Event promoters Saltare are spotlighting their favourite local DJs at Gridlock Vol. 2, a collaboration with Continuum and Proponent Records.
Endless think-pieces have been written about how celebrity DJ culture has skewed dancefloor priorities. Of course, you want to trust that the person behind the decks can take you on a journey that’s equal parts unpredictable and gratifying. But status alone won’t produce a killer atmosphere in the club.
Melbourne/Naarm event promoters Saltare are keen to reorient party principles with their event series Gridlock, a collaboration with newly transformed Collingwood venue Continuum. Gridlock Vol. 2 is on at Continuum on Friday October 24, taking over the venue from early evening through to the wee hours of Saturday morning.
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Saltare have a been throwing parties in clubs, bars and warehouses around Naarm for the last three years. They launched Gridlock in September, with the idea of spotlighting the local scene’s best up-and-coming DJs.
“Gridlock moves away from the typical club night that starts with a small DJ and progresses into a big headliner,” says Saltare founder Mark Russell. “Instead, we’re showcasing as much local talent, giving them slots where they will best shine.”
They’ve made a few changes since the first event, the most significant being an earlier start time: Gridlock Vol. 2 will kick off at 6pm in Continuum’s beer garden. There’ll be drink specials for the early arrivals.
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The party moves inside at 9pm. Local dance label Proponent Records are launching their new various artists compilation on the night. Several acts who appear on the comp will hit the decks between 9pm and midnight, including Charbink$, Burner, Iggy (fka Igman), Lenny Lens, KLIO and JMK.
“This compilation spans the full spectrum of what’s driving Melbourne’s underground right now,” says Russell. “From house and trance through to hypnotic techno, rave, electro breaks and closing with drum and bass.”
From midnight till 3am, Saltare have curated a lineup of DJs spanning house, techno and drum and bass. In line with their commitment to showcasing local talent, they’re keeping the names on the lineup a secret.
“The secret lineup encourages people to really embrace the music as a journey, as we curated it to be,” Russell says. “We want to capture that feeling of those experiences of the first handful of times you enter a club, not knowing who’s DJing, but completely entranced by their music.”
It’ll be free entry until 11pm and $10 afterwards, which speaks to another of Saltare’s founding principles. “Nightlife should be for everyone, not just for people who can drop $40 on a ticket,” Russell says.
Continuum venue manager, James Burton, agrees. “We know how tough things are right now, especially for young people, and it’s refreshing to see promoters like Saltare prioritising accessibility.”
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Gridlock is an in-depth collaboration between Saltare and Continuum. The folks at Continuum share Saltare’s passion for platforming new local artists. “Teaming up felt like a really natural fit,” says Burton.
Continuum is located on Victoria Pde in Collingwood, which places it smack bang in between the city, Richmond and Fitzroy. “We’re close enough to be central, but still with a local, grassroots feel,” Burton says.
Russell couldn’t be more excited about hosting Gridlock at the recently refurbished venue. “Continuum’s Funktion-One sound system is world-class,” he says. “The venue also has incredible lighting and visual capabilities with LED screens across the ceiling of the dancefloor, creating a unique experience.”
Burton further outlines the versatility of the space. “The main room offers a large dancefloor, with dramatic, high‑energy lighting and visuals and a performance stage,” he says. “The beer garden has a nice indoor-outdoor flow with a more relaxed vibe, but still has the same identity.”
Gridlock Vol. 2 will be an ideal introduction to Continuum for any newcomers, showing off what the inside and outside spaces have to offer. “We love that it showcases both sides of the venue – the more relaxed, social vibe and the proper late-night dancefloor,” Russell says.
Saltare has been building towards Gridlock for a few years, and in Continuum they found the ideal home.
“Being able to throw regular events is something we’ve always wanted to grow towards and now feel we’re finally in the position to do that,” Russell says. “For us and our audience, it means there’s always something exciting to look forward to, rather than having to wait for sporadic one-off events or collaborations. Raves are still the centre of our spirit, but we’re looking at ways to capture that energy, fun, community and inclusivity within a club space.”
Gridlock, like other Saltare events, is rooted in the organisers’ love of the local dance scene.
“Melbourne has an incredible nightlife scene, but we’re always looking for ways to push the envelope,” Russell says. “By putting local artists at the centre of the night and keeping it as accessible as possible, we’re bringing all lovers of dance music to hear the best music the city has to offer.”
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