Is two step dead?

[Wassabi_Jones]

I was at an unnamed record store last tuesday and asked if they had any two step records in stock. The clerk then proceeded to tell me that the two step scene was dying and that they wouldnt be stocking it anymore. Also a well known Melbourne DJ has been paying out on two step and garage on prime time radio calling it 3 legged catepillar cak.

How is a young and new scene to melbourne going to survive with this kind of propoganda being spread. If you are in a position of influence in the dance music scene then shouldn't you encourage new genres and not pay out on them?

[freo]

i will take 1 guess at what that record store was :
Rhythm and Soul
They are notorious for refusing to stock or recommend anything that isn't their preferred style, instead trying to force you to buy what they sell... I arrived home from germany to be told by them that my style was crap, @!#$, not being played, not liked, etc etc... i have since been playing my style every weekend alongside other DJs who buy their records ELSEWHERE!

[marcus]

Two step is just beginning to pick up in Sydney, and after hearing James Ash play at Chinese Laundry last week, I must say I really like it!

[cyclone]

I think it's making inroads but it may not fit into an established scene that a particular store caters to. These kind of reports are all part and parcel of any new music breaking through.
I know that for years there was a stigma against urban music (often with racial overtones) in the Australian mainstream but now it's charting and selling and has a wide audience.

[wombles]

no way....two step is just steppin up now from what i can tell,

James Ash and Rob Perello have a wicked show on Kiss called "True Step" and well in my mind it goes off!

shame on rhythm and soul if that is the case, and its dumb of them.....

[Wassabi_Jones]

More to the point an established Melbourne DJ feels so insecure that he has to resort to name calling? And no the record store wasn't rhythm and soul.

Just because it is new and different does not mean that it is wrong, if this was the attitude then we would all be listening to ACDC albums.

Dance music in general is still attempting to make inroads in this country, and although we have a good stranglehold it is this type of musical snobbery that can destroy it.

[freo]

wasn't rhythm and soul - i stand corrected :) i have encountered that attitude before. I guess the rule is- if the store doesn't sell a style of dance, don't shop there, you personally won't change their opinion of that music...

[Elmo]

I watched 2step cannabalise a hole section of the club scene in UK and personally the sooner we send it to an early grave the better.

Now that is harsh and silly but what do you mean "young and new scene" hell we're having it rammed down our throats as the next "It" scene. It's already filtering heavily through the comercial airwaves. And it's "so big in London!" So we've got to have it here.

It's hardly the underdog
If it's good it will survive and thrive if not off with it's head.

[Flying747]

Yes. Long live 1step!

[cyclone]

Elmo: the problem you are referring to has more to do with those exploiting the music (big name or commercial club promoters, media) than the actual music or scene. This is a good point you have raised - and an ongoing problem in the UK. I am sure that many in the two-step scene would feel just as uncomfortable with their music being over-exposed by those looking for a fast buck. Diversity in a scene is important.

Cheers

Cyclone

[a_618allstarr]

The more pertinent question, was it ever alive?? :D

[Wassabi_Jones]

If last night (Wednesday) was anything to go by, then the answer is yes, two step is definately alive and kicking. Bumpin' went off a treat.

[suparockin]

2step is a good medium between RnB and dance music - it lends itself to fans of breakbeat and hiphop and is well liked in Sydney.

I would never say a totally 2step club would thrive I think by the same token as some of the above posters - it would be a much poorer scene without it.

I think a breaks, old skool party style hip hop and 2step nite would be my idea of heaven if done in the right atmosphere - is there anything like that in Melbourne??

Supa