Being from Canberra I’m still exploring everything Sydney night life has to offer. On August 30th I found myself entering Chinese Laundry to check out US DJ/producer Steve Porter and Sydney’s own Bass Kleph. Aside from the people in wigs and a very tall transvestite, my attention was immediately drawn to the venue itself. The red walls and pounding house beats were inviting, and I was impressed straight away.

I went straight underground and into the Laundry, where at 12:30 Steve Porter took his place at the decks. From New York to Sydney, this man has graced many nightclub stages to entertain truckloads of electro, house and progressive fans. The sounds that boomed out of the speakers were surprisingly overwhelming (even for me, a massive DnB fan). The venue was only half full at first, but as Porter popped out the first few tracks the room quickly filled up. Before I knew it, I was stuck in a tiny corner fighting for room to dance. The beats were blaring, accompanied by a consistent techno/house groove. The transitions between tracks were clean, consistent and professional – a must for any respected DJ. Porter impressed as his transitions were appropriately timed and balanced.

For this part of the night it seemed like quite the boys club, as the amount of testosterone in the room made me feel like I was about to sprout chest hair and a moustache. The harder grinding sounds left a rough and edgy feel, which reflected the masculinity in the room. What was lacked in melodic progressions was made up with huge basslines, and the pulsing could be felt throughout your body. Porter had the crowd jumping, pumping, getting down and dancing, which is an indication of a successful night.

After Porter it was time for Sydney’s own Bass Kleph. Since I got to Sydney my dance friends have raved about this DJ, and now I will too. You could feel the love in the room when the sound shifted into Bass Kleph’s territory. Being 2:30am, many people didn’t stay for his set, but those that did were loving it. He had his fans up the front, with hands in the air showing support. Bass Kleph played a funkier set, with a vast array of sounds, melodic progressions, beats and electro pulses. Whereas Steve Porter had a more consistent progression of sound, each song slowly building on the last. Bass Kleph, introduced many unique sounds, which beckoned my attention. I wonder what the night would’ve been like if he had played before Porter, as Bass Kleph would’ve set a funkier mood to follow.

When he dropped ‘Helium’ the response was huge, proving why he’s seen as hot property at the moment. He’s already made a name for himself in Sydney’s club scene, and we’ll be hearing more from him in the future.