This report captures a vibrant moment in Adelaide’s club, music, and street culture during the winter of 1993. It explores the international artists influencing the local scene, previews the season’s most anticipated dance events, and offers a comprehensive guide to the city’s nightlife, from underground techno clubs to live jazz cafes.
Featured Artists: International Voices
The presence of prominent international artists like Monie Love and Caron Wheeler was strategically important for Adelaide’s subcultures, connecting the local scene directly to the global currents of hip-hop and soul. Their music and perspectives provided a benchmark for quality and thematic depth, bridging the gap between South Australia and the creative hubs of London and New York.
Monie Love: The UK’s Premier Rap Export
Monie Love stands as one of the UK’s most successful rap artists in the United States, a status she maintains while navigating motherhood with her two-year-old daughter. With her new album, “In A Word Or 2,” she addresses the media’s often-timid relationship with hip-hop’s directness, stating, "The media just wants music to be diplomatic, and any time it's upfront, they can't handle it."
Her career was famously intertwined with the influential Native Tongues collective, a relationship fostered by her close friendship with Queen Latifah. This network provided an essential support system in her early days. For her new album, Love describes her lyrical approach as more "microscopic," delving into personal themes of parenthood, social awareness, and her experiences living in Los Angeles.
A pivotal collaboration for the album was with the enigmatic Prince. Their work together was both productive and “wild,” with the track “Born 2 B.R.E.E.D.” reportedly created in a remarkable hour and a half. Despite initial doubts from her label, Warner Bros, Love reflects that partnering with Prince was a “wise decision.”
She remains outspoken about the unique challenges facing women in rap, highlighting the necessity of support networks and citing the success of groups like Salt ‘n Pepa as a model for solidarity. She’s optimistic as to whether the “censor ship storm” that has arisen since Ice-T’s “Cop Killer” will be used as the scapegoat for the recession or if people will, as she hopes, “respect the law of freedom of speech.” Her album, “In A Word Or 2,” is distributed by EMI.
Caron Wheeler: The Voice of the War Goddess
Best known for her iconic vocals with Jazzie B and Soul II Soul, Caron Wheeler returns with her second solo album, “Beach of the War Goddess.” She defines her sound as a unique fusion of message and melody: “My music is kind of like vocalised rap, it identifies with the issues that affect me every day.”
As a first-generation British individual with Jamaican parents, Wheeler’s music is deeply rooted in her identity. Her career began with singing reggae and R&B and as a member of the pop group Brown Sugar before she became an instrumental part of Soul II Soul’s global success, lending her voice to the seminal tracks “Keep on Movin’” and “Back to Life.”
Her solo work explores profound themes of social justice, black consciousness, personal struggle, and racism. She aims to create inspirational music that encourages listeners to think deeply about the world around them. Reflecting on her place in the UK, she admits to sometimes feeling like "a black sheep" in England. In addition to her solo career, Wheeler continues to work as a producer for other artists. Her new album is available from EMI.
These global voices provided a powerful soundtrack to a local scene bustling with its own major events.
Spotlight on Major Dance Events
In mid-1993, large-scale dance parties were a cornerstone of the Adelaide scene. These events were more than just DJ sets; they were immersive experiences showcasing international talent, local producers, and a dynamic fusion of music, technology, and fashion.
Independance 2
This massive 12-hour dance event was scheduled for Saturday, July 3rd, with programs available from 9pm at the door. Headlining the event was the international act 2120 T-1000, direct from Detroit USA, promising an authentic taste of American techno. Tickets were available from Central Station and Bass for $20 plus a booking fee.
The event’s special features highlighted the ambition of Adelaide’s promoters:
- Local Talent: Local producer and DJ Groove Terminator was set to perform and launch his new EP, “Terminator Trax Vol II Predator EP.” The set would feature the track “Get Loose,” with the full EP available from Monday, July 5th.
- Fashion and Performance: A “Free Expression” parade featured fashion displays from Adelaide designers ZENOBIA and INCS. The show, which included 22 models and rollerbladers, featured hair and makeup by The Cat House and Greta.
- Visuals: The event utilized cutting-edge “Time Laser” technology. An Aquarius II Coloursoft system projected 7-colour animations through a gauze screen, with visuals provided by Will B. and operated by the professional lighting team from the production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
- Sound System: A formidable 50,000 watts of power was promised, delivered through a Martin system installed and precision-tuned by Phil ‘Sound’.
