Success can be measured in many ways. In regards to an event, the primary object of a promoter relates to financial success as a proportion of total expenses. Re-Fix was different. The first independent gig by Perth’s own Bomb Doubt Crew (BDC), Re-Fix was based on the philosophy of “having a good time, so that others can enjoy better times in the future”. And if we look at the concept of success from a different perspective, Re-Fix was one of the best events ever held in Perth. It didn’t sell out, very little money was spent on publicity and preparation, and no international acts performed. But it made a difference to children’s lives.

The gig was entirely in aid of realitystrikesback.com.au, a Perth-based charity that supports education in Dadaab, an appallingly over-crowded and under-funded refugee camp in north-eastern Kenya. The night kicked off at The Castle with J-Love and P-Funky rocking out minimal, electro and light breaks tunes to warm up the crowd early in the night. As the set came to a close, a djembe drum echoed hauntingly across the dance floor from backstage as the members of AKWAABA suddenly revealed themselves to the crowd. As the three drummers immediately broke into a hypnotically natural African rhythm, two dancers sprang forth from behind the curtains to complete an utterly amazing performance. As the crowd chanted along with a traditional song, the dancers coaxed members of the crowd out onto the floor – it was difficult to spot a face in the room that was missing a smile. As AKWAABA closed to a massive round of applause, promoter Audilectio (aka Iain Fyfe) and street artist Mr Joe broke through the cheers with slick breaks and minimal tech tracks mixed seamlessly together. Mr Joe’s laid-back style meshed perfectly with Audilectio’s technical flair and the dance floor soon filled with punters.

As the set wound down, movement was spotted behind the curtains, and Resort was abruptly “birthed from them” as band member David Spencer so elegantly put it. A stunning live performance incorporated violin, synths and two computers with powerful melodic vocals and rapping to produce an incredible set that left many rushing the stage after their last song to buy vinyl copies of singles and EPs to take home.

Then the decks were back in action. Local heroes Marty McFly and Oli pumped out breaks classics for the remainder of the night, made even more enjoyable by live accompaniment from Bongo Loco (Alex Koresis) who showcased his skills on various percussion instruments throughout the set. In the true spirit of music, he allowed two enthusiastic members of the crowd to get up on stage to drum with him, and “Who’s Afraid of Detroit” faded out to enthusiastic cheers all round as the night drew to a close.

Re-Fix was not a huge event. It was a tentative attempt to find a way to incorporate a great night out with a better life for other people. And although it was not exceptionally “successful” in the traditional sense, the fact that everyone involved made a difference to the world simply by enjoying themselves speaks for itself. Re-Fix will be back, it will be bigger, and you had better be ready for it. Stay tuned to realitystrikesback.com.au, Facebook and ITM for more details.

Re-Fix will be operating on a regular basis at different venues across Perth. Variously featuring open deck nights, big names and all-round good vibes, the event promises to bring some life to the seemingly tired Perth electronic music scene.