Over the past few years numerous cities in Eastern Europe are considered best underground destinations in the world because of the certain freedom that is lacking in Western Europe. Turbulent recent past most of the capitals have in common led to more vibrant and dynamic scenes, and as Patrice Bäumel put it, people there live in a moment, and clubs and venues are now centers of modern electronic sound.
Here is our list of five clubs in the East you need to visit.
Closer, Kiev, Ukraine
Closer club combines art, rave and techno music. It is placed in a former factory in the old part of the city with the goal to present diverse musical program. Closer is also a place where Nastia’s Strichka festival is being held every year. In opinion of many, Closer is the best club in Ukraine and if you are yet to discover this spiritual place, upcoming venues include Arma Comes Closer, Dr. Rubinstein, Helena Hauff, Sebastian Mullaert, Steffi, Halloween with R&S Records, etc.
Bassiani, Tbilisi, Georgia
When the video of Ben Klock’s Photon event in this club went viral every techno fan started wondering about the enigma that Bassiani is. This club is the center of techno scene in Tbilisi that helped both local DJs and the crowd to experience an unique mixture of great sound from their own fellow countrymen behind the deck and some of the most notable names as well. Nina Kraviz, Ben Klock, Marcel Dettmann, Tobias, Oscar Mulero, Rodhad are just some of the names that played there and new season starts with this event.
Drugstore, Belgrade, Serbia
This ‘techno cathedral’ is located in a former slaughterhouse in Belgrade, and it’s specific interior makes it one of the most unique venues in that part of Europe. Huge space with the capacity of 1000 people includes one big room (photo on the cover) and a small one. Drugstore is the true proclaimer of underground culture and sound where you can have a better taste of selection from the likes of Francois X, Kanding Ray, Antigone, Beau Wanzer, Jeroen Serach, Tommy 47, Rodhad. Upcoming events include names such as Regal, Nikita Zabelin, I Hate Models and Ambivalent.
Database, Timișoara, Romania
Database is one of the few important underground clubs Romania has to offer, but is stands out. It is all about simplicity there and everything is done for better musical experience. Club has the minimal soft-black decor, the LED lighting setup and the powerful Funktion One sound system that makes an instant impression since the moment you step in. Database is reopening for this season on September 30th when Mind Against will play, so we are yet to see what club has to offer.
Smolna, Warsaw, Poland
Smolna is a 900-capacity venue in Warsaw with more and more pounding techno and experimental electronic music names coming. Club is located in a street with same name situated in a historic tenement of city center. The club has a rough, shadowy and simplistic design, with three dance floors, two outdoor areas, a chill-out room and three bars. Upcoming events include Charlotte de Witte, Madator, Amelie Lens, as well as Sven Marquardt’s photography exhibition.
Words: Milica Nedeljkovic
