Clubbing Has a New Tune By Camille Crawford
Behind the cloudy smoke and illicit drugs, club culture has always had a prominent community. Each generation has taken club culture in a different direction, from the dancing disco of the ‘70s to the heavy bass of the 2000s. However, in the present day, club culture has been stripped down and given a whole new look, shifting from a hedonistic and often exclusive environment to a more inclusive, sober, and progressive space. Joyride, a bar-oriented event series in London, England, has always had roots in the “vibrant” queer community. As featured in an interview with VICE magazine, the cofounder MJ Fox comments on this shift towards inclusivity in club culture, commenting on how this shift has been occurring ever since the pandemic. “After coming out of successive lockdowns, people just wanted to let go and be free,” said Fox. “For many – myself included – that meant exploring our sexuality, relationship styles, and sexual identity in much more fluid and expressive ways” (VICE, 2023). The origins of clubs, much like Joyride, popped up in marginalized communities, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community and among people of color. After clubbing became mainstream, a turn toward the affluent and homogenous demographic was made. However, this new inclusive movement has been seen in nightlife scenes all over the globe, influencing significant industry shifts that promote an environment for diversity and reject elitism. This progressiveness can be seen in initiatives such as open-door policies, ensuring there is never prejudice when entering the establishment, or gender-neutral bathrooms that aid in creating a space that welcomes people of all body types, gender identities, and sexual orientations. The new frontier does not stop there; with this new generation of inclusivity, another significant difference in modern club culture is the rise of sober clubbing.. Much like inclusivity, this mirrors what is on the rise in the present day, and with movements such as the Truth Initiative that rejects vaping and smoking, it is no surprise that the sober movement has hit the clubbing scene. Traditionally, clubbing has been associated with heavy alcohol consumption and drug use, which often gave club culture a bad look. Nevertheless, in this new age, an increasing number of club spaces and events are embracing sobriety or offering sober alternatives for people who want to enjoy the music and social experience without the pressure to indulge in substances. However, again, the UK has taken advantage of this new wave, already with multiple sober clubbing events, such as Morning Gloryville. Launched in 2013, Morning Gloryville has won awards such as the “zero alcohol award” in 2016 for its initiatives to promote an environment where supplemental drugs are not needed to have fun. Events such as these will often occur in the morning or during the day, encouraging their participants to break out of the traditional nighttime atmosphere of dancing and immerse themselves in a more sober lifestyle. As people become more conscious of the impact of substance use on their mental and physical health, sober clubbing provides a space for them to enjoy music, community, and dance more healthily and intentionally. As modern, progressive clubs prioritize creating a safe, diverse, and sober environment, they open their doors to a wide range of people. This shift reflects society’s everchanging values as people seek out spaces that align with their desire for community. Club culture will continue to evolve along with them, reflecting the growth of progressive movements that shape our world today.
Photo by Eli Alexander