UPCOMING DJ DATES: Next round of dates for me kicks off at Jean’s in Manhattan a week on Thurs (Nov 19th), exactly two months on from when I played their upstairs party. This time I’m back downstairs in the club, as in February, when I played my first US gig since prior to covid. The weekend continues with a trip to Atlanta, where I’m at Lunchbox on Sat 21st, before heading to Miami for Divorcée @ Floyd on Sunday. I’ll post more about the US dates next week.
Then it’s back home for the big one in Liverpool, where I’ll be playing all night long at the Sefton Park Palm House on Sat 28th. Tickets, I’m afraid, sold out for this a while ago.
Moving into December with two major events – at The Warehouse Project in Manchester for the annual Haçienda gathering on Sat 5th, before I hook-up with @petetongofficial for his Ibiza Classics night at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on Thurs 10th.
From huge venues, its back to the grassroots with A Real Magic Disco at the Legion club in Wendover, before heading in to Lewisham in southeast London for my first play at The Fox & Firkin, which I’ve heard so much good stuff about.
Hope to see you on my travels.
19.11 NEW YORK - JEAN’S @jeansdown
21.11 ATLANTA - LUNCHBOX @lunchbox_atlanta
22.11 MIAMI - FLOYD @divorcee__ @floydmiami
28.11 LIVERPOOL – PALM HOUSE @seftonparkpalmhouse
05.12 MANCHESTER – HAÇIENDA @ WHP @fac51_thehacienda @whp_mcr
RIP Juan Atkins, a seminal figure in techno’s evolution, who died yesterday ahead of a scheduled appearance in Mexico City. He was 64.
Detroit-born, he grew up in nearby Belleville, where he met fellow techno icons, Derrick May & Kevin Saunderson - the ‘Belleville Three’ now acknowledged as the genres founding fathers. Hugely influenced by radio DJ, The Electrifying Mojo, they began to DJ and buy musical equipment, taking the first steps on what would become a global journey.
Atkins formed Cybotron with Rick Davis, recording ‘81s ‘Alleys Of Your Mind’, and then ‘Cosmic Cars’ in ’82, before unleashing their best-known single, ‘Clear’, in ‘83, having secured a deal with Fantasy Records.
With no techno denomination at the time, ‘Clear’ slotted in perfectly alongside New York electro. I remember it coming in on import in Aug ’83 – we presumed it was from NY. Apart from the writing/production credit (3070 & Juan Atkins), the track was remixed by Jose ‘Animal’ Diaz, who I knew from his work for the NYC DJ service, Disconet.
In March ’84 it featured on ‘Street Sounds Crucial Electro’, which reached #24 on the UK album chart – the ‘Street Sounds Electro’ series having launched the previous October, bringing an underground genre to mainstream focus. This was how most people here discovered ‘Clear’. Cybotron were also on ‘Street Sounds Electro 4’ with follow-up, ‘Techno City’, peaking at #25. So, well before techno was recognised as a stand-alone genre, Cybotron were much beloved by British electro enthusiasts.
In 1988, Neil Rushton, a veteran of Northern soul, who founded Birmingham label, Kool Kat, approached Atkins, May & Saunderson, and launched Network Records. Coining the genre term, ‘techno’, they set about establishing the music here, not least via the compilation, ‘Techno! The New Dance Sound of Detroit’.
Although the album failed to recoup its costs, one inclusion, ‘Big Fun’, by Saunderson’s Inner City, went top 10 in the UK when issued on single, as well as becoming a US Dance #1, establishing techno as a mainstay of dance culture.
Atkins would also record under the names Model 500 and Infiniti, and continued to DJ and produce down the years.
This month’s RMDC podcast (link in bio), takes us back to Aug 1987, as the ‘Ibiza 4’ had their ecstatic Amnesia Ibiza epiphany and, with evangelical zeal, went on to transform London’s soundscape. But the 4 was really a 6 – already on the island, paving the way, were Ian St Paul and, most crucially, Trevor Fung.
