By James Broadhurst

Drum and bass.

Three words that mean so much to so many.

Perth’s drum and bass industry is the envy of the nation. The punters are passionate, the local talent is truly world class and the big name DJs and producers all want to come half way around the world to see how their music goes down in one of the most isolated capital cities the world over.

This wasn’t always the case. Drum and bass in Perth has come a long way from being ‘that music’ they played in a dodgy pub or the back room of a big club in the late 90s and early 00s. The DJs, producers and, of course, the promoters of yesteryear have laid the foundation for what we enjoy today.

With a stack of large-scale events attracting thousands of people and the best DJs from Australia and abroad and regular nights filling in the gaps and giving people their weekly fix, it is no wonder the industry has not only survived, but prospered over the years.

One of the most important aspects of Perth’s drum and bass ‘scene,’ are the regular weekly nights allowing Perth’s finest to do what they do best and keep you up to date with one of the fastest moving music movements in the world.

With the Roller era now over and the days of Trafik not more than a distant, and somewhat hazy, memory; Perth is hungrier than ever for something different, something fresh, something quality.

The answer is Mekka.

A new night with a new approach, and more local talent than you can shake a turntable at, is perhaps the most exciting new project this city has seen in a while.

With the experience of The Nine’s promotion crew and residents, alongside Perth’s most promising DJing and production maestro’s of the future, Mekka will be a night looking to provide you with the music you love in a stylistic and exciting way.

Mekka’s Promotions Manager, Marie Frenais, says consistency and diversity, coupled with the recent renovations of Bar Open, are the key elements to make this night stand out from the other weekly nights.

“We will be consistent. People want to hear and we want to book up and coming DJs with DJs who have more experience so everyone gets a fair go. We also aim to choose the right combo for each night and make the appropriate changes for more of the specialised nights. All in all, the mixture of DJs along with themed nights and special events is something that we are excited about and I think this will keep the punters happy. It is also important to note that the club itself has undergone some renovations and we are putting in the effort to make the club more aesthetically pleasing and diverse.”

Fresh faces and the unearthed talent lurking in bedrooms and house parties all over this city will be given the opportunity to show the people of Perth their skills and passion alongside some of Perth’s finest artists and Marie Frenais says there are a few up and coming DJs, producers and performers to keep an eye on.

“Some of the locals who are attending to my drum and bass itch would definitely have to be without a doubt Tzero, Jazza, double1seven, Disorder and Bastian. That being said there are so many others that are also hitting the spot like Wrath, Rumour, Skirmish, Dub Alley and Access. I think Tzero and Bastian are destined for bigger and better things, that’s not to say that the likes of Jazza and double1seven are to be missed. I guess there is so much talent it’s hard to pick favourites but I can guarantee that they are all worth checking out.”

Even with the creation of a new night The Nine concept will not be tossed aside as The Nine brand, along with Mekka, will be under the watchful eye of a newly established promotion group in Full Spectrum.

Full Spectrum is being run by some of the people who made the legendary Drum Club nights some of the most memorable and entertaining nights in town, for punters and DJs alike and Marie Frenais says this will take things in a different direction.

“Full Spectrum is our over arching brand which will also deliver The Nine’s new direction. Brett was the man behind the legendry Drum Club and his knowledge is immense. His role within Mekka is that if a senior level management position. Essentially his is the boss. In saying this he has delegated tasks to his team consisting of Lucas and I, this inturn allows us to have creative input on how we think Mekka should be delivered.”

Only good things can come from this calibre of experience exuding their knowledge and expertise on one Perth’s most revered weekly nights.

Mekka will build on the solid reputation established by the only drum and bass night to be nominated in the Perth Dance Music Awards, through switching the focus to the talent lurking in bedroom studios all over Perth who continue to impress, says Marie Frenais.

“There is so much unearthed talent out there, unknown artists continue to wow me on a weekly basis whether it is hearing them at a house party or coming across their first mix or tune they have created. When someone spends hours daily to perfect their skills, the dedication they show comes out in their work. Some are better then others, but I feel all of them, if given the opportunity, could really go somewhere. Mekka is the place where that opportunity is presented.”

With a multitude of concepts in development, ranging from themed nights through to events put together by the DJs involved, Mekka will be a night run by people who love drum and bass for people who love drum and bass.

The opening month is packed full of entertaining prospects, including Full Spectrum’s first international, and Marie Frenais says it will be a month full of fine DJing talent and plenty of good times.

“February 1st is our official launch night with Jazza, Tzero, Double1seven, Sardi, Phetsta and Wrath kicking us off with a bang. The coming weeks will see some crazy talent along with our Valentines Special to be held on the 15 February which will be hosted by Asian Dub Foundation MC Spex.”

Bring on the future.