A PaulHamon Invitation,” this night focused on “Cargo Club Classics from throughout the 90s.” The event celebrated the legacy of Cargo, described as arguably the “longest running club in Adelaide,” having produced top nights for over 15 years.
DJs: The selectors for the evening were Jayse, George The Boss, Josh and Audioporn.
Venue & Details: Held at Cargo, the event had a $10 entry fee at the door from 10pm.

2.5 Anthems: On A Harder Tip // Saturday October 29 @ St Pauls

Promoter & Genre: This “PaulHamon Invitation” offered a “severe dosage in hardcore” for enthusiasts of the genre.
Lineup Concept: The lineup was framed as a battle between established names—Angus$, Noddy, Mr S, H-Bomb and DJ Ben—and the “leaders of the new school,” including Hex, Propaganda, Ism, Tank, TDK, Tantrum and Equinox. They were joined by MCs Midnyte and Nickdub.
Venue & Tickets: The hardcore showcase took place at St Pauls, with tickets priced at $20 and available online or from team members.

2.6 Enchanted 2005 // Saturday December 3 @ Secret Location

Promoter & Concept: Presented by The Enchanted Crew, this event marked a significant return. Despite a previous event being billed as the last, the promoters conducted a poll of over 500 customers, with 90% requesting another outdoor, all-night party. In their own words, “We chose to relive the adventure.”
Venue: The party was held at a Secret Location, adding to the mystique.
Expanded Lineup: This was promoted as the “biggest line-up Enchanted has ever had,” expanding its musical scope to include trance, house, breaks, and groove. The multi-genre approach was bolstered by a special house and funk room brought by the good people from Savvy and a special trance area brought by Slimy Frog from the UK.
Artist Roster: The lineup was a monumental showcase of international legends from every corner of the electronic world, including Paul Glazby, Public Domain, Martin Solveig, Scott Bond, Lab4, Micky Finn, Bad Company, Scott Brown, Moving Fuzion, John Askew, Hixxy, Kevin Energy, Sharkey, Misjah (Dyewitness), MC Shabba D, Sonic, Simon Bassline Smith, Kid Kenobi, Sureshock, Lenny Dee (performing an old school set), Igniton Technician, Bexta, Cabin Crew, Simon Eve, MC/DJ Ribbz, and Dr Willis.
Tickets: Early bird tickets were made available for the highly anticipated event.

2.7 Cargo Anthems // Saturday December 10 @ Cargo

Promoter & Context: Following a “massive success,” PaulHamon presented another installment of Cargo Anthems, once again delving into “Cargo Club Classics from throughout the 90s.”
DJs: The lineup featured Reelax, George The Boss, Skot Holder and Audioporn.
Venue & Details: The event returned to Cargo, with a $10 entry at the door from 9pm.

2.8 Old School Anthems // Monday December 26 @ St Pauls

Promoter & Audience: This “PaulHamon Invitation” was tailored for fans of early 90s dance music and classic rave anthems.
Concept: Held on the Proclamation Day Holiday Eve, the event featured “Adelaide’s best Old School selectors” spinning a mix of Rave, House, and DnB.
Venue: The classic sounds were showcased at St Pauls.

2.9 Krafty Kuts + Stanton Warriors // Thursday December 29 @ Tonic

Promoters & Headliners: High-Fi and Los Projectos Magnifico teamed up to present two of the biggest names in breakbeat: Krafty Kuts and Stanton Warriors.
Event Description: The night was billed as “the funkiest night in history” and a showcase for “breakbeat’s finest.” Promotional material shows it was expected to be a “definite capacity show.”
Venue & Tickets: The event took place at Tonic, with limited tickets on sale in advance.

2.10 One.point.One // Saturday December 31 @ St Pauls

Promoters & Vision: In a massive New Year’s Eve union, a collective of promoters—Anthems, Enchanted Crew, Stardust, Ultraworld, along with Antidote and Playtime—came together. As a follow-up to the “ONE” concept, their mission was to “bring together the tribes” and share “ONE COMMON GOAL!”.
Venue & Genres: Held at St Paul’s, described as “Adelaide’s favorite rave venue,” the party featured a multi-genre lineup of Old School, Drum N Bass, Hard Dance, and Hardcore.

