Music
10 perfect gifts for techno music lovers
Need to get a present for a friend who loves the rave? We're here to help.
It's difficult to find a good present for a music fanatic. So if there’s someone in your life with a massive passion for 4/4 beats, then here's a list of 10 gift suggestions which will appeal to lovers of techno and beyond – ranging from vinyl gadgets, to label merch and professional quality earplugs.
1. Mixpak slipmat
Nobody does globe-trotting rave quite like NYC label and Culture Clash 2016 winners Mixpak. These slip mats feature hyper-colour illustration maximalism courtesy of psychedelic cartoonist Brian Blomerth. The receiver’s decks will be dressed to impress for the house party.
Mixpak victorious!
© Steve Stills
2. Life and Death on the New York Dancefloor
Any self-respecting fan of the rave should know and understand the parties of yesterday that shape the parties of tomorrow. This fascinating read by Lucky Cloud Sound System’s Tim Lawrence chronicles three pivotal years in New York that changed dance music forever.
3. Late Night Tales Bundles
The post-club compilation album is something that has died off a little bit in the world of Spotify and playlists, but the Late Night Tales series continues to release fantastic after-hours compilation albums curated by artists. Such artists that have curated albums include Jon Hopkins, Four Tet and Trentmoller. The series offers a range of bundle packages, including both vinyl and digital.
4. Sports Banger Clobber
Acid house flip flops, sunglasses, festival-friendly hats and bags – Sports Banger is a bit of a modern day rave clothing emporium. They even put out music alongside their clothing too.
5. Original Peter Record Bag
Original Peter was created by two life-long record collectors, Jonny Trunk (of Trunk Records) and Ed Griffiths (of blaxploitation.com) after they got sick of replacing broken record bags. So they set out to design a stylish, sturdy, durable and high-capacity collection of record bags. Orders also include a lucky dip LP from Jonny and Ed’s personal collection.
6. Pickle Factory t-shirt
With night culture constantly under threat in the capital, supporting your favourite club is a genuine cause. Show love to one of London’s most well-programmed spots whilst silently showcasing your weekend activity to potential like-minded suitors. Designed by Stefan Marx and screen printed in London.
7. PRO17 Custom Ear Plugs
These high quality ear plugs are substantially more expensive than the foam pairs you'll find on the high street, but for DJs or regular techno ravers who need to protect their hearing without reducing the quality of their music listening experience, they're well worth the investment.
8. Dekmantel Merch
The Amsterdam-based dance festival, events company and record label is hugely popular and widely respected – with 2018's line-up including the likes of Batu, Afrodeutsche, Bruce and more. It also has a tasty selection of merch. From cross-body bags in collaboration with Patta, to bags, hoodies, keyrings, badges and hats.
9. Bluetooth turntable
Nostalgia meets futurism in this big-ticket gift for true vinylists. Stocked by a bevvy of respected audio-specialists, it promises all the warmth and quality of record sound and not a hygge-killing wire in sight. Plus, that minimalist design has ‘Richie Hawtin’s living room’ written all over it.
TEAC TN-400BT Bluetooth Turntable
© TEAC Audio
10. Discwoman Merch
Discwoman is an NYC-based booking agency and artist collective with a diverse network of DJs and producers who share a determination to reclaim clubs as safe, empowering spaces. If you've been to the right parties, chances are you'll be used to seeing their logo on sweaters, caps and festival-friendly drawstring bags among the crowd.
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