Live Review: DCUP

The Aviary Rooftop Sessions have had some outstanding acts over the last few months, including triple j's Linda Marigliano, alternative pop artist Andy Bull, and most recently DCUP: promoters Jump Climb know how to create a top-quality night by combining successful acts with the typical laid back atmosphere the Aviary provides with no entry fee.

Early in the night, DJs Troy Division and Paradise Paul graced the stage with some classic tunes to ease the fresh crowd into what was going to be a long-chill groove night. Full Frequency (RTRfm) co-presenter Micah then rolled out some subtle disco beats after 9.30. As the music was not too loud, it provided the punters the choice to either dance and/or socialise, which I found quite innovative for a music event.

Well known for his Yolanda Be Cool hit collaboration, We No Speak Americano, DCUP started off his set with some anticipated disco and funk-centered tracks. This did not, however, stop the youngsters from grooving on the dance floor. Although a he did have few mixing hicCUPs (pun intended), nothing was too dramatic to hinder the crowd enjoying themselves. The set was mixed up mid-way through as he included classic tracks such as Haddaway's What Is Love (Baby Don't Hurt Me) and Stuck In The Middle With You by Stealers Wheel. Both of the latter were great choices, considering the popularity of these hit tracks with young people and those a little older, both demographics strongly represented on the night. Three quarters or so through his set, a wayward fire alarm went off downstairs causing a tiny bit of panic with the promoter as evacuation was looming. The problem was sorted not too long after, which was a massive relief for the promoters considering the crowd that they had pulled that night.

Being my first night to the Aviary, it was startling to see how the event created such an inclusive atmosphere. It was difficult to put the crowd into one particular age group or subculture and somehow the event went off without a hitch. All in all, these kinds of events continue to entice large crowds of people to leave their house and venture onto a rooftop in freezing conditions, so there must be something special about it.