Max HeyraudToday marks the start of Lent, but this year, we’re not giving up crisps or chocolate—we’re giving up the bad habits that hold club culture back.
From underpaying resident DJs to neglecting presale tickets, from male-dominated lineups to overpriced entry fees, it’s time to leave these issues behind. Here’s our take on what club culture needs to ditch for Lent—and beyond.
BPM War’s
It does feel like this may be coming to an end, but it seems every generation has its incarnation of BPM wars. From being scorned for playing too fast during the minimal era to the present day, which somewhat mimics the mid-00s advent of super-fast BPMs across techno, house, hardcore, etc. DJs now more than ever, due to the advent of digital music, are hyperfixated on BPMs, and it’s unhealthy. It creates a relationship with music that feels like painting by numbers rather than focusing on mood or vibe. The dreaded question, “What BPM would you like me to finish at?” is more toxic than DJs realise. Similarly, DJs competing to see how fast they can play creates a disjointed, competitive streak that has little to do with the traditional role of a DJ. Signs from fans urging DJs to play faster and faster are insanely poisonous to authentically experiencing music the way it should be. It does seem like things are starting to balance out, but let’s see.
Underpaying Local DJs
It’s no secret that inflation is a very real issue, and it’s hitting club culture hard. Headliner fees are reaching a tipping point, causing club tickets to become nearly unaffordable and forcing people to scale back their club experiences. On top of that, the cost of drinks, club rent, staffing, and equipment are all rising — yet local DJs’ fees remain stagnant. You have to ask: why? Running parties, as previously mentioned, isn’t cheap, but many local or resident DJs invest a lot of time and effort into their craft. Being paid fairly is not only a reflection of that dedication but also a mark of respect. If we can’t show that respect, what are we really rewarding here?
Unnecessary Scene Rivalries
This is an often unspoken issue that negatively impacts club culture and the communities within towns, cities, and countries: the rivalries between clubs, DJs, and promoters. These rivalries are often volatile and rarely benefit the culture or the artist. For the most part, they are fueled by inflated egos, greed, and territorialism. Take, for example, when a venue takes a gamble on a small act, only for them to be poached by a bigger collective a year later. It’s frustrating, and it happens all too often. Venues and promoters should work with smaller collectives to foster a sense of community. Let’s be honest — DJs generally want to play at bigger venues. This mindset also trickles down to local DJs, with the common sentiment being, “If you play for them, you can’t play for us.” This approach does nothing to support the local artists that many establishments claim to promote. It’s time we take a step back and support the communities we all claim to cherish.
Big Acts Outpricing Small Venues
This is a delicate issue. Big acts don’t necessarily need to support smaller clubs—but should they? Probably. Without grassroots venues, many of the artists now commanding large clubs, stadiums, and arenas wouldn’t be where they are today. So why don’t they give back, especially at a time when smaller clubs desperately need the footfall? The simple answer: these venues can’t afford their current fees.
However, during the pandemic, many artists were forced to lower their fees and play in smaller, more intimate spaces. At the time, they praised the experience, expressing their love for these rooms. Yet now, many have gone straight back to big-stage after big-stage. Meanwhile, clubs are struggling, and those with influence and prominence in the industry could do more to help keep them alive.
Skipping Out On Buying Tickets
A growing issue in local scenes is the reluctance to buy tickets in advance. With an oversaturated event calendar and tighter budgets, many clubgoers hesitate to commit. But if you want to support independent promoters, securing a ticket ahead of time makes a real difference. It helps cover essential costs—artist fees, venue rental, riders, and equipment—while also providing a safety net for future events. Advance sales give promoters a clearer picture of attendance, preventing last-minute cancellations or disappointing turnouts. The landscape is unpredictable, but if you can, buying a presale ticket is one of the easiest ways to keep the scene in good shape.
Gender Imbalance on Lineups
The boys’ club of dance music has largely been dismantled. All-male lineups are becoming a thing of the past, thanks to grassroots club nights and venues leading the charge for change. Many clubs now have policies requiring FLINTA representation on lineups, and some DJs even include contract clauses ensuring gender diversity at the events they play.
Yet, on a larger scale, the issue persists. Certain festivals and major promoters continue to overlook gender balance, stalling the progress of an industry that claims to be inclusive. Promoters, bookers, clubs, and festivals must be held accountable. If you’re profiting from club culture, you have a responsibility to commit to real representation.
Subpar Sound Systems
This issue feels as old as time, but one thing all great clubs and venues have in common is a well-maintained sound system—one that fits the room perfectly and does the music justice. The sound system should always be the headliner, yet some clubs neglect this entirely, failing to provide a qualified sound engineer or even have one on-site.
There are no ifs, buts, or maybes here—a good sound system is essential to a good party. Without sound system culture, there would be no club culture. This music is meant to be felt, and failing to honour that does a disservice to both the artists and the crowd.
Genre Snobbery
Variety is the spice of life, and the more diverse the music within a scene, the better. Some scenes naturally act as bridges into others—after all, not everyone has the same tastes, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s worth remembering that most of us didn’t start out listening to the most high-brow music. Everyone has their journey, and music doesn’t always have to be taken so seriously. At the end of the day, it’s club music; it’s music to dance to. So, let’s leave the snobbery at the door and just enjoy it.
Photo Credits: Simon Cunningham