Trevor is this month’s guest. A DJ currently celebrating his 50th anniversary, who’d regularly visited Ibiza since 1976. He DJ’d at Amnesia for a short time during the early-‘80s and, in ‘87, was running a bar, The Project, with St Paul on the island.
His friend was Paul Oakenfold. Back in the UK they’d try to introduce the Balearic flavours, epitomised by DJ Alfredo, on various club nights, but with little joy. That all changed with the explosion in ecstasy consumption their Ibiza trip prompted, resulting in Oakenfold’s legendary nights in London’s Heaven, at which Trevor also DJ’d.
Additionally, Trevor, for a number of years, brought over copies of the latest UK releases/imports to sell to Ibiza DJs, Alfredo included, plus the few record shops, which were largely pop-geared. A soulboy at heart, he would have introduced a lot of black music to the island, all adding to the Balearic stew.
One of the most under-appreciated contributors to our dance history, and a true pioneer when it comes to the long-running British love affair with the white isle, Trevor is still out there DJing with a bagful of enthusiasm and a big smile on his face.
I’m joined for the podcast by Mike Atkinson, editor of ‘James Hamilton’s Disco Pages 1975-1982’ & ‘Dance Pages 1983-1989’ (both linked in bio), from which the charts are sourced. Mike counts down from 20-1, complete with Hamilton’s reviews for each inclusion. He’s also added a playlist on Mixcloud (miketd), featuring all chart inclusions (both full versions and quick reference snippets).
A must for all disco lovers, trainspotters and trivia buffs – the RMDC podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon and Deezer.
Big thanks to @petefowler for the RMDC logo & @dansoulsmith for episode image.
Big thanks to all who braved the atrocious weather on Saturday to join us in London and Birmingham. It really was a lousy day, the rain and wind on the drive up causing traffic issues along the way, so I could have forgiven people for staying warm and dry at home.
But what’s a bit of a storm when there’s partying to be done. Hectic day, but it all came together.
Thanks to Johnno and Harry from @btwthebridges /@buggedoutclub for looking after us in London. Great to catch up with my fellow DJs, @julietcrommers @franktope @tayo3000 and @jennytwentyj20. Just sorry I couldn’t have stuck around after I’d played, the Birmingham gig just three hours later.
So up to Brum with 15 mins to spare and straight on. Lots of fond memories of @hareandhoundsbrum, but one not been there since pre-covid so great to be back. The @love.affair.party did a great job putting everything together, with @steffantayloruk @mollylou_dj @dj_buddah_scott_spencer1971 playing before me. Nice to hook up with @pezasounds and James Hoggarth there.
Thanks to @dansoulsmith for the vids.
Next gig for me is nice and local, at @hoylakesocial this Friday. I’ll announce my next round of gigs this week, with more US dates in November.
I recently came across this 50 year old photo, from Oct 1976. I was 16 and had DJ’d for around a year, but, having now left school, I’d decided to make it my chosen profession. I was really busy, working pretty much every night between three venues – New Brighton’s Chelsea Reach & Penny Farthing, and the Deerstalker in Birkenhead.
I was making decent money for my age - about £50 per week (around £400 now), at a time when most people I’d been at school with were either in further education or earning a meagre apprenticeship wage. Yet, for years, I’d be asked the same old question by an older generation who looked on what I was doing as no more than a hobby. ‘What do you do for a living’ they’d ask, ‘I’m a DJ’ I’d reply, at which point I could have put money on the next words out of their mouths – ‘yes, but what’s your proper job’.
My ambition, as with many DJs then, was to get onto the radio, and I’d started to present a local hospital radio show, where I met Dave Porter from BBC Radio Merseyside. He introduced me to Terry Lennaine, who hosted the station’s soul show, ‘Keep On Truckin’’, and took me to The Timepiece in Liverpool, where I first met Les Spaine. Dave also taught me the rudiments of tape editing.
