ASYLUM, HONOLULU, HAWAII
ON THE FLOOR Danny Howells
From Asylum with Aloha W
hen delivery exceeds demand, epic memories tend to occur. In the realm of nightlife, this notion is boosted beyond compare. So less than 24 hours after the
shopping barrage of Black Friday, elevated minds of the Aloha State celebrate the evolutionary efforts of Honolulu’s Asylum Afterhours, the private establishment that celebrates four years of forward- thinking success.
2012 shaped up to be a pinnacle year for the tech- house mecca of the Pacific, highlighted by deck blessings from heavyweight champions from around the world, including Claude VonStroke, Lee Foss and DJ T. So the aura that something epic is about to go down on the club’s anniversary is a given. From its underrated potential of 2008, the electronic music dance haven has transformed itself into a Pacific Standard Time hotspot. Asylum has woven itself into the fabric and the minds of Honolulu nightlife as a gateway for top flight, internationally revered talent not associated with the explosion of EDM, and brought them into mainstream public perception. Its success is in a totally different lane altogether, made to service not just the underground, but all those willing to take the journey and embrace the adage of ‘Aloha’.
The mainstream masses, along with the tried and trendy, have taken notice of this undisputed hotspot of Honolulu dance lore. So it’s certainly crazy that there’s still a peak of buzz and wonderment over a venue that’s been solidly killing it for four years now. That’s keeping it underground. Who would have imagined that a dainty club a short trek from the tourist mecca of Waikiki, and a mere ten minute stroll from the nearest beach, would be so clutch?
When we arrive, extra exclusive VIP entry is in full effect. Those that didn’t heed the suggestions of arriving early — and there are many — are forced to mingle with their cellphones to text or call their homies who did use their better judgement and are already inside. With the 175-person capacity reached early, many pace past the tandem of security guards at the foot of the stairs and up the stairway to the entrance, only for their evening to be put on pause. Resident DJ Zane, on warm-up duties, sends shock grooves through the system, and the energy seems to
Hawaii’s internationally renown afterhours hangout celebrates four years of underground antics with guest DJ, Danny Howells...
be close to a frenzied state already. Zane not only provides the ideal sonic preview of things to come, a perfect hand-off to UK house great Danny Howells, but also seems to be relishing his musical moment, a personal dream come to full fruition. “The driving force is to never disappoint them on any level,” he says on the sea of smiling faces spread out before him.
Bouncing from room to room is a must, yet no easy task, thanks to the masses of people and mind-warping visuals that not only aid the vibe but also enhance the remainder of the earlier sets from co-owner Willis Haltom, Ramyt and Kryptic. Soon, however, the main event arrives. Less than 24 hours after the frenzy of Black Friday, Howells continues the deck assault that Dirtybird first lady J. Phlip started days earlier, taking things into the dance stratosphere.
The dapper Englishman, dressed in an all black tee and matching skinny jeans, brings the suave nature he’s been known for forever, flashing the hypnotic brilliance of his decorated career in music and celebrating an anniversary of his own, his 42nd birthday, in paradise. This double rainbow, and Howells’ deep, groovy grip on the dancefloor using brand new jams and a huge knowledge of house classics, ignites the audience craziness implied by Asylum’s handle. In fact, this is definitely one Asylum where the inmates have taken over, their mood fed by a backdrop of mirrored walls, the neon décor and the memories of four years of good times. Everyone is ready to pay homage by going all out, and if the walls could talk, the stories they would tell...
Amongst the abundant chatter going on in the smoke room and decked-out lounge area there are revelers representing all walks of life, many familiar faces returning to their natural place on the dancefloor while newbies soak up the vibe and absorb some of Asylum’s significance to island nightlife as they know it.
In the middle of greeting well wishers, promoter and resident DJ Willis Haltom, wearing a purple floral garland, is busy meeting and greeting. He sums up the night in one word: “Success.” KALANI WILHELM
djmag.com 033
Pics: RICH KIM
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