WE ARE THE FUTURE: The Core EP Launch
Another major event on the calendar was the “WE ARE THE FUTURE” dance party, organized to launch The Core EP. Set for Saturday, July 24th, 1993, the night promised to showcase tracks from the new release alongside other new material. The extensive lineup of local DJ talent included:
- DAMC
- AQUILA
- MAAS UNCONSCIOUS
- Brendon
- HMC
- ANGUS
- MPK
- PMA
- MC MAESTRO D
Beyond these large-scale productions, the city’s weekly nightlife offered a diverse range of options for every taste.
A Guide to Adelaide’s Nightlife
The diversity of Adelaide’s nightlife in mid-1993 was a sign of a healthy and multifaceted cultural ecosystem. The city’s offerings ranged from dedicated techno and house nights in unlicensed warehouses to live industrial bands in gritty pubs and sophisticated jazz in suburban cafes, catering to a wide array of cultural tastes.
Regular Club Nights and Venues
- PULSE: Held at The Synagogue on Wednesdays, July 7th and 14th, this “Strictly Unlicensed” event ran from 9pm to 1am. The DJ roster featured HMC, Gravity, NHC, and Geoff C, with tickets at $8 on the door.
- Discovery: This weekly event took place every Thursday at Sixty Nine Light Square. It featured Resident DJs ATB & MPK, guest DJs Madness & NTT, and MCs Maestro D & TIM. The same venue also hosted the “Move In The New School” event on Saturdays.
- The Atomic Dance Experience: Every Saturday from 7:30 pm to 12:30 am, this party took over The Unlicenced Dance Club on Light Square, with music provided by DJs Lubo and Club DD.
- Disco: Contrary to rumors, the club was not closing permanently. It was set to undergo renovations but would remain open on Saturday nights until the work commenced, offering free entry from 9-10 pm.
Live Music and Special Gigs
- Phunky Phresh Dr Dre Promo: A special promotional night on Friday, June 25th at The Astor Hotel, featuring DJ Nigel and MC Quoromystix.
- Sixty Foot Robot: This live act performed on Friday, July 2nd at the Exeter Hotel, with support from DJ Steve.
- Free Jam Session by Ninth Circle: On Friday, July 2nd, The Synagogue hosted a FREE JAM SESSION.
- A Musical Hybrid: Held on Saturday, July 3rd at The Talbot Hotel, this night featured a mix of sounds from DJs Russell Wilson and Yo Daddy Mac.
- S.T.A.T.E presents Attitude of Style: A fusion of music and fashion on Saturday, July 10th at United Colors of Rundle Street. The event featured DJ U.Z.I. Nigel, make-up by Elle Stylist, and hair by Unity Place.
- Bazzerktor and Superfly: The duo Bazzerktor and Superfly, described elsewhere as “Adelaide’s best industrial band,” were scheduled to play at The Cavern on Saturday, July 10th. Entry was $3 with concession or $5 without a flyer.
Clubland Reviews
Recent events received mixed but insightful feedback from the scene’s chroniclers:
- The Hey Diddle Diddle Disco on Saturday, June 26th, was praised for its well-behaved crowd and positive atmosphere.
- Stonewall, a celebration of gay arts at the Lion Arts Centre on Saturday, June 26th, was noted for its great vibe.
- The Club FM Party/DB Guitars Launch at The Firm on Friday, June 25th, featured a professional setup with live bands, but reviewers observed that the crowd was strangely hesitant to dance.
Jazz and Cafes
For a different pace, the Green Mango Cafe at 419 Magill Rd, St Morris offered an international menu spanning Mexican, Thai, Italian, Chinese, and French cuisines. The cafe was a hub for live jazz on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a full schedule for July that included:
- THE RIA PUBLISHING GROUP
- THE JUDD ‘N’EVAN QUINTET
- JAZZ ATRA
- THE MARK HUEY ANTE ENSEMBLE
- JACQUIE DANKWORTH QUARTET
Shows started at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.
This vibrant live scene was mirrored by a steady flow of new recorded music hitting the shelves.
New Music: Releases, Reviews, and Charts
The health of a music scene is also measured by the new music being created, promoted, and consumed. In mid-1993, Adelaide’s record stores were stocked with everything from major international releases by iconic labels to compilations of local and emerging talent.
Global Music News
- The Lab: This UK act, comprised of Thousand Mics and Flying Man, had their Ultra EP produced by Daniel Denholm. Originally from the EP, two tracks were remixed by England’s top producers.