I’m wearing a Lee Garrett promo t-shirt in the shot. He’d had a top 20 hit earlier that year with ‘You’re My Everything’. I also have a Lee Garrett badge, an additional freebie from the record company, as well as one for a new release called ‘Try To Hold On’ by The Detours, which failed to ignite.
Having got to know Terry Lennaine, I soon began to sit in on his show. A year later I was primed to take over from him when he was expected to move onto bigger things, but, alas, it never transpired. The first time I went to Spin Inn in Manchester was around this time, in Terry’s car.
The fresh-faced lad in the picture aspired to be a respected black music specialist, like Terry Lennaine and Les Spaine. In the intervening years I honed my craft, and built my own small local scene at the Golden Guinea, before eventually broadening my horizons and achieving my aim in the early-‘80s, initially at Wigan Pier, but most crucially in Manchester, at Legend.
Back in Birmingham next Saturday (Oct 24th). It’s been a while since I’ve played the @hareandhoundsbrum. Used to be a regular stop-off for me, where I’ve enjoyed some memorable nights, but the last time was a few years before covid, so we’re speaking close on a decade now - long overdue.
The night is presented by @love.affair.party and also features @dj_buddah_scott_spencer1971, @steffantayloruk and @mollylou_dj.
It all kicks off at 9pm and I’ll be heading up after my gig for @buggedoutclub’s Day Disco at @btwthebridges on London’s South Bank, to close things out.
This time next Saturday (24th Oct) I’ll be back in London for @btwthebridges at Queens Walk on the South Bank of the River Thames, for a @buggedoutclub Day Disco that runs between 4-11pm. Final tickets available via Skiddle.
Also appearing will be Rooty Soundsystem, @tayo3000, @franktope, @jennytwentyj20 and @julietcrommers, so something of a @stowhohouse reunion for me.
Had a great time at the Bugged Out! Weekender in Bognor Regis last March, so looking forward to hooking up with the crew again.
First of a double-header for me that day with a trip back up the motorway to @hareandhoundsbrum that night.
IBIZA CLASSICS Looking ahead to December when, on Thursday 10th, I’ll be joining @petetongofficial at @nottinghamarena, as part of his Ibiza Classics tour, which also takes in Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham, concluding with two dates in London.
The Essential Orchestra will feature vocalists @ultranatemusic, @poppybaskcomb and @paigecavell, whilst Pete’s guest support DJs for the other dates are @jasperjames__, @ginabreeze, @s_p_e_c_i_a_l_r_e_q_u_e_s_t, @leftfieldmusic, @nancynoisedj and @justin_mark_robertson.
Further info @ibiza.classics
Pete, like myself, started out DJing half a century ago, so, scarily, just over 100 years between us! Some time before he became the voice of dance music in the UK, he was the upcoming young guy on the jazz-funk scene in the South, while I was his direct contemporary up North.
The last time I recall us playing on the same night was in 2008, for Wonderland @eden_ibiza - his then Ibiza residency. @groovearmada programmed the second room, where I made my Ibiza debut. @toddterje also played, I think it may have been his first Ibiza gig too.
NEW LIVE MIX The full recording from my appearance at Boogie Farm in Crewe last month, which concluded festival season for another summer, has been uploaded to SoundCloud. You can find the link in bio.
Thanks to @lovefacemusic for hosting the mix. The Talking Heads ‘Life During Wartime’ rework you may have heard me play is courtesy of Loveface. They’re also behind two further reworks that feature in the mix, one receiving its debut play from me - @itsleefredericks, not only making up half of the duo, but also the guy who runs @themoveuk, the promoters of Boogie Farm.
If you haven’t come across them already, keep an eye out - I love the stuff they’ve been doing and, better still, giving me exclusives on!
Shout out to the other DJs on the day, @davelee.jn, @graemepark, @backinthedaystoke, @carlbrown303 and @matt_erst.
Next gig for me is the Lansdown Block Party in Cheltenham this Saturday (Oct 10th). It’s an event organised by @byrdout in support of @cheltopendoor, a non-profit organisation concerned with homelessness, housing issues, addiction and mental health.
