Underground and proud since 1996:

SWARM is the brainchild of Vic Zee and Mookie, who after many years of devotion to the electronic music scene, decided to stage an event of their own, this was back in 1996 and the party was called TRIP2SPACE, named after Vic’s weekly radio show at the time. Between then and 1999 they successfully promoted legendary underground events such as Tripnosis, Hynopotamust, Remain Insane and Influx.

Due to the success of Influx and the debut Australian appearance of Chris Liberator, some two months later the SWARM concept was conceived. SWARM number 1 featured none other than D.A.V.E the Drummer in his debut Australian performance. This first SWARM marked the beginning of a very successful and historic series of upfront UNDERGROUND TECHNO events known as SWARM THE SECOND STING and the SWARM SEQUENCE monthly series held at 61 Regent Street.

SWARM can lay claim to the fact that it was the first event of its type to sell out at the (1000 capacity) venue, and continued to consistently do so for well over six months. The vibe was intense, inspiring and totally captivating. The original full size 30k 'Alladin' sound system used at the events became notorious, with punters claiming that the bass frequencies were so intense, that traveling up the real stair well was a challenge due to the air pressure created by the audio downdraft.

During this time Dj’s and live acts such as the Geezer, Chris Liberator, Bold and D.A.V.E the Drummer and Julian Liberator all techno-ed the house. At one event Lenny Dee and John Truelove were actual punters. SWARM had now become the biggest underground techno happening in Sydney at the time.

These events now form a solid part of Sydney Electronic Music history, inspiring many to start djing, producing, promoting and ultimately creating electronic art of all kinds. If it were not for SWARM countless friendships, networks and relationships would not exist today.

Although 61 Regent Street eventually became a defunct venue option, SWARM evolved and found new stomping grounds to muster its mayhem. Over the Christmas period of 2000 and in 2001 SWARM staged a Mad Max style affair called SANDSWARM – a free party to say thanks for all the support and dedication from the Sydney techno underground scene.

The next stop was Bohem, SWARM: The Motherlode (2001) saw the likes of D.A.V.E the Drummer, Julian Liberator and Zebedee combine forces with the locals, proving that the SWARM vibe was still strong and addictive. Local and Lethal shortly after proved that an event with an entirely local lineup had as much if not more clout than any international lineup.

By the end of 2002 SWARM was now definitely one of Sydney's most popular and largest underground techno events, but due to a constant lack of 'warehouse/61 Regent St' style venues SWARM moved into club land.

The SWARM ethic has nevertheless always remained underground, with an emphasis on the more edgy styles of percussive techno, regardless of venue.

Fast forward to 2010, we have now truly lost count of the amount of events we have promoted, they number well into the 100's!

The SWARM story is still a work in progress... 

(To be continued)