- Def Jam/RAL Releases: The legendary label had new vinyl on the way from a slate of influential artists, including Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Prime Minister Pete Nice & Daddy Rich, and Onyx.
- DJ Stuff: Techno pioneer Lenny Dee was quoted as saying, “It can never stop growing because it’s the future sound.” In other news, Manchester’s iconic Club Hacienda had recently closed, and the official launch for Adelaide’s own The Core EP was confirmed for July 24th.
Album and EP Reviews
A wide array of new releases were reviewed, reflecting the diverse tastes of the dance music community. The genres covered included house, techno, rave, and hip-hop, with reviews for artists such as Federation, the Dutch outfit D.O.P., Chicago’s Roy Davis Project II, the Adrenalin Vol. 1 LP compilation, industrial pioneers Meat Beat Manifesto, and UK rave act The Prodigy.
Adelaide’s Top 5 Charts
The local sales charts provided a direct look at what was moving on the dancefloors and in the record stores.
Central Station TOP 5
- The Remix – Artist Unknown
- Apache – General Base
- Beyond – Jeff Mills & The Subjects
- A Bout De Souffle EP – Laurent Garnier
- New Electronic Funk – Various Compilation
Virgin TOP 5
- I Down With The King – Run DMC
- Love No Limit – Mary J Blige
- Cantaloup – US3
- Jazzmatazz LP – Various
- Space Time Disco – C&C FX
This music was the lifeblood of a broader street culture that encompassed fashion, film, and community hubs.
Street Culture: Retail, Fashion, and Film
Club and music scenes are intrinsically linked to a wider street culture. In Adelaide, this connection was visible in the fashion worn by club-goers, the retail spaces that served as community hubs, and the films that captured the era’s imagination.
Adelaide’s Shops and Style
- Central Station: Located at 32 Twin Street, this store was a nexus for the scene, billing itself as “First for club music and streetwear.” A current promotion offered a free CD with the purchase of footwear from brands like LA Gear, Travel Fox, and Reebok, or with items from the Hard Yakka range.
- Hard Yakka: Traditionally a workwear brand, its Ezywear Range had found surprising popularity in Europe’s streetwear scene and was now available in Adelaide exclusively through Central Station.
- Silkroute: This popular boutique had expanded, opening a new store at 254 Rundle St to complement its original location at 206a. It specialized in imported clothing, jewelry, hats, and handbags.
- Mindfield: A bookshop located at 238a Rundle St, Mindfield catered to the intellectually curious with a stock of fiction, poetry, film theory, and art books.
- VR World: A sign of the times, this new computer games den had just opened on Hindley Street, featuring cutting-edge virtual reality machines for a new kind of immersive entertainment.
- Essential Hardcore Jeanswear: This popular denim brand was available at John Martin’s Men’s Jeanery, with a competition running to win a free pair of jeans.
Film Reviews
Film reviews by columnist “Jimboy” covered the major cinematic releases of the season, reflecting a mix of blockbuster entertainment and thought-provoking drama:
- Schindler’s List: Steven Spielberg’s powerful historical drama.
- Jurassic Park: The record-breaking blockbuster that had just achieved a massive $135 million opening weekend in the US.
- Posse: Mario Van Peebles’ “black western,” offering a new perspective on a classic genre.
- Map of the Human Heart: A sweeping romantic drama.
- Dragon: The highly anticipated biography of martial arts legend Bruce Lee.
- Untamed Heart: A romance starring Christian Slater and Marisa Tomei.
Finally, the most direct insight into the scene came from the participants themselves.
Community Voices: Letters from the Scene
The “Correspondence” section of a local culture publication provides a direct insight into the passions, pleasures, and frustrations of the community. The letters from mid-1993 reflect on everything from venue standards and the quality of events to the role of local businesses in supporting the culture.
- One writer lodged a complaint about the poor condition of women’s toilets in local clubs, pointing out a basic lack of maintenance and hygiene.
- In contrast, a letter writer offered high praise for the “Journey to Atlantis” party, celebrating its impressive lighting and visuals as a benchmark for local event production.
- Another letter came to the defense of Central Station records, pushing back against criticism by stating the store had been a vital and consistent supporter of the Adelaide dance scene for the past six months.
- Finally, a letter from a surfer questioned why their subculture was being targeted in the magazine’s content, expressing confusion and requesting a local surf report if they were to be included.
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