REVIEW
Traveling to Georgia is by itself already an adventure, but this mesmerizing country south of the Caucasus has become a hub for electro music, which may not be the first guess for adventurers from Europe. No matter which guidebook or online blog you consult to find inspiration for your Georgia trip, not stumbling upon electro music recommendations questions the legitimacy of the author. The electro scene seems to quietly dance a waltz with the city’s traditional, Soviet-influenced values ingrained in its history and mentality. But why would a city in a small country rise to the mecca of electro music?
The answers can be found in multiple theories, but like Berlin, it has awakened out of a generational gap in liberal values. Electro music can be heard where traditional Georgian values are silenced. The cafes, clubs, and bars, the queen of which is the world-renowned Bassiani disco underneath the stadium of the nation’s football team, make a statement; a political and social statement; a statement echoed by young and liberal people trying to express their anger at a traditional political system motivated by corruption and nepotism.
Often, this presence of young voices clashes with the traditional scene, which – like every group in historic and in contemporary times – thwart change to their status quo. Gay rights and abortion may be themes even New York and London battle with, but also vegan restaurants are subject to violent backlashes. The more courageous are the numerous bar and club owners opening up save spaces for the young voices and new rising liberal lifestyles. Nestled between small streets next to one of the city’s main thoroughfare, Success Bar allows the sexual liberty desired by people considering gender traditions a fluid and changeable subject.
The red light blazes into the eye the moment the doorway of the entrance is successfully surpassed. Again, the eye is not the only organ experiencing a new environment, but the ear is immediately exposed to the sounds of Omar S or Boiler Room embodying the electro hype of Tbilisi. A small vestibule splits into an upper section and a lower section, the latter being the location of the bar, whereas the former offers couches and sofas for you and your friends. The bar is rather raunchy but still welcoming, allowing a quick order of a cocktail or two. Men slurping their own drinks awaiting company to exchange a couple of words occupy the barstools. Visitors will be quick in noticing the dominant manly crowd in the bar, remembering my above-mentioned importance of safe places in a city of stiff traditions. Success bar allows for the extra bit of change of scenery for everyone, the only thing required is an openness to sexual liberty. The evening is easily enjoyable, with great conversation and the ordered cocktail, but also men looking for sexual comfort can find an environment suitable to their needs.
Success Bar physically showcases the important intersection of buzzing electro music, sexual liberal values, and exciting nightlife. Every tourist with the desire to understand Tbilisi in more depth is greeted and welcomed.
3 Vashlovani Str., Tbilisi
OPEN: Thurs-Sun 9 PM - 5 AM