Larry Heard on nightclub photography: "It's the opposite of what clubs started out as"
Not everyone wants to be seen when caught in the dance
With technology and social media playing a major role in everyday life, it’s no surprise that people enjoy taking and sharing photos from the dancefloor. That said, house music pioneer Larry Heard says this pushes dance music culture away from what initially made it special.
In a recent interview with the Guardian, the innovative producer touched on why photos in the club should never be a focus: “Everyone is peering and leering at you, taking pictures and video. It’s awkward, it’s uncomfortable. It’s the opposite of what clubs started out as: a haven away from everything, as opposed to somewhere to expose. I’m not doing an exhibition – I’m trying to release myself.”
When house music was in its formative years, nightclubs served as a safe space for minorities, mainly gay African American men, to express themselves. The tail end of Heard’s statement touches on how these experiences allowed for an escape from everyday life, which is not something that needed to be documented (although we do love old rave photos and videos).
In a recent article discussing photos on the dancefloor, Mixmag expanded on this subject with regards to the unique essence of the dance: “Dancing has a healing and meditative quality; it provides a chance to momentarily let your body exhale from everything that exists outside of the club for a few hours. But when you add a camera, it changes the dynamic of a situation in which many people don’t want to be seen.”
That's not to say that people shouldn't enjoy capturing moments from their night out, which can be used to reflect on past experiences, but perhaps be mindful next time you get the urge to snap a selfie or a close up of the DJ.
Harrison is Mixmag's East Coast Editor. Follow him on Twitter here