Strike Magazine x Swamp Records: The Fusion of Fashion, Music and Motion

On November 20th, Strike Magazine Gainesville and Swamp Records is hosting a crossover event to bring the worlds of music and fashion to life. Inspired by the cadence of 90’s rave culture, the event, titled ‘Tempo,’ will take place at Simon’s Nightclub in downtown Gainesville, tapping into the fervor of electronic dance music. Strike Magazine decided to hear from some of the DJs performing at Tempo to acquire a first-hand insight to what the night will entail. 

Natendo64

Natendo64, formally known as Nate Lubow, is performing a set inspired by his involvement with both Strike Magazine and Swamp Records, coupled with his adoration of house music. For Lubow, the event is meant to circulate back to the origins of EDM. “It was not until Daft Punk in 2007 that people would actually come to watch the DJ,” says Lubow. “Before then, it was just a dance floor with music. That was what we wanted to capture through this event.” 

Lubow first became immersed in the world of electronic dance music after years of learning to admire the complexities of music. “I remember sifting through my dad’s CD collection at a young age,” he says. “I would pick a random disc and start listening — that’s when I developed an appreciation for music. From that point on, my love for music just exploded; I think it will forever be my passion and something that will impact my life forever.”

Image Courtesy: Strike Magazine Gainesville 

Lubow’s infatuation with music eventually manifested itself in his production of music. Upon creating his set for Tempo, Lubow found inspiration in his time spent with Swamp Records. He says, “Swamp Records is all about showcasing underrated artists. My set focuses on uncovering underground EDM tracks and sets that go beyond the familiar Gainesville scene, bringing them the attention they deserve.” In doing so, Lubow is dedicated to playing music that he thinks Gainesville needs to hear.  Ultimately, at Tempo, he inspires guests to “live in the moment and dance.”

D3SIRE

Dalton Lain, rather called D3SIRE when he’s in the booth, describes his sound as “cunt chaos.” The Tallahassee-based DJ enjoys infusing his high-BPM, hard techno tracks with recognizable snippets from iconic artists, like our childhood princess, Hannah Montana. Each set is unique and free-flowing since Lain mixes as he goes. “Creating a set on the spot is way more freeing and creative for me—planning out every track just stresses me out and makes me feel constrained,” says Lain.

Image Courtesy: Dalton Lain

Whether it was 2000s video game soundtracks or competitive cheer tracks, Lain says he fell in love with electronic music far before he even knew what it was. He began his DJ career with house parties during his time at Florida State University, finding his sound in hard techno, hard dance and gabber. “I was tired of the frat-coded house music taking over the party scene,” he says. His first official gig was for a Strike Tallahassee Runway 2022 afterparty, and only eight months later he was playing sets in Germany.

Lain draws on references from different time periods and subcultures, like the 90s NYC club kid scene, the German happy rave era and old Thunderdome tapes. While each set is determined as he goes, Lain always plans the vibe according to the venue, meaning that his set for Tempo will have a “playful, bouncy feel.”

Dalédi

Dylan García, known more iconically as Dalédi, established a culture of underground queer raves in Tallahassee that has since rippled throughout Central Florida. She’s bringing “a little bit pussy… bouncy, fun” sound to Gainesville this November. 

Cunty and refined. Experimental, fast-paced, and electric. DJing was born from passion, purpose, and pure expression for Dalédi. During the solitude of the 2020 quarantine, Dalédi unearthed the world of vogue beats and queer rhythms in DJ GAY-Z. Arriving in Tallahassee in 2021 and feeling confined by the frat party culture and typical club music, she began experimenting on friends’ DJ sets and organizing her own events.

Image Courtesy: Dylan García

What started as backyard parties with “very loud music” evolved into sophisticated, curated, professional themed raves at abandoned Coke factories with lines around the block. Now, years later, with bookings at clubs, collectives, and events — including a recent Halloween rave that attracted over a thousand people — Dalédi has upheld a personal commitment to underground queer sound that challenges conventional boundaries of technicality and style. Dalédi hasn’t just carved out a space for the rave scene; she’s fostered a respect for herself and her artistry as a trans woman and visionary artist.

Strike Out,

Writers: Olivia Hansen, Naina Chauhan and Olivia Evans

Editor: Hailey Indigo