The year concluded as it began: with a rich tapestry of events that catered to distinct subcultures while also striving for a powerful sense of unity, demonstrating a scene balancing niche subcultures with a powerful, collaborative spirit that would define its trajectory into the following year.

3.0 Events of 2006

Building on the momentum of the previous year, 2006 saw Adelaide’s electronic music scene mature and solidify. The year was marked by the continuation of major holiday events, the arrival of new A-list international headliners, and the establishment of regular weekly club nights that provided a consistent pulse for the community. This shift from sporadic, large-scale raves to a blend of festival-style events and reliable weekly club nights indicated a maturing market, providing both spectacular peaks and a steady rhythm for the local community.

3.1 Stardust Summer Sound Festival // Thursday January 26

Promoters & Date: Presented by The Enchanted Crew and High-Fi, the Stardust Summer Sound Festival was a major Australia Day celebration on Thursday, January 26.
Headliners: The festival featured two of the biggest names in electronic music: Carl Cox and Andy C.
Supporting Lineup: The headliners were supported by a strong cast including Lee Burridge (UK), John Course, Mr Timothy, and Grant Smilie.
Venue & Setup: Held at The Shores, the event was spread across three distinct areas and was billed as “the event of 2006.”
Tickets: Early bird tickets were put on sale for this major summer festival.

3.2 Arkaba Anthems // Friday February 24

Venue & Concept: Taking place at the Arkaba, this event was focused on building a dedicated community of “like-minded old school lovers.”
Lineup: The night featured a diverse artist roster of local legends, including HMC, MPK (performing his infamous prodigy set), Angus$, Maestro D, and Mr S. A special versus set featured The System AD (returning from the UK) against Brendon.
Capacity & Tickets: The event had a strictly limited capacity of 650 people, with the previous installment having sold out five days in advance. A special online offer allowed friends to purchase tickets for $28 with no booking fees.

3.3 Lisa Lashes // Saturday October 22 @ Earth

Promoter & Headliner: The Enchanted Crew brought Lisa Lashes, described as “the worlds best female DJ,” to Adelaide for a special performance.
Performance Details: She performed two distinct sets throughout the night: one of hard dance and one of breaks. The first set kicked off at midnight, with her final set finishing at 6am.
Local Support: A strong local lineup of Josh, Devious, Oddy, H-Bomb, Banshee, and Gagootz supported the international headliner.
Venue & Pricing: The event took place at Earth, with a tiered entry price of $25 before 11pm and $35 after.

3.4 Anthems: On A Harder Tip // Saturday October 29 @ St Pauls

Promoter & Genre: This event, presented as “A PaulHamon Invitation,” was dedicated to the sounds of hardcore.
Lineup: The lineup pitted established DJs Angus, Noddy, Mr S, H-Bomb, and DJ Ben against the “new school” leaders Hex, Propaganda, Ism, Tank, TDK, Tantrum, and Equinox, with vocal support from MCs Midnyte and Nickdub.
Venue & Tickets: The event was held at St Pauls, with $20 tickets available online.

3.5 Playtime Xmas Jam // December 22nd @ HQ

Promoter & Scale: Playtime organized what was described as “one of the biggest d’n’b line ups ever seen in Adelaide.”
Headliners: The jam featured a massive triple-headline bill of Pendulum with Chase & Status, DJ Suv & PsiDream.
Venue & Tickets: Hosted at HQ, the event was a “capacity gig.” Tickets were available from Venuetix, inbound & Clinic116.

3.6 Christmas Anthems // Monday December 25 @ The Arkaba

Venue & Concept: For the first time, “anthems touches down” at The Arkaba for a special Christmas night event. The party featured two arenas of “old school fun,” promising both classic tracks and new music, including “New School vs Old School battles.”
Lineup: The comprehensive DJ list included Ansy J/Andy J, Davin/Davius, Devious, H-Bomb, John Doe, Maestro D, MPK, Mr S, Skot Holder, and Slide.
Details & Offer: The event began at 9pm. One mailer included a special complimentary ticket that was valid for free entry before 11pm.

