|
Zero-Percent: Salvaging Techno in Toronto
While Platform and FW bring in a lot of great underground and big name techno names, Box of Kittens has almost come to a complete halt, Zero Percent has been slowly starting to make a name for themselves by throwing stellar techno parties since 2010, usually every few months or so until recently where they've turned up the frequency and started bringing in a Dynacord sound system to that dark little basement on College (Li'ly). Tonight's event promises to be a doozy!
| quote: | Originally posted @ http://www.fckntlntd.com/2012/08/ze...in-toronto.html
Zero-Percent: Salvaging Techno in Toronto
In a city flourishing with every type of music possible, sometimes the purity of a genre can become diluted and misguided amongst the crowd. The term "techno" is often victimized, being carelessly thrown around by artists and listeners alike. Toronto's premier promotion company, Zero-Percent (established in 2010), is one of the only organizations in this city aimed at preserving the integrity of the genre.
Techno is a term that is widely misused, either as an umbrella term for electronic music or to inaccurately describe other genres such as deep house. In Toronto, Zero-Percent serves to correct the misnomer. Their events are about creating an outlet for techno to be heard as it should be: stripped down, hard, edgy and dark. Although they do feature DJs who play varying genres, the promoters consistently require artists who are booked for their parties to play hard and dark techno. Such a practice is unheard of in the city of Toronto, where most would describe techno as melodic and groovy. However, such a description is truly a perversion to the internationally-renowned genre.
The type of music that Zero-Percent aims to give Toronto is reminiscent of Germany (the techno capital of the world) and New York City, where creativity and innovation within the genre is abound. Germany (especially Berlin) specifically is a source of inspiration to many, where releases from labels like CLR, Perc Trax, Electric Deluxe and Stroboscopic Artefacts are regularly heard in clubs such as Berghain, Tresor and Watergate. Attempting to bring this kind of sound to a Canadian city is no easy feat. Zero-Percent is successfully tackling this task, with impressive international bookings such as Sasha Carassi (check out his set from this event here) and Subfractal along with a regular roster of local techno DJs who are committed to the edgy, dark sound.
Besides the fact that Zero-Percent is booking the right kind of talent, they give priority to providing proper sound at their events. This occurrence is especially notable in the city of Toronto, which has long been plagued by events with lackluster sound. Even at a club like Footwork, party-goers often are subjected to mud-like, distorted beats by internationally-known artists. Zero-Percent assures their supporters that this will never happen on their watch. At their parties thrown at Li'Ly, they bring in a Dynacord system. For larger events, they use the Alieninflux sound system.
For the techno-lover in Toronto, Zero-Percent has made their presence known and serves as salvage from the many obstacles that this city presents. With a focus on quality at both the level of bookings and sound, respect is obviously in order for this promotion company. Techno is a genre that deserves to be preserved and nourished. With Zero-Percent on watch in Toronto, devotees of this music can finally feel reassured.
Zero-Percent's next event (Sektion 2) is set to occur on Friday, August 10th with Measure Divide (Subfractal) headlining at Li'Ly in Toronto. For more information regarding upcoming events, like their Facebook page, join their group or visit their website.
Listen to a couple of live recordings from local talent that Zero-Percent has booked to get an idea of the sound characteristic of these parties:
|
Sektion 2 goes tonight!
___________________
kotsy.ca | maximum drums (podcast) | facebook
Download my latest podcast or go to hell 
|
