Welcome To The Pleasuredome; Machina's Freedom for Fashion and Expression

By Fashion Editor Stephen O'Brien

Celebrating its second anniversary on St Stephen’s Day, Machina has been a staple in the Cork techno scene as a consistent event of note. Hosted at Dali, it first took place above Mason on Tuckey Street, before moving around until finding its current home in Nudes Craft and Cocktail on Lavitt’s Quay. It acts as a space for queer techno and expression through fashion; from a quote on their Instagram, Machina is a place “where someone in a suit can be dancing next to someone wearing a ball gag”. They’ve been host to multiple international DJs like KAVARI and Reece Spooner, but have also been a platform for Cork DJs to perform and gain traction . Every month the night is adorned with a distinct theme; ‘Bound’, ‘Killer Klowns’, ‘Choose Your Fighter’. This month’s theme was ‘Y2K’, so I dressed up and went out to speak to the creators, Jack and Hope about Machina, and chat with some clubgoers about their attachment to this integral part of the Cork queer scene.

What was the background behind creating Machina?

Hope: Jack and I wanted to emulate the fun we have when we go party in London. So many cool queer spaces there, where everyone is so free. Cork is our home, and we wanted to bring the party here! We’ve worked together for years, since I began Dali in running warehouse parties in the Marina, and he’s my best friend — so we know each other inside out, and grew the idea together. I think so many people want alternative spaces and weird parties to let loose now. We wanted to make a space where you can celebrate your queerness and express your sexuality. We also wanted a safe space, especially for women. 

So yeah we said “let’s throw one party” and we’ve never looked back.

How do you feel about the consistent success over these past 2 years?

Hope: Buzzed! It just keeps growing and gets more wild. Our January party just gone was insane. Jack looked at me super early, like 10pm and was like “this is too lit wtf!” I'd like to think our party not only gives a safe space for queer people and their friends, but also encourages newcomers who want to figure it all out and step into our world.

Do you have any future plans for Machina as a brand?

Hope: We’ve got some cool stuff coming for sure! Working on bringing more international DJs over to play, and keep pushing the wildness of the parties. Also want to get more of the Machina regulars who’ve followed us the last two years involved — we want to start a saucy photo series or somethin. Going to get a machina munch going too. I think a lot of us are so busy dancing we don’t actually get to hang out. So yes. Busy year for us!