By Alex Updike
You know that a band or, in this case, a DJ, loves anything that is “underground” when they name themselves after it. That is precisely what the DJ duo Subterraneo has done and this Thursday night they continue their residency at Bart with another night of underground techno music that you will not be able to do anything to but tap your foot, bob your head, and move any other part of your body you feel like shaking on the dance floor. The house will start rocking at 10 P.M. and, as always, there is no cover charge. So hit the pause button on Netflix, get off your couch, and get to Bart and enjoy some great techno music and one of the bars delicious $4 drink specials.
If you have not yet managed to experience Subterraneo in your Coachella Valley excursions, you are in good company. The duo is relatively new to public performances in the area, but that does not mean they have not already been involved with the music scene in other ways. The duo has already produced their own music and according to Bill Ferguson, one half of the duo, “learning how to DJ was just the next step.” The two friends are home-grown talent, growing up in Cathedral City, and have always been into music. “We both played trumpet in our middle school band and our love for music has just gradually moved us in this direction.” The duo has managed to stay relatively “under the surface” to this point, playing mostly living room sets and house parties apart from their Thursday night gigs at Bart. But anyone who has had the unfortunate experience of turning on the radio over the last couple of years can attest to the fact that being popular and well-known in no way equates with musical talent. Yes, as far as experience goes the duo is young, but they are fresh and they are eager to bring a sound to the Coachella Valley from a part of the country many have not experienced.
“We are inspired by the early sounds of Detroit techno,” Ferguson told me. “So what is Detroit techno?” you may be asking. Well I am glad you asked hypothetical reader I made up to move this article along. Detroit techno is firmly entrenched in the history of the electronic dance music movement that has gripped the country so fervently over the last few years, as the city has been cited as the birthplace of techno music. The roots of Detroit techno can be traced back to the 1980s and includes some of the first producers of the music including legends such as Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson. It is an old school, minimalistic, and dark style of music that has kept people dancing for decades and fits the atmosphere of Bart quite well.
Do not think, though, that because the music has older roots that the performance will not be fresh. “When we play it is all about creating a unique atmosphere and experience for everyone,” Ferguson told me. “Every performance is unique and we go into each performance not knowing what we are going to do. It keeps both us and the audience on the edge for the entire experience.” And a unique atmosphere the duo does create. Their sound, Ferguson told me, is inspired by early industrial raves. “The atmosphere we are going for is dark, underground techno music. When you walk into the room, you get hit by the fog and strobes and you are immediately taken to a new place where you can’t help but dance.” In the end, that is the job of any DJ. Whether they are playing hip-hop, electro house, pop music, or creating a Detroit-techno rave atmosphere, the end goal is always to keep the people dancing. Subterraneo does this in a unique, entertaining way and you will not want to miss the chance to experience them doing so this Thursday night at Bart.
