Is Vegas the New Ibiza?
Posted by By edmnightlife at 13 November, at 03 : 09 AM Print
The Las Vegas Weekly recently posted an article with Paul Oakenfold mentioning: “I think Vegas is the new Ibiza!” and another one talking about Vegas becoming the EDM central of the US. Here is our take on this topic from a few angles.
What I think:
First of all, the facts. EDM is definitely more dominant than in recent years here in Vegas, and it’s only getting more popular in clubs both on the Strip and off. Radio stations focusing only on Electronic Music emerged, other cities may only wish for that, even if it only plays top40 and some classics, it’s still a 4×4 beat that I don’t mind having in my car. Nightclubs playing Hip Hop are harder to find that 3 years ago, that is also a fact. Now that that’s said that, here is what I further think.
In some ways Vegas IS becoming Ibiza, but in some ways, it may never even get close to the true feeling that Ibiza brings, a small spanish island on the Mediterranean. EDM has a much deeper root in Europe, dating back long before the corporate giants seeked to reap massive profits of this genre, just like every other one. For this reason, Las Vegas will never truly get the benefits that Ibiza has, because the roots are just not as deep here. Also there is a difference between the scene here and Ibiza. Sure, you can say that the same great DJs perform here as there, but that’s not all that makes Ibiza. DJs are “used” by major corporations to attract people to a venue. Sure there are many hardcore fans of each star DJ/Producer, but sadly to say, most of the time the Vegas crowd doesn’t go for the DJ, but for the girls, the drinks, etc. Of course you can dispute this because you do go to listen to your favorite local or international DJ, but we’re talking about the masses here..
To be a successful DJ here in Vegas (and pretty much everywhere now), your music has less and less importance. It was always important for a DJ to have fans and to pull a crowd, but at least you had more musical freedom in the old days, and you could truly set yourself apart from the rest. The old school DJs all had their unique flavors, and were not so restricted on playing top40 every second song. Each venue is different, and of course raves were the most open and free environments to play at, since you as an artist could truly express yourself, and show your flavor. I guess what I’m saying is, to be a promoter is more important than to be a DJ for the clubs, and in this Corporate world of nightlife, it’s understandable.
So to sum it up, Las Vegas defenitely grew a lot, EDM is very much in the foreground now, major international talent comes here to play regularly at amazing venues, but it’s a trend that is used to attract people and make big bucks, and the true feeling that EDM brings is only for some. Sadly, the same has been happening in Ibiza, so I guess some ways we are becoming like it…
TB
ps. Comments welcome