A weekend bookended by bank holidays, don’t you just love Easter. Jesus died so we could rave for four days with out feeling guilty about work. I’m pretty sure that’s what it said in the bible. Plenty of stuff on so I won’t ramble on in this blasphemous theme.

Thursday

Secretsundaze @ Stamford Works (Buy Tickets)

Ooo its nearly time for Secretsundaze to emerge from its winter cocoon and head back out into the great outdoors. I cannie wait. But just to wet your whistle they’re throwing a Bank Holiday warehouse party this Thursday. I remember reading somewhere that its at the great little warehouse called the Stamford Works in Dalston where the recent DDD birthday took place. Its round the back of the Jazz Bar and Kingsland Road station. However I can’t find where I read that, so the official word is its in Dalston and yet to be announced. For the line-up they’ve got a veteran of the New York scene Morgan Geist of Metro Area fame, whilst in support they have new comer Nina Kraviz who’s found breaking fame on Radioslave’s Rekids. James and Giles complete the main room bill and their friends Electric Minds host the back room. A nice warm up for the weekend ahead.

Horse Meat Disco Bloodbath @ Hewett Street Car Park

The two dominant disco forces in London collide at Shoreditch’s Hewett Street Car Park this Thursday. You’d expect the universe to implode with forces of such magnitude, but instead it’s managed to fly over New York’s Tim Sweeney, who’s dulcet tones introduce the now globally famous Beats in Space radio show. He will be joined on his rare UK appearance by all the residents from both of London’s titan disco nights. There’s a few tickets left at Phonica, Dalston Superstore and The Eagle, get em quick!

Bedrock @ matter (Buy Tickets)

A bank holiday weekend wouldn’t be one without ol’ Diggers throwing a Bedrock party. Matter seems to be the new London home for Bedrock parties after years spent at Heaven. As well as Diggers headlining, the legendary Danny Howells is on back up duties, whilst Christian Smith and Marco Bailey give room 2 a techno workout. It’s kind of a retro classic line up that doesn’t grow old, these guys know their music and they know how to mix.

Shake It! @ Great Suffolk Street Car Park (Buy Tickets)

I was in two minds whether to recommend this. Carl Cox is a legend, but his recent sets have been short of desirable in an underground sense. However, his legions of fans that span his lengthy career will be out in force which will mean a great crowd for the ol’ Coxy. If you want something fun and accessible for friends and family then this ain’t a bad shout.

Greg Wilson  @ The Horatia

I still haven’t got myself to the Horatia yet, but they have been consistently putting on fun DJs for free. This Thursday Greg Wilson is the bill armed with a tape deck and a few decades worth of music. Clean Cheap fun!

Friday

Shoplifter @ The Horse and Groom (Buy Tickets)

After the glitz and glamour of the old guard doing their thing on Thursday, Friday seems like quite a subtle affair. However there is no reason to hold back. Derren Smart’s Shoplifter has upped sticks and moved over to The Horse and Groom. Chris Sullivan, Rock Steady and Josif join Craig Richards and Derren Smart in their new home. Free before 11pm, then only £4 after that! Bargain.

Holic @ East Village (Buy Tickets)

East Village aren’t doing things by half on Friday. They’ve got a special 12 hour party starting from 5pm right through till 5am Saturday morning. The legendary house producer DJ Pierre will be ushering you through the half day party, with support from the equally talented Argy, whilst upstairs its all discotastic with Pete Herbet and the Disco Deviance crew.

Transition @ Visions Video Bar (Info)

New night Transitions looks a bit alright too. They start things off at the ironically rubbish but brilliant Visions Video Bar in Dalston. Headlining is Wbeeza from South London. He’s been getting good coverage on Third Ear as well as joining the new Secretsundaze roster of DJs. Big things are happening for this kid. Also on the bill is Sud Electronic’s Lakuti and Runsounds Chris Box. If you put yourself on the roll call at RA its only £3 in.

Lobster @ The Shacklewell Arms

New friends