In an expanding city where communities are constantly being pushed out, nightlife has become crucial to bringing people together as a form of resistance. It is an exciting time in Seattle for the underground and tonight is no exception. BLOOM is a sonic experience that allows you to expand your petals and reach into the unknown. Created by DJ Gag Reflex [Gay Rave, TUF], this techno and Queer-oriented night has been going strong for over a year and is just beginning to blossom here at the Kremwerk + Timbre Room Complex.
Last month on November 3rd marked the launch of BLOOM in its new home in Timbre Room. When you walked into the space, you had no idea where you were. The music was vibrating like sounds from another planet. Ooey gooey bass made your blood stream turn into crimson fog. There were silhouettes among dim lighting. People or creatures from another dimension? Who knows. A small chandelier hung from the ceiling like a tear drop from a techno beast, crying at the beauty in the room that night. People were having a good time, making friends, and bonding over a shared experience of dance and catharsis. Tonight, we bloom into a new dimension once again with special guest all the way from Vancouver: Overland [Naive, Sweat Equity].
Overland's productions are fast, infectious, and fused with an unwavering sense of social activism.
From her base of operations in Vancouver, Canada, she’s gradually attracting the attention of international labels with original productions rooted in the sonic cultures of places like Detroit, New York, and The United Kingdom. Her DJ sets are mesmerizing, ranging from banging warehouse techno, to fast-cut acid breaks, and bass-driven industrial music.
We sat down with DJ Gag Refex to get to know a bit more about BLOOM and get a glimpse of the genius behind the party that a Queer Seattle has been yearning for.
DJ Gag Reflex by Cecilia Corsano-Leopizzi
You've been doing BLOOM for over a year now.
What are you most excited about with the new space?
I like the Kremwerk - Timbre Room complex because there is so much possibility in that space. There are so many little nooks and corners. When I’m there I like to imagine that i’m in a techno doll house and there’s so many rooms with a different scenes happening. Its fun to pop in and out and feel the energy of each place.
What can we expect tonight with Overland?
Overland has been making her mark on an international scale. She has released tracks on Sweat Equity of NYC and has a forth coming release on the label Naive of Lisbon Portugal. Her sets are raucous and dripping with acid. I anticipate that it’ll be quite the rager!
Nightlife can be a cathartic experience.
What's one nightlife memory where you felt a strong
sense of catharsis?
I think the strongest sense of catharsis for me was when I started engaging with queer nightlife. I was able to finally find people who were like me and understood a lot of what I have gone through. I think that a lot of healing and catharsis can be felt over the long term and thats why I feel invested in nightlife. I want to create spaces where people can meet and explore and let their true freak flag out.
In what ways can nightlife be a healing space?
Having places where people can be safe to be themselves is extremely healing. Also I believe heavy bass can be a source of great somatic healing.
How does one get selected to play at Bloom?
In other words, what do you look for in a DJ to curate a
night?
With Bloom I am centering my bookings around Women and Queer people. Theres a lot of huge talent that goes overlooked when bookings default to cis gender men. I want a space where people can meet and party and have a good time and I also want people to leave inspired to create the worlds where they will thrive. I want the DJs I book to share that vision.
The world is ending in 5 minutes and you have one song
to listen to before you leave this planet. What song is
playing?
The Amen Break on loop until Time itself ruptures and disintegrates.
What does the party of your deepest desires
look/sound/feel like?
I think it would be fun to have a party with a strobe so bright you could see everyones skeletons.
Three must-have items for a good night out?
A comfortable sweater, at least one good friend, and gum.
What does the future of techno look like for you?
House and techno came out of a spirit of marginalized bodies creating art and libratory spaces. I see a lot of brilliant people that are carrying and cultivating that spirit now. I think the future of techno allows those spaces to flourish.
Describe your fashion style in one sentence.
I think to most accurately and holistically describe my sentiment towards and practice of fashion in only one sentence would be as follows: I hate pants.
By Diego Suarez
Come BLOOM with us tonight on December 1st. The possibilities are endless.
10PM - 2AM