3.7 Lee Guffy New Years Eve // Sunday December 31 @ Venus

Headliner: Lee Guffy (UK) was the headline act to ring in the new year. His credentials included being voted Clubland’s ‘most wanted DJ’ by Mixmag in 2004 and performing at major festivals like Glastonbury and Creamfields.
Venue: The celebration took place at Venus.
Special Offers: Attendees arriving before 10pm were entered into a draw to win one of ten $100 Ocean Earth Surf packs. A happy hour ran from 9-10pm.
Tickets: Limited advance tickets were available from the Arkaba reception for $10, with the price rising to $25 on the door.

3.8 Stardust NYE // December 31st @ Viva and Nightrain complex

Promoter & Venue: Stardust hosted a massive New Year’s Eve event at the Viva and Nightrain complex in Light Square.
Layout: The venue utilized both levels and all rooms to replicate the layout of “Winter Enchanted.” The setup included three air-conditioned rooms (hard dance, drum and bass, and chill) as well as an outdoor grass area.
International Lineup: The event boasted a stellar international lineup featuring DJ Karim (“the god of hard house”), DJ Marky (“Brazilian drum and bass turntable athlete”), and Stamina MC.
Local Headliners: Queensland and Adelaide favorite DJ Thief was also featured on the bill.
Tickets: First-round tickets were priced at $48 plus a booking fee and were available from selected outlets.

3.9 Recurring Events in 2006

Weekly Thursdays @ Venus (Arkaba): A consistent weekly event that became a staple for many. The resident DJ lineup included Kontrol, RMAC, Skot Holder, and DJ Ben, with MCs Jules and NRG providing vocal support. Promotions varied but included a “first round of drinks on us” for patrons arriving before 9:30pm, extensive happy hours, and an end-of-year offer of a free CD mixed by DJ Kontrol.

The establishment of popular weekly nights alongside major holiday blowouts demonstrated a scene in robust health, creating a strong foundation for the new venues and sounds that would emerge in 2007.

4.0 Events of 2007

In 2007, Adelaide’s electronic music scene expanded its footprint, embracing new, large-scale venues like the HQ Complex and celebrating major milestones, such as the tenth anniversary of the legendary Enchanted party. This shift signaled not only the scene’s growth but also a move towards more professional, multi-room clubbing experiences, mirroring trends in larger global markets. The year was defined by a continued commitment to bringing premier international talent from across the electronic spectrum—from pioneering drum and bass producers to trance legends—to Adelaide’s shores.

4.1 Ultraworld in the Outback // Jan 13th

Promoter & Concept: Ultraworld presented a unique experience billed as the “only outdoor all night party… in the outback!”
Location & Timing: The venue was located over two hours from Adelaide, with the event running from 5pm on Saturday until 5am the next morning.
Features: The site was well-equipped with a permanent main room stage, real toilets, and on-site parking for attendees.
Lineup & Guests: The lineup featured a “mystery hard dance guest” to be announced, alongside Greg Packer (Perth/UK) and a host of local DJs.

4.2 Heavyweight Soundz with Andy C // Jan 25th

Headliner & Accolades: The revered drum and bass icon Andy C returned to Adelaide. His visit was backed by numerous accolades, including being crowned Best DJ by Drum & Bass Arena for the sixth consecutive year and his high ranking in the DJ Mag Top 100 poll.
Supporting Artists: He was joined on the night by MC GQ & D Bridge.

4.3 Trance Anthems // Thursday January 25 @ Tonic Nightclub

Date & Concept: Held on Australia Day Eve, this event was a celebration of “the last 15 years of trance.” The party was spread over two rooms with an “Old School meets New School” theme.
Venue: The event was hosted at Tonic Nightclub.
DJ Lineup: The roster of trance selectors for the night included ATB, Cheeky B, Davin, Devious, Dr Damage, Howlett, Mr S, Slide, Solace, and Submission.
Ticket Offer: A special mailer offered a complimentary ticket for free entry before midnight and half-price entry after. The standard ticket price was $20.

