By Joanna Stopford, Second Year English and History
Are you being dragged to Daisies on a Friday night but all you want to do is get down to some DnB in a dingy basement? Do you feel obligated to shiver in a queue for Fishies when you really want to 2-step to UKG? Well, this may be the society for you! What is 'Underground Music Society'? You ask. Surely this interview goes against its principle - shouldn't they be advertised by smoke signals and carvings into toilet doors? Epigram interviewed the President, Saffron Aravena De Carlo to find out.
She explains that the society's foundational idea is to create a large community of like-minded people who want to explore Bristol's thriving music scene. In her first year in the search for a society to find people who share her love of music and all its quirky genres and venues, she looked into the DJ society, Nothing Beats (to which she gives a hearty shout-out).
However, Saffron wasn't interested in the practical aspect of music at the time. Through this search, she noticed the lack of an official society for people interested in adventuring out to eccentric scenes, meeting new people and expanding their musical palette.
'Nothing Beats is focused on the practical side of it, so learning how to do these things. Our society is focused on experiencing these things. Especially for people who don't know that whole world of rave culture.' She describes the rave environment as one that is 'so wholesome and everyone is there for the same shared interest- you'll make so many weird friends in the rave and I want to bring that to uni.'
It is surprising that a society like this hasn't emerged sooner from a city with an estimated 94 live music venues, but as Saffron articulated, it is a different setup than most societies.
'Most societies are based around a hobby or skill, this is focused on experiences and events'. As the society is about trying to experience new genres and venues, it is largely member-led. They create polls to see what kind of music people are yearning for; Techno, Trance, Jungle, Garage, or Mongolian Throat Singing.
You name it and they'll sort it. This democratic way seems to cast the net out as far as possible, in order to catch funky beats that aren't heard on the beaten track. 'We'll provide the people, organisation, and good vibes. Just turn up, bring yourselves and we'll go and experience some new genres.'
As well as sourcing events, the society runs its own. The first was on the 12th of December in Basement 45, it showcased new DJ talent, some of whom had never played on stage before. Cannot get more underground than that!
'The event's success was completely unexpected and went so much better than I'd initially thought. We always knew the first event would be stressful and we ran into some challenges but people ended up having a great night and the feedback from the members was very good.'
Don't worry, you haven't missed this holy grail once and for all. Due to its success another has been booked at Take 5 in Stokes Croft on the 1st of March.
'We will have a mix of DJs from UWE, London, and some who are post-grad. Two spots will be held by the winners of the DJ competition we are running to ensure the music is fresh, new talent and some of the best on the scene. There will be a huge mix of genres, including DnB, Techno, Electro and UKG.'
I asked Saffron what she would say to a nervous fresher who was interested in exploring Bristol's music scene- a place that can seem like the wild west if you are a country bumpkin like me and aren't used to keeping the pulse on the city life.
'I spent my first two years of raving on and off - solo and with a big group of people. The reason I started UMSOC was so that nobody had to go alone if they didn't want to, and to create a massive group of people willing to go to events and experience new genres. Come with no friends or come with your whole flat!'
Another intimidating aspect of going out in Bristol is the undeniable relation it has to drugs. Bristol has the fourth-highest proportion of substance users in the country and it can be a shock to see how normalized it has become in the club scene. I asked Saffron how she and the society would negotiate this.
'We plan to do about one non-alcoholic social a term, including screenings, arts and crafts activities (including painting rave gear like hats and fans). We also have an equality and well-being rep, Hannah, who is a "big sibling" type figure that members can confide in if things are worrying them.'
She emphasizes that the society will take a 'harm reduction' approach. While they cannot give out advice themselves, the society will direct members to The Loop. An organization that gives out free non-judgmental advice, testing kits, and information by licensed and trained professionals.
'We want to make it clear that we are not promoting that side of the rave, we are just about exploring the music, exploring the venues, having a good time, and making good friends.'
Are you wondering how you have never heard of this before? The society was formed in November and only officially affiliated in January, making it a new and exciting project that wasn't present during Freshers' fair. I asked Saffron what people should look out for at the next one to spot UMSOC.
'You will catch us in the coolest outfits with the coolest music and the best vibes at the Freshers' Fair with loads of activities and, hopefully, lots of free tickets!'
As you can tell, although it is a fairly new society, it doesn't lack a sense of self or purpose. The concept has tapped into a large market, made evident by the amount of early interest. I can tell the president is bursting with passion for this project, and I for one am excited to see where it leads. Keep up to date with their events and socials by following @umsocbristol.
Featured Image: Joanna StopfordWhat event are you excited most by from Underground Music society?