There’s a lengthy line-up, split across four venues - I’ll be appearing at @deyabrewery at 6.30pm. The event also features some back in the day favourites - @altern8official, @raggatwinsofficial and @banco_de_gaia.
Four weeks to go before a Halloween special at @hoylakesocial on Fri Oct 30th. Last shout on tickets, which are about to sell out - I’ll put link in bio over the weekend.
Although Hoylake is only 15 minutes from where I’m from, I’ve never DJ’d there. I know there was a venue in the 80s/90s, called Flatfoot Sam’s where DJs like @derekkaye, @alanbates47 and Crazy Charlie played, but I never went there myself.
Back when I was DJing locally, in the mid-late ‘70s, the main clubs were in New Brighton or Birkenhead, with two venues, Leighton Court and Westwood Grange, further out in the Wirral.
Following on from the euphoric @freeze_hifi last week, and with the @seftonparkpalmhouse in November sold out, it’s been timely to add another gig on Merseyside in between. Going to be extra fun being Halloween weekend.
EARLY CHICAGO HOUSE CLASSICS WITH MARSHALL JEFFERSON: A very special edition of the RMDC podcast this month (link in bio) - somewhat historic in its content. Rather than a random club top 20, as is the norm, we focus on a record list supplied by @jessesaundrs and @vingoslang to James Hamilton, and published in Record Mirror in October 1986.
Including 18 tracks that shaped Chicago’s house trajectory, played by legendary DJs Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy, the list illuminates the foundations of house before the house genre emerged.
When Marshall Jefferson agreed to do the podcast, it presented too big an opportunity to miss, given his iconic status at a Chicago pioneer and one of house music’s greatest exponents. The resulting conversation is a fascinating dig into these roots, and Marshall’s own musical influences, which may be a surprise to some.
Marshall first came to attention via the seminal ‘Move Your Body’ in 1986, which brought the piano to the fore. He would then famously come to the UK in early 1987, along with Adonis, Frankie Knuckles, Kevin Irving and Fingers Inc, for a series of appearances. Apart from his own releases, he gained further acclaim for his productions for other artists, including CeCe Rogers, Sterling Void, and Ten City.
Nowadays to be found living in Manchester, Marshall navigates a busy DJ schedule, whilst continuing to record.
I’m joined for the podcast, as always, by Mike Atkinson, editor of ‘James Hamilton’s Disco Pages 1975-1982’ & ‘Dance Pages 1983-1989’ (both linked in bio). Mike takes us through the list, complete with Hamilton’s reviews, plus, for this episode, some juxtaposition with Vince Aletti’s US reviews of the time. He’s also added a playlist on Mixcloud (miketd), featuring all chart inclusions (both full versions and quick reference snippets).
A must for all disco lovers, trainspotters and trivia buffs – the RMDC podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon and Deezer.
Big thanks to @petefowler for the RMDC logo & @dansoulsmith for episode image.
Last night at @freeze_hifi in Liverpool must be the best Wednesday I’ve spent DJing since my nights at Legend over 40 years ago.
If you haven’t yet heard, @djtoddterry has opened a club in Liverpool, and last night I joined him for their Wednesday sessions, which, being a school night, kick off in the evening. There’d been a big buzz in the lead up to this, and by 7pm the place was packed and the party in full flow.
Two hours later, given the large queue that had built up outside. Todd announced that we were moving to their downstairs club space, @freeze.project.liverpool, so we could get everyone in who was waiting.
What followed was a real moment, Todd opening the curtains behind the DJ booth to reveal a large empty room (yet to be activated), and beckoning the audience to walk on through and downstairs, which was where the party continued. @monomondodjs bridged the gap while I brought all my gear down from upstairs and set up. I then played for a few further hours before Todd rounded off a night that everyone there will, I’m sure, never forget.
Thanks to Rick @subcisco, who did such a top job, on the fly, setting up all the equipment between the two rooms.
Upstairs pics before queue photo, downstairs after.