4.4 Ed Rush and Optical // Friday March 2 @ Earth Nightclub

Headliners & Reputation: The groundbreaking duo of Ed Rush and Optical brought their signature sound to Adelaide. They were described as “one of the most heavyweight production teams in drum and bass” and “genre-defining producers and DJs.”
Venue: The event took place at Earth Nightclub on Hindley Street.
Local Support & Tickets: Local support was provided by MPK, Fiction, Mark 7, Patch, Stryke, and G Swift. Tickets were priced at $28 plus a booking fee.

4.5 Arkaba Anthems // Sunday March 11 @ Arkaba Hotel

Timing & Context: This installment of Arkaba Anthems took place on the Adelaide Cup Long Weekend and served as a follow-up to two successful events held over the Christmas period.
Concept: The event expanded its offering by “firing up the second room again,” ensuring it catered to both “old school lovers and trance fans alike.”
DJ Lineup: The lineup for this “extra special event” included Andy J, ATB, Davin, Hewlett, Jayse, Solace, Mr S, and Maestro D.
Venue & Tickets: Held at the Arkaba Hotel, early bird tickets were available for $20 with no booking fees from anthems.com.au, while general sales through Venuetix were $28 plus fees.

4.6 The Upbeats @ HQ Complex // Friday October 12

Headliner & Tour: New Zealand drum and bass heavyweights The Upbeats returned to Adelaide as part of their ‘Nobody’s Out There’ tour to launch their new album.
Venue & Promoters: The event was held at the HQ Complex and promoted via their MySpace page (the primary social media platform for event promotion during this era).
Local Support & Details: Local support came from DJs Patch, John Doe, MPK, Filter, and Stryke, with MCs Quantum and Griff. Doors opened at 9pm, and presale tickets were $18.

4.7 Anthems Next Level @ HQ Complex // Friday October 26

Concept: The Anthems brand took its event to the “next level” by “taking over two rooms of the HQ complex.”
Room Breakdown: The main room was dedicated to classic anthems from 1991 to 2003. By popular demand, the second room was designated as the anthems hardcore room.
Lineup: The DJ roster featured Andy J, Brendon, Davin, Devious, Equinox, H-Bomb, Kontrol, MPK, and Mr S, plus MC Maestro D and guests.

4.8 Heavyweight Sounds 2 @ St Pauls // Saturday November 3

Promoter & Headliner: Playtime presented another installment of Heavyweight Sounds, headlined by the legendary DJ Hype, who was fresh off being voted #1 in a 2007 BBC 1 Extra Poll. He was joined by MC Daddy Earl.
Supporting Headliners: The lineup was bolstered by New Zealand’s State of Mind and the “surprise package” Sigma’s Wooz.
Venue & Local Support: Held at St Pauls, the event featured local support from DJs DJ Patch, Mark 7, MPK, and John Doe, with MCs G Swift and Pase.

4.9 Enchanted 2007 // Saturday December 8 @ Secret Location

Promoter & Milestone: The Enchanted Crew celebrated a major milestone with the tenth Enchanted event. This “birthday” celebration carried the theme “Back to the Underground.”
Venue & Tickets: The event returned to a Secret Location, with early bird tickets priced at $58 plus booking, postage and handling.
Premium Packages: A range of premium packages were offered to enhance the party experience:
- Priority car park: $40 plus booking, postage and handling
- VIP Area access: $40 plus booking, postage and handling
- Private toilet: $350 plus credit card charges and postage fees
- Private Marquee: $350 plus credit card charges and postage fees
- Bus tickets were also available, offering a safe and cost-effective travel option.

4.10 Recurring Events in 2007

Venus: A weekly Thursday event at the Arkaba Hotel launched on February 22nd. Resident DJs Kontrol, Ben, and Skot Holder were joined by Josh and Justice. The night featured numerous drink specials and happy hours.
Booty Beats: A weekly Thursday event at Tonic Nightclub. This night heavily featured “Smirnoff Flavours Mixen Vixen cocktails” for $10 and a specialty “Booty Bomb” drink for $7.50.