Never mind that it’s a shady little hideaway, Underworld has been holding it down for Taiwan’s non-mainstream sounds for more than 15 years. And as for why you would want to go to this cramped, dark space for tonight’s Earthquake dance party? Ariel Zheng (鄭思齊), singer of all-girl punk rock group Go Chic, gives reason enough: “All the underground bands started [at] Underworld and we’re all friends, so we hang out there a lot. In that way it’s more chill than the newer venues like The Wall (這牆) or Legacy.”
Go Chic was born at Underworld, and Zheng says the bar “has character and this is how I want it. You could get just 20 people to show up and it looks packed so the vibe is more friendly. The atmosphere is a lot less pretentious than some of the other bars out there, which is why everybody likes going.”
Tonight’s party will feature the latest alternative rock, indie and dance tunes. Spinning are long-established house DJs Randy and Floaty. The former, aka Randy Lin (林志堅), promises a loud straight-up dance-your-ass-off rock party. Yell, jump, sweat, laugh, drink. Repeat.
“Of course we never play your average pop,” says Randy. “The fun thing about being a DJ isn’t just pumping out the latest hits, but what everyone there enjoys and whatever gets people moving. In fact I often like to throw in some classics to keep things fresh.”
He isn’t letting on what will be played specifically, because he likes a good surprise.
DJ Floaty’s playlist will include Ida Maria, Gogol Bordello and Melt Banana.
A word of warning from Randy: “Parties at the Underworld can get pretty crazy. So if this will be your first time, be mentally prepared.”
Bands playing before the party from 9pm are local punk rock girls BB Bomb (BB彈) and Gaba from Taichung. Admission is NT$300 for the music show and NT$100 for the dance party.
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