Audio’s changed a lot over the summer… the club often used the be half full, or half empty, it depends on how you see it. But with this fullness/emptiness it carried a reputation that what may be seen may not be to everyone’s taste. It stuck to its own ethics and continued booking varied interesting artists. Times became tough, reputation and abiding to music policy becomes secondary when approached from a management point of view. You can ride the wave, continue to please the deteriorating crowd, or change. And change is what they did.

You can’t blame them. From a management point of view the changes have been a full success. The dance floor is now full and cash is being spunked every weekend. But on a weekend is Audio still the place to hear the best house/techno around? Sadly I don’t think so. The change was a direct shift of market audience. The club needs to bring in people, the best way to do this is by offering no door charge. What comes with free entry is students. I’m not gonna go on a big student hating rampage, but it leaves the venue at risk of becoming a student club. It should be remembered that much of Brighton has in fact graduated and doesn’t go out just because one of their mates from sociology sells beans for cheap.

This isn’t aimed at the nights or DJs who currently keep audio going. They are all good people and contribute greatly to Brighton’s music scene. It’s just the lineup is stagnant and non diversifying. Audio continues to poor out quality live music, and has been a venue that’s kicked started the careers of many an artist. I just don’t feel the pull of the music anymore.

The spot by the left speaker which I once loved so much has been empty for a while now. It’s a shame as I love Audio, and would still says it’s the place to be in Brighton. But it’s become clear that I’m not as drawn there since the recent changes.

Audio still is the home to many great nights like Supercharged and Hospitality (if you like your DnB), but the Summer of Love took a big change in direction. It hurt for me… I miss the dance floor, I miss the speakers and I miss seeing cutting edge DJs’ actually enjoying themselves. What a great little venue.