This massive club has two separate identities on any given night: R&B and hip-hip haven, and frenetic rave party.
This building has had a few previous identities, but the place has been Rockafella's for going on five years, making the club a relative veteran of the party scene. The goldfish memories of Fortitude Valley's young clubbers will know the space only as Rocky's, an institution for hard partying.
Located in the basement, The Hype Room is the home of a crew of resident DJs, who create a rave party atmosphere with a mix of house, trance and techno beats. Squinting through the laser lights are a mixed crowd of young partiers who've just discovered late nights and dance music, and the odd seasoned clubber seeking a nostalgic night of techno tunes.
Climb back up to street level for a total change of pace, as DJs spin R&B and hip-hop grooves. With less arm-flailing than you'll see downstairs, this space is all about bumping and grinding, strutting guys and sashaying girls.
Queensland's stringent anti-smoking laws mean that there's no cigarette smoke drifting through the building anymore, but those who still crave a lungful can nip outside to the courtyard. The savvy Rockafella's crew have built a little walled outdoor area with plenty of greenery, little lights and benches for getting one's breath back between dances.
Shelley Tustin
