- Paris' electronic scene spread out to the city's banlieues—i.e. "suburbs"—a while ago. Some of the best events happen in temporary venues in the north and east extremes of the capital, with ravers keener than ever to venture out in search of new and different places to party. Cocobeach, which takes place at La Chesnaie Du Roy, a sort of multi-events space in the 12th arrondissement, is a good example.
Once inside, I was struck by the crowd. No one I talked to was there by accident. They were all long-time followers of Cocobeach, which gave the party a home-away-from-home feel. One guy, who danced from beginning to end with a red bandana on his head, came from Switzerland specially for the event. A few others wore Burning Man-inspired costumes, which seemed suitable for the occasion. The party was a meeting between Lee Burridge and Matthew Dekay's All Day I Dream label, the French Kitchen crew and Bois De Vincennes, the largest public park in the Paris area.
I arrived early at 6 PM, just as the party was getting started. The sun was shining and the air was unexpectedly fresh, a relief after the 39-degree heatwave that had engulfed Paris the week before. Apart from the big covered floor, there were two external areas complete with food trucks and decoration. In one of them, the founders of the Bali-based label Umalagon welcomed revellers with slow, funky house. Everyone was sitting around, chatting and drinking, pacing themselves for the day ahead.
At 8 PM, Matthew Dekay started in the other outdoor area. The parties he and Burridge throw are all about long sets, and the pair lead the dance floor unaccompanied until 2 AM. Though the crowd was attentive from the beginning, the party didn't seem to start until Dekay dropped his own "Fangtango." From there, they continued with their signature melodic take on house and techno. Over in the indoor room, the floor was filled with clubbers dancing to harder techno, courtesy of the French Kitchen team.
Cocobeach's six-year reputation precedes them. They've hosted Sven Väth, Delano Smith and Damian Lazarus in the past month alone, and the team in charge are that rare crew who you see enjoying their own party. Most people associate the French scene with internationally-renowned festivals such as Nuits Sonores, Weather and Peacock Society, but there's plenty more going on besides. Electronic music is very much alive and happening, and Cocobeach is proof of that.
Photo credit: Manfred Tomegah