I use this episode to set the framework for the stories to come. I contextualize Halifax for listeners who aren’t familiar; explain who I am and my own connection to dance music; and provide a lightning-round introduction to the origins of house and techno. I discuss the original parties that inspired the way we party today, and draw parallels between those parties and the current scene in Halifax. Finally, I introduce the DJs / promoters I’ll be interviewing throughout the rest of the series.

Tracks:

• The Nightwriters - Let the Music Use You (Club Mix)
• Cybersonik - Technarky
• Booty Buster - Freaky East Bay

References:

• The Story of Africville. Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Matthew McRae (2023).
• Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture. Simon Reynolds (1998).
• Raving as Folk Art. First Floor. Shawn Reynaldo (2022).
• Frankie Knuckles - Obituary. The Guardian (2014).
• Black Gay Men Of The AIDS Generation Invented Your Party. The Reckoning Mag. Johnnie Ray Kornegay III (2016).
• Black Futures: How house music took centre stage in the 80s. NPR. John Morrison, Miguel Peres, Raina Douris (2024).

Platter is written, recorded, and edited by me, Taylor Mooney.

Platter’s theme track is Vernacular by Echolurch, a producer based in Halifax.

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