All they wanted to do was spin records, and couldn’t get their urge for electronic music out any other way. These two individual disc jockeys were creating art in their bedrooms and wanted to take it public. Ben Barlow, also known as DJ Aqua, and Ralph Bottaro, aka RJ, had that itching desire to express themselves through music. The only thing standing in their way was the need for a stage to perform. In the earlier months of their downtown career, their first handful of opportunities were presented to them by the co-owner of the late 135 Pearl, Craig Mitchell. “Craig was very kind to have given us a chance… we ended up with a few of his open slots, which helped get us get started” says Ben. It was perfect for them to gain a little experience at 135 Pearl, because the regular crowd called for electronic music. Another stage that represented true history for electronic music was and still is, Club Metronome.