In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats | Tracing the Pulse of Rave Culture from the UK to Montreal

In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats | Chasing the Rhythm: From UK’s Rave Origins to Montreal’s Pulse. Last dance April 28

In 1989, the UK was the epicenter of a cultural revolution—rave culture, where illegal raves sprang up across the nation, transforming abandoned warehouses into temples of dance and music. This strategic game between event organizers and law enforcement showcased the unstoppable collective heartbeat of rave once the rhythm started.

Amid this vibrant backdrop, In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats emerges as an interactive virtual reality experience that catapults participants directly into the core of this movement. Beginning with the comfort of listening to initial beats at home, the journey progresses with a flyer in hand, guiding participants through secretive locations to the ultimate euphoric release at the rave.

This VR experience brings to life the intricate web of relationships and rivalries among organizers, DJs, law enforcers, and attendees, painting a vivid picture of a unique chapter in dance culture history. It offers a tactile and auditory immersion in a recreation of the rave scene, enabling participants to experience the sensations that defined countless nights near Coventry and beyond.

After returning to Montreal from the UK’s thriving rave scene in 1993, I witnessed firsthand the embryonic stages of the city’s own rave movement. This was a period when techno began to carve out a new cultural identity for Montreal, significantly shaped by local pioneers like G’nat, Tiga, and Robert de la Gauthier. These influencers did more than just play records; they brought fresh sounds from abroad to our local music scene through their record stores and radio shows, echoing the global interconnectedness of rave culture.

Reflecting on my journey from the UK’s rave scene to embracing Montreal’s emerging one, the presentation of “In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats” in Montreal resonates profoundly. This VR documentary honours the spirit of rave culture – its ability to unite diverse crowds under the banner of freedom, multiculturalism, and community spirit, viewed through the sociopolitical lens of the late ’80s.

As someone who contributed to Montreal’s rave scene, this immersive experience highlights Montreal’s unique position within the global rave culture network. “In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats,” crafted by immersive artist Darren Emerson, serves as a testament to rave culture’s enduring influence, inviting audiences to relive the unity, community, and defiance that characterized an unforgettable era in music history.

• Location: Galerie 3, PHI Centre, 407 Saint-Pierre St, Montreal, Quebec, H2Y 2M3
• Operating Hours:
  • Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 11:20 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Friday & Saturday: 11:20 AM – 9:20 PM
  • Closed on Monday and Tuesday
• Experience Duration: 50 minutes with the last entry 50 min before closing
• Age Group: 13 years old and above
• Admission Fees:
  • Weekdays: $28 for ages 13 to 30, $30 for 31+
  • Weekends: $30 for ages 13 to 30, $32 for 31+

Buy your tickets here. From February 7 to April 28, 2024. More on the experience.

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