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Rolling Stone has assembled a panel of prominent music industry professionals to come up with a list of the top ten clubs in the United States. Voters included electronic music artists Steve Angello, Seth Troxler, Carl Cox, Subb-an, and Dillon Francis as well as rapper Talib Kweli. Also included in the panel were Andrew Cook, Deadmau5’s manager; Daniel Glass, head of Glassnote Records; Pasquale Rotella, CEO and founder of Electric Daisy Carnival; and agent Tom Windish.
The list comes as a bit of a surprise as Rolling Stone is known for mostly covering the Rock ‘n’ Roll scene but has been branching into the world of electronic music with big moves such as the much-talked-about Deadmau5 cover last summer and their “25 DJs Who Rule the Earth” piece in the fall.
Here’s our take on Rolling Stone’s Top Clubs in America:
10. U Street Music Hall, Washington, D.C.
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It's a no frills no thrills room that for some amazing reason, brings out the best in the DJs who come there. It's been visited by greats like Richie Hawtin and Damian Lazarus, as well other big names such as Cajmere, DC local Pleasurekraft, and Disclosure. As the DJs get into it, the crowd that gathers is there for the music and nothing else. No bottles, no models, and no dress code. Just a good ol' underground spot in the heart of DC. It's fair to say U street has had a huge part in the still growing the DC electronic music scene and is often visited by Dubfire.
9. Spy Bar, Chicago
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When it comes to quality underground music in Chicago, a few choices arise, however at the top of them stands Spy Bar. When Loco Dice plays in the Windy City, it's at Spy Bar. He has been joined by Robert Dietz, Thugfucker, Dubfire, Sasha at those famous decks. Not too big, but not small either, Spy Bar is an intimate underground spot with low ceilings, friendly bartenders, and a crowd that just likes to get down. Bottle service is optional, but the focus is on the music. Artists who visit can hold a recording session in the club's own recording studio.
8. Electric Pickle, Miami
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This favorite space is a welcome escape from what can sometimes seem like a universal “models and bottles” scene in South Beach. Often described as the “DJ’s club,” DJs have been spotted on several occasions hanging out at the Electric Pickle after they spin elsewhere. Holding only 300 people, the club is an intimate space to gather with friends and dance the hours away.
7. Cielo, New York
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In the heart of the Meatpacking District in New York City, Cielo is a clubbing staple and historical monument. It just celebrated its tenth anniversary this year and it's amazing sound system keeps bringing in well respected DJs from around the world. Run by Nicolas Matar, it's known particularly for its amazing sound that is perfectly calibrated for the room and its weekly Monday residency with Francois K, Deep Space. Other nights are curated by Nervous Records and well known promoter Benny Soto. Cielo is in its own way a part of the history of electronic music scene in NYC, surviving hard times that came down upon clubs in the city. The club is reminiscent of the New York House scene that flourished nearly twenty years ago that was heavily supported by the gay community which at the time populated the Meatpacking District before it became trendy.
5. Sound, Los Angeles
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The appropriately named club features an impressive pounding Funktion One sound system and is a favorite stop in LA for DJs Steve Angello and Seth Troxler among others. Sound successfully presented the Yuma tent at this year’s Coachella music festival and currently features Lauren Lane and Droog as its residents.
4. XS, Las Vegas
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Inspired by “the sexy curves of the human body,” the Vegas mega club has featured famous international DJs like Deadmau5 and Skrillex, and Above & Beyond for its six-figure residencies. The extravagant interior is opulent with gold décor and plenty of VIP tables and private spaces, attracting a wide range of clientele from travelers to high rollers. Combined with the outdoor daytime Encore Beach club located on the same premises, this spot is not to be missed on your trip to Sin City.
3. Output, Brooklyn
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International DJs and Rolling Stone aren't the only ones raving (pun intended) about Output in Brooklyn. It's captured the attention of New York Magazine and Vogue as well. It's a dance playground for adults, with the main room that features two levels and an amazing Funktion One sound system and dark industrial design to keep your unwavering attention on the music. Their recent addition of The Panther Room provides a smaller more intimate setting for DJs to connect with their crowd, that is paired with an upstairs bar and access to a roof where daytime parties tend to occur. Whichever room you choose to play in, we can guarantee you won't leave till the sun rises the following day.
2. Liv, Miami
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This Miami staple in the historical Fontainebleau hotel is known around the world and attracts big name celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Kanye West, and the Kardashians for its beautiful extravagant interior and famous lat night parties featuring top DJs from all over the globe. The Miami Heat even celebrated their NBA championship at this spectacular and gorgeous venue.
1. Beta, Denver
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Opened by Brad Roulier, Beatport co-founder, this club is a favorite of DJs and guests alike for its very impressive soundsystem. If the main room becomes too much, you can transition into one of the smaller side rooms or make your way upstairs to take a break and relax in the Beatport lounge. Known for bringing in some of the top electronic acts, this spot is less about frills and more about the music.
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