Bali’s Potato Head Teams Up With DJ Harvey and OMA To Launch Immersive Klymax Discotheque

Bali's renowned Potato Head has joined forces with legendary DJ Harvey and the acclaimed Dutch architectural firm OMA to unveil Klymax Discotheque, a groundbreaking immersive sonic experience in the heart of the Indonesian province. DJ Harvey, celebrated as one of dance music's most influential figures, brings his 40-year legacy of pioneering underground scenes to this innovative project. With a career that has navigated through hip-hop, acid house, garage, and balearic movements, Harvey's influence is profoundly felt in the design and ambiance of Klymax.

A Sound System Tailored by DJ Harvey

Central to the Klymax Discotheque is its meticulously designed sound system, crafted to DJ Harvey's exacting standards by audio engineer George Stavro. This custom-built system is a marvel of audio engineering, delivering rich, finely detailed sound that remains true to the music's original intent. Amplifiers are housed in an air-conditioned room, ensuring optimal performance. At the same time, the dance floor is modeled after London's Ministry of Sound, designed to minimize impact and keep dancers energized throughout the night.

Drawing inspiration from legendary clubs like Paradise Garage, the system's four-speaker stacks combine traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge components. This classic disco nightclub setup is based on blueprints from 1970s New York clubs. The speakers rest on 3m x 3m concrete pads, each 11 cm thick, to absorb vibrations without disturbing the dance floor. The sound system, a collaboration with the late Richard Long, renowned for his work at Studio 54 and Paradise Garage, embodies the pinnacle of audio fidelity and nightclub acoustics.

Innovative Dance Floor Design

The 208-square-meter sprung dance floor at Klymax Discotheque is engineered to reduce fatigue and stress on dancers' joints, a technique borrowed from traditional ballrooms. This floor features a structure of four layers of wooden lattice interspersed with 50mm thick foam, akin to the technology used in basketball courts. A 1m diameter disco ball is hovering above, adding to the classic disco ambiance. A floating DJ booth, isolated from the dance floor, ensures pristine sound quality for the performers.

OMA and Potato Head Design Studio's Acoustic Mastery

The interior design of Klymax Discotheque is a collaboration between Potato Head Design Studio and OMA, resulting in an acoustically treated space that effectively manages errant frequencies. The walls and ceiling feature 2,680,135 perforated holes in wood paneling, which diffuse sound and enhance audio clarity. The exterior walls, 20cm thick, are clad with 365mm of acoustic layers, including rockwool, perforated plywood, and teak veneer, providing exceptional sound insulation.

Lighting, designed in partnership with Tokyo's RealRockDesign, known for its work with Japan's Rainbow Disco Club, further elevates the club's atmosphere. The muted bar serves bespoke cocktails on tap, minimizing noise from mixology activities. A reflective pond on the roof also prevents sound leakage, ensuring the club's immersive experience remains undisturbed.

A Month-Long Residency with DJ Harvey

Klymax Discotheque will kick off with a month-long residency by DJ Harvey, who will reside on-site throughout May. This residency offers patrons a unique blend of music and lifestyle experiences, including surfing, immersive mindfulness sessions, and movie screenings curated by Harvey himself. The program features films from directors like Stanley Kubrick and Ken Russell, alongside performances by international acts and resident DJs such as HAAi, Dave Clarke, Sophie McAlister, Jonathan Kusuma, Seabass, DITA, and Gero.

Every Saturday night from May 11 to June 1, Harvey will take control of the decks, delivering all-night-long sets that promise to captivate and energize the crowd. His presence ensures that each event is imbued with his unique blend of musical mastery and eclectic taste.

Creating a Sonic Haven in Bali

Klymax Discotheque contains such essential elements as the advanced concept of sound and light production, visionary architecture, and professional music selection. Through the partnership with Potato Head, DJ Harvey, and OMA, the public has been blessed with a venue that pays homage to legendary nightclub establishments while redefining what it means to be a voter for select nightlife pursuits. Its focus on providing high-quality sound and light shows, designing a building that would aesthetically belong to the area, and curating a stunning art collection make Klymax an unmissable venue for music lovers and late-night partygoers.