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Disco checklist: White pants, platforms, hair pick…& wireless headphones. Silent discos have been modestly sweeping Europe since they were created in 2002 by two Dutch DJs, DJ OD and NO DJ (Quick! Say those names together five times fast). These dudes are pumping some solidarity back into our direct-to-headphones culture. Before the silent part was introduced, the discos were just regular old–and frequently illegal–bashes. In an attempt to avoid censure, the DJs decided to simultaneously broadcast different tracks to their attendees, who could turn up the volume to 11 and switch back and forth at their leisure. Since it took off, the silent disco has been a staple at European–and, increasingly, some US–music festivals. If you’re jonesing for pantomime and minor hearing loss (close range is always the devil!), here’s a silent disco agenda. Has anyone ever been to one? Those held in subway cars don’t count.
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The Bonnaroo music festival held annually in Manchester, TN in June hosts a silent disco. I went to the festival last June and spectated its silent disco.
posted by Elizabeth on 6-1-2007 at 11:30 pm
i went to one last summer at the carling festival at leeds (uk)its a very surreal experience, there everyone is dancing as if at a normal club or disco, but as soon as you take the headset off, all you hear is a few yelps and laughs and some people singing along but otherwise its mostly silence.
the best part was standing outside and watching them, as soon as a well known floor filler came on, hundreds f people seemingly out of nowhere begin singing along perfectly in time with each other.
its a definite experience you need to try out.
its great for festivals too, it allows them to provide entertainment past their licensed sound cut off time.
posted by paul on 6-6-2007 at 4:53 am