Y2K*NT: A Trip Back To The 2000s

2000s music is guaranteed to fill a dance floor — and Frequency did just that. On 17 October, the Vic transformed into a 2000s movie with funky hats, sparkling tops, and low-rise jeans galore. The event’s name, Y2K*NT, pushed the boundaries of branding by mixing nostalgia with a contemporary edge — a daring move that paid off.

When I arrived, there was only a short queue; before I knew it, I was inside. The people working the door were notably very friendly, setting a welcoming tone right from the start. The staircase was decked out with glitter and fabric, and the distant bass beckoned me to come up the stairs and onto the dance floor. As I ascended, the music grew louder, building the anticipation until I finally reached the main room. The neon lights and retro visuals on the TV matched the bold fashion choices of the attendees. The moment I stepped onto the dance floor, a familiar song filled the space, instantly lifting my energy as I shuffled through the crowd. Around me, everyone danced with their friends in tight circles, twisting in and out, giggling and singing along. With each new song, there were gasps of recognition, capturing the unfiltered joy that only a truly nostalgic night can create.

The DJ crafted the perfect blend of remixes and original tracks, weaving them together with smooth, seamless transitions. Each song felt fresh and exciting and thus kept me on the dance floor. When tracks like ‘Ceiling Can’t Hold Us’ by Macklemore boomed through the speakers, all arms shot up in the air. Even the remix of ‘Love Story’ by Taylor Swift kept even the most sceptical Swifies dancing with surprising enthusiasm. Each track felt like a shared moment, as friends shouted the lyrics, hands on each others’ shoulders. It was more than just a playlist; it was a trip down memory lane.

I struck up a conversation with the girl dancing next to me, asking how she was enjoying the night. With a grin, she explained how much she loves this kind of music, adding how Thursday nights, famously known in St Andrews for 2000s music, were her favourites. She then paused for a second: “Where is Charli XCX?” she asked — no doubt the question on everyone’s mind. She was right to wonder; Y2K*NT advertised modern pop anthems, such as those of Charli XCX, in addition to throwback tracks. They even used her songs in their advertising. However, I failed to hear any songs by her at all.

In spite of this, Frequency’s Y2K*NT was a bold, nostalgic trip that hit every mark. The crowd, the music, and the atmosphere perfectly embodied the spirit of the 2000s. The event's branding and decor were also spot-on, transforming the Vic into a time capsule. Y2K*NT proved that Frequency knows how to celebrate nostalgia, and this event undoubtedly set the bar high for similar nights in St Andrews.

Photo: Kaitlin Shaw