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DJ Mag Top100 Clubs
56
Hardpop
24

Given that it sounds like the trashiest gay disco imaginable and resides in a crime-ravaged city where drug-related gang slaughters seem to be daily rituals and clubs are put under a strict 2am curfew, you'd think Hardpop might have, you know, a bit of trouble getting things going. You'd be way off though? it's a weekly hotbox of fanatical techno hedonism. Damian Lazarus, Pier Bucci, M.A.N.D.Y., Adultnapper, Spectral Sound's Ryan Elliot, Seth Troxler, Richie Hawtin and Ivan Smagghe all love making the mission here. In short, Hardpop's appeal and atmosphere remains as intense as ever.

"For me, playing Hardpop is always a highlight," says Ryan Elliot. "Ricardo and his team have a great venue as well as a real love for the music, and it shows. Although the city has problems at the moment, inside the club all of that tension is released, and the energy is amazing. The patrons also have a real understanding of the music, and are happy to let you take them wherever you want to go."