The Other Side’s New York guide Fischerspooner

Text by Lily Moayeri

Lonely Planet. Let’s Go. Fodor’s. Frommer’s. Rough Guide. These are the familiar names in the world of travel. While one might be dubious to take travel advice from a company called Deaf Dumb + Blind, said company has teamed up with weekly handbook Time Out in a joint venture to provide the latest in travel guides. Under the title of The Other Side, each guide comes in interactive DualDisc format featuring a DVD and a mix CD compiled by local electronic musicians and DJs who also serve as your guides to the featured cities. The installations thus far are from Fischerspooner (New York), Madlib (Los Angeles), Damian Lazarus (London), Black Strobe (Paris), Ellen Allien (Berlin) and DJ Marlboro (Rio). Running at about $20 a guide, the idea is to expose the user to the hipper, more modern and urban-centric side of these historic yet thriving and progressive cities. Forward-thinking art galleries, exclusive shoe shops, locals-friendly bars and clubs, beyond-trendy restaurants and well-stocked independent record stores are among the sites included in The Other Side guides. “Dance music culture is international,” says Michael Cohen, a representative from the company. “Many people who are into [dance music] travel widely and want to know where to go and what to do upon arrival. We look for musical visionaries that are either from the city, or live there and are having a significant impact on that city’s vibe.”