Heeb

By Sharon Steel

When Charles Levine and Eli Goldstein decided to throw the first Dancing on the Charles, an outdoor dance party in Cambridge, MA last year, they didn’t bank on the ominous rain clouds threatening to wash out the night. Two hundred people showed up anyway. “There were some tents set up outside, so we pushed them together in case it rained,” says 26-year-old Levine. “Then it started to clear up… Everyone at the party grabbed a pole, picked up the tents and moved the whole thing so we could all be under the stars. That’s the vibe we’re trying to create. We want people to feel like they’re part of the party.”

The DJ collective, who go by the handle Soul Clap—an homage to the gospel hand-clap of appreciation—initially came together in 2001. They say their style of deep drumming and melodic techno house would probably sound best blasted in the desert. But considering they both grew up and now DJ full-time in Boston, they had to settle for the next best thing: the American Legion Post, a little oasis alongside the Charles River. Dancing on the Charles has morphed from a one-off event to a regular summer monthly BBQ and electronic music fête. It kicks off for the second year running on May 31, but this time, Soul Clap are planning ahead: port-a-potties, ATMs, VJs. Plus, several local Boston artists are designing a flyer series and limited-edition DotC apparel.

Soul Clap have gone from what 25-year-old Goldstein calls “playing the ultimate pop for 13-year-olds” at countless Bar Mitzvahs, to finally being recognized as up-and-coming producers in the Boston electronic music scene. Their weekly residency at Phoenix Landing began in December (stream sets at midweektechno.com) and they just dropped their first EP, Dimension 7 (Itzamna). Whether they’re spinning Euro-flavored minimalist techno at invite-only venues or holed up in their basement studio in Cambridge remixing progressive jawns, Soul Clap credit an inspiration far more ancient than the gospel and garage beats they’ve spent days digging for at indie record shops. “We’re really into exploring the Old Testament and letting that influence our music,” says Goldstein. “We’re just trying to preach our own musical message.”

Dancing on the Charles will take place on May 31st, June 14th, June 28th, July 12th, July 26th, August 23rd, and September 20th from 7pm-1 am at American Legion Marsh Post #442 outside of Harvard Square, Cambridge. Visit www.soulclap.us/dotc/ for more information.