A Note from the Director:

Welcome to the very first issue of Dance Floor Dispatch—our brand-new newsletter dedicated to Dance music! We’re so excited to launch this platform, where we can explore the rich history of music, dive into current trends, and connect with our community of music lovers.

In this debut issue, we’re turning the spotlight on the birth of the discotheque, the iconic dance halls that revolutionized the music scene in the late 1960s. From the sounds of the ‘40s to the pulse-pounding beats of today’s EDM, the discotheque remains a symbol of music’s power to bring people together. We’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the cultural impact of this phenomenon.

But we’re not just looking back—we’re also keeping our fingers on the pulse of today’s music world. In this issue, we’ll cover the latest buzz from the industry, including the top clubs in the world and a new wave of independent artists who are changing the game.

We hope this newsletter will not only inform but also inspire you to explore music from every angle, whether you're rediscovering the classics or discovering something new.

Here’s to many more issues of Dance Floor Dispatch—let’s keep the music playing!

• Stan K, Director of Dance Floor Dispatch

The Discotheque:

Welcome to this month's edition, where we dive into the fascinating origins and evolution of the discotheque, an iconic cultural movement that transformed nightlife around the world. From its beginnings as a subtle form of resistance against Nazi oppression to its spread across the globe, the discotheque's story is one of innovation, rebellion, and celebration.

The Discotheque: A Rebellion Against Oppression

During World War II, the Nazis banned popular dances as well as Jazz music. The resistance came when in 1947, Paul Pacini opened the Whiskey à Go-Go in Paris as a “celebration of American tastes in music and drink”. It gave rise to the nightclub scene which resembled American culture and often had Jazz played as the main attraction, creating an atmosphere that blended the vibrancy of African American music with the lively, energetic spirit of urban nightlife, attracting diverse crowds eager to experience the exciting fusion of cultures. (American Heritage)

This early form of the discotheque created a sanctuary for people looking to escape the harsh realities of war. It was a safe haven where the joy of music and movement symbolized resistance and resilience.

Revolutionizing the DJ

In 1957, Chez Regine borrowed money and opened a basement nightclub in Paris. The jukebox was the main method of bringing music to the floor, however it wasn’t liked by many as it would leave gaps between songs. Regine revolutionized nightlife by putting 2 turntables next to each other. One song would be queued while another would be playing, a concept which would become the hallmark of the modern Disc Jockey (DJ). This helped establish the DJ as they were free to create an atmosphere and manipulate the energy of the club.  (NYTimes)

From then on discotheques, or clubs opened all around the world with the first few openings in New York. Olivier Coquelin was one of the founders of the American discotheque along with some names like Henry Ford the second helping build the foundation of the industry. (American Heritage)

Current News

1. Drake sues Universal Music Group for defamation over Kendrick Lamar's “Not Like Us”. Drake claims that the label “chose corporate greed over the safety and well-being of its artists. In controversy,”. The label responded with  “Not only are these claims untrue, but the notion that we would seek to harm the reputation of any artist — let alone Drake — is illogical “, as it has always helped Drake “achieve personal and commercial success”. (Variety)

2.  Carrie Underwood to perform at Donald Trump’s inauguration. She states “I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”. (APNews)

3. Skrillex is returning to Miami’s Ultra Music Festival in March of 2025. The last time they performed at the festival was in 2015. Some other big names will be performing such as Deadmau5, Zedd and AFROJACK. (EDM)

4. DJ and producer Lawrence Hart has announced his new album “Come In Out Of The Rain” and released the first song from the album “Closer To You”. “A big thing for me on this record is balancing the more mechanical and technical side of my music with the heart and euphoria,” he explains. (MixMag)

5. DJ Mag Top 100 Clubs 2025 voting is now open. Number three on the list for last year’s contest is Washington DC’s “Echostage” club, While Hï Ibiza ranked number one. Who will be number one in 2025? Hï Ibiza has stayed in first place for three consecutive years. (DJMag)

Until Next Time…

We hope you enjoyed this first issue of Dance Floor Dispatch! From the origins of the discotheque to the latest happenings in the music world, we’re thrilled to bring you fresh insights and stories bi-weekly. Whether you're a music history enthusiast or a current trendspotter, we aim to keep you connected to the rhythm of it all.

Stay tuned for more exciting content in the next issue, and remember—music is always evolving, and so are we. Thanks for being a part of Dance Floor Dispatch. Keep listening, keep dancing, and keep the music alive!

• The Dance Floor Dispatch team