Vids/pics via @dansoulsmith, @che.wax and @beechydj, plus a couple I filmed myself.
Next Liverpool date for me is my annual @seftonparkpalmhouse appearance on Nov 28th although I am also over on the Wirral on Oct 30th at @hoylakesocial.
Next gig in Glasgow tomorrow (Fri 25th) for Soul Journey @charlies.loft.
Just back from New York ahead of a school night special in Liverpool at @freeze_hifi tomorrow.
The reason why the Wednesday has blown-up there is because NYC icon, @djtoddterry, whose venue this is, is generally able to not only DJ himself (weekends more tricky with his ongoing gig schedule), but bring in some illustrious guests. And all this for free!
I remember @graemepark telling me how good a time he had there a few months back, while @marshall_jefferson has been another notable Wednesday guest.
What’s funny is that, while people in the UK have been taken by surprise by Todd’s decision to base this new venture in Liverpool, the US DJ community are equally blown-away, and fascinated to hear what he’s up to and, no doubt, stop off when they’re over. This will really enrichen Liverpool’s club culture, with legendary names regularly stopping by.
They’re also currently rolling out the downstairs club space, @freeze.project.liverpool which I played when they held a soft launch night last month. Starting off upstairs tomorrow, there’s the possibility of taking it downstairs later if people want a late night.
Otherwise we’re going to be upstairs - the venue opening at 5pm. I’m planning to play an hour-long Timepiece funk set early-doors, in homage to Les Spaine, whose legendary club I first went to this month 50 years ago. In 1976.
No set times as such, we’ll be playing it more by ear between us. There’s been a great vibe about this, with some people travelling in from outside the city for what we hope will be a memorable gathering.
Heading home from a hectic New York weekend. Here are a couple of shots from @lebainnyc last night with @francoisknyc plus some random NY pics.
Great to spend the day with François. I’m still something of a fan boy from back in the early ‘80s, when the name, François Kevorkian, seemed somewhat mystical, appearing on these incredible remixes, especially on Prelude, the seminal label his crucial A&R role helped shape.
His passion for what he does and his continuing endeavours to push the barriers in order to present music in his own inimitable way, are inspirational. He’s currently doing this via his use of stems, which connects back to those early 80s studio sessions, when he was running off multitrack mixes from the sound desk pre-automation - this, a live run to tape, often employing extra hands to change levels and mute in and out during the pass.
He’s loving what he’s doing and has a choice Sunday spot at Le Bain, out on the rooftop (or inside, like yesterday, when the rain falls down), with, quite literally, one of the best views in NY (check out final pic of Freedom Tower, part of which has eerily vanished behind cloud). I believe @colleencosmomurphy is over next week, which I’d recommend you get along to if you’re in the city.
When I’m back, hopefully I’ll have some footage to share from a manic night at @jeansdown / @jeanslafayette on Saturday, where I DJ’d at one of the special @dojopomodoro events with @orson___ . Big fun!
Lovely to catch up with some old friends (and new). Special shout out to @danilobracatsonyc and Harley. Hopefully back in the not too distant.
From one New York icon in FK, it’s back to Liverpool for a night with another, @djtoddterry at @freeze_hifi on Wednesday. The party just don’t stop!
NEW YORK WEEKEND This all came up eleventh hour, but great to be heading over to New York this weekend for two choice gigs.
Firstly, I’m back at @jeansdown on Saturday (19th). Had a great time down in the basement last February, but this time it’s for one of the special @dojopomodoro parties I’ve heard so much about, which they host from time to time upstairs in the restaurant - their last being in June. I’ll be DJing alongside @orson___ - it all kicks off at 11pm, running deep into the night.
The following day (20th) it’s Sunday rooftop vibes when I join the legendary @francoisknyc for World Of Echoes at @lebainnyc. It’s all happening from 4pm until 10pm and is hosted by @ms._fantasia.
Sorry it’s late notice on this, but if you’re in New York this weekend, hope you can make it along to one or both - I’m blessed to have two top NY gigs on the same weekend.
