Trance, house, break beat, drum 'n' bass, electronica: What may sound like the names of Transformers to some are actually distinctive music genres to others, including members of the new UA club Vinylphiles.

The club, an organization dedicated to creating and enjoying electronic music, is seeking fresh beats. The vinyl here is records; the focus is music and DJ-ing.

The club's founder, Andrew Walker, started the club because he felt that there wasn't enough recognition of the rave counterculture.

"The U of A was surprisingly devoid of most subcultures," Walker, an undeclared sophomore, said. "It's like an MTV university. I was surprised that there was no club for the emerging techno subculture."

With about 75 current members, the club brings together people who also noticed a lack of subculture here. Its sponsor, professor Craig Walsh, is a new professor in the School of Music.

"I compose both acoustic and electronic computer music and direct the Electro-Acoustic music studio in the School of Music," Walsh said. "I sponsored the club because I support the research and performance of this medium."

The club is focusing on increasing membership. Walker also runs DJ clinics in which members can learn the techniques of DJ-ing and DJ theory. Walker has upcoming plans for Vinylphiles as membership grows.

"There are things we hope to do when we get large enough and have some clout in the scene, like negotiate discounts for parties and set up bus transportation to parties," Walker said.

Some were surprised to find there were so many other people who shared their interests.

"There are so many more people on campus than I thought there were that are into the same things I am," said communications junior Jolene Lewis.

Walker also keeps a portfolio of members, so any group seeking DJs can sample the work from Vinylphiles. People can also occasionally hear members spinning on the Mall while they recruit members.

Club member and UA alumnus Joe Astier heard about the club through one of these performances.

"I was just walking across the mall and heard what they were doing. I thought they sounded really good," Astier said. He has since taken a couple of lessons.

"I found it pretty damn hard."

"Learning how to do it is so easy," Lewis said.

Lewis said she isn't worried about the lack of females in the DJ scene.

"There's part of the reason I want to do it," she said.

Anyone with an interest in electronic music, DJ-ing, or record collecting can get more information about Vinylphiles by e-mailing Andrew Walker at walkera@email.arizona.edu.