Celebrating their sixth birthday this month, this is D-Edge's fourth appearance in our Top 100 Clubs poll. And clearly the club is something special to rank above Sao Paolo's rainforest playground of Sirena.
Casey Spooner, from electroclash icons Fischerspooner, is a huge fan of the place, claiming: "A light show you won't seen anywhere else, unbelievable sound and hot Brazilian girls and boys that are always ready to party - that's what D-Edge is all about."
Ah yes, the light show. The simple black box room is decorated floor to ceiling with grids of neon striplights that change colour. When it's red, yellow, green or purple it looks amazing. But blue is mind-blowing - which is probably why the lighting guy, Johnson, saves it only for the best tunes or for those moments when the crowd are going particularly nuts.
Stunning oversized volume level meters on the wall further lock the crowd into the music.
"It's connected directly to the soundsystem," explains Marc Romboy. "And the sound is exactly how it has to be, staying clear and crunchy and bass kickin'. That's how tech-house can reach the feelings of the crowd."
As well as tech-house DJs, D-Edge attracts top talent across the board - recent visitors have included Sasha, Tiga, Steve Lawler and the cream of Brazilian talent. Freak Chic covers the housier end of things on Fridays, while Mothership heads into more minimal territory on Saturdays. Elsewhere, the new wave of electro is worth checking out at Monday's On The Rocks, with the likes of Steve Aoki guesting.
If you're heading to the 400-capacity club it's worth logging on to d-edge.com.br and attempting to decode the Portuguese website for cheaper tickets to guarantee entry. And inside you'll find a passionate, friendly crowd, a real mixed bunch, where skyscraper heels share the lit dancefloor with Converse trainers but everyone is on the same musical page.
"D-Edge has a unique spirit because it's very underground, with a crowd that understands real electronic music, but at the same time it's super modern," says Oliver Huntemann. "It's Brazil's best club for sure and one of the very best in the world." |
| Travel: It’s not cheap to get to Sao Paulo at any time of year. Dialaflight.com have flights right now for just £210, which sounds like a bargain until you add £250 tax. But bite the bullet is our advice — it’s an amazing city, often called the New York of Brazil due to its size and cultural vibe. | | Sleep: The Tulip Inn Morunbi Business Hotel is a mile stumble from the club but costs just £25. It’s no-frills but there is a pool. professionaltravelguide.com For something really special, it has to be Hotel Unique with it’s hull-shaped architecture and rooftop swimming pool. But it’s heavy on the pocket at £336 upwards a night. If you don’t stay there at least go for pre-club drinks. hotelunique.com.br/ | | Pre Club: Soak up live Brazilian music at Barnaldo Lucrécia, Abilio Soares, 207 Paraiso. And don’t miss out on Brazilian food — Astor, at Rue Delfina, 163 Vila Madalena, is a bohemian bar with great snacks that won’t weigh you down before you get your rave on. | | After Hours: D-Edge’s Saturday night Mothership ought to keep you going until you drop but if not the club’s own Paradise party is probably the best after-hours in the city, kicking off at 5am and sometimes carrying on until Monday morning. If you leave after dark, make sure you grab a taxi or leave with someone who knows the score. |
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