UPCOMING DJ DATES From New York to Hoylake, here are my dates until the end of October. The summer may be over and the festival season behind us, but the parties just keep on coming.
I’ll post further info re New York tomorrow. No sooner am I back in the UK next Tuesday than it’s Freeze HiFi in Liverpool the following day with @djtoddterry, who opened the venue earlier this year. Their Wednesday nights have blown-up, with previous guests including @marshall_jefferson, @graemepark and @djterryhunter, so very much looking forward to the school night vibes - its free too!
Then it’s Glasgow, Cheltenham, London and Birmingham, before a Halloween special in Hoylake, just a stones throw from where I live, to conclude the next round of dates.
19.09 NEW YORK - UPSTAIRS @ JEAN’S @jeansdown
20.09 NEW YORK – LE BAIN ROOFTOP WITH FK @lebainnyc
Some photos from yesterday at @muckyweekender in Winchester:
1. view of the stage. 2. with @djyodauk . 3. with @djbarryashworth and @ilonaporter, who organise the festival - Barry a founder member of @dubpistolsofficial. 4. with @terryfarley, who was the guest on our recent Record Mirror Disco Charts podcast (link in bio). 5. on stage with Terry. 6. view from the stage. 7. with @woody_cook.
Played Thursday at 6pm on the Crazy Diamond stage which has a striking big top inner design and really came into its own once it went dark later on. Yoda was before me, quick-firing a history of music, whilst Terry Farley followed me with a top house set. Woody Cook then bounced in, in his own inimitable way, with the party in full swing as we headed off.
And that was just the Thursday! Going to be some weekend there, especially with it being one of the final festivals of the summer season.
Thanks to Henry @fine_grain and @dansoulsmith for the pics
Next up for me is Boogie Farm in Crewe tomorrow (Sat 12th) - I’ll be on at 3.45pm.
Videos and a few photos from another full-on, slightly chaotic, but lots of fun weekend at opposite sides of England.
On the Friday it was right up past Newcastle for the @lindisfarnefest. My first time there on what was a pretty windy day, the weather conditions forcing the closure of the stage I was supposed to play on. They were very accommodating however, keeping the main stage open for two further hours, which meant that I played after @razorlightofficial. Unfortunately, the word didn’t fully get around and I know that some people ended up missing me, so apologies there.
Fortunately the sun was out and the wind had gone on Saturday when we headed right down to Battle, near Hastings, where hotel and members club, @staycrafted_ , hosted a pool party which also featured @hifisean and @djheidi. The place has loads of personality and massive potential for parties, with all sorts of areas, nooks and crannies, not to mention the sense of nature with its lake and impressive array of trees. A great retreat spot, and I’m sure there’s going to be lots happening poolside/lakeside in 2027.
Nice to catch up with @woodliffejonathan in Lindisfarne, photo included. There’s another one with Heidi, who was on great form! Also good to hook-up with @rob_miller13 and Paula.
Tracks in the clips: @che.wax ‘Time’ Dolly Parton ‘Jolene’ (@toddterje rework) Ché Wax ‘Buzz’ Björk ‘Big Time Sensuality’(@pezasounds rework) Norman Greenbaum ‘Spirit In The Sky (@dj_greg_wilson edit)
Thanks to @dansoulsmith ,@designmarsden and Jonathan for photos.
Next up for me is @muckyweekender on Thursday, where I’m on at 6pm. Then it’s Saturday at Betley Boogie Farm near Crewe, where I’ll be DJing alongside @davelee.jn and @graemepark - I have an afternoon slot at 3.45pm.
You can feel that we’re coming to the end of the summer when @whp_mcr begins to roll out their Autum/Winter schedule. This, of course, includes the latest annual @fac51_thehacienda gathering at @depotmayfield on December 5th.
One again a crazy line-up of legendary names DJing and performing between the various rooms.
You can sign up for pre-sale via: https://fac51-thehacienda.com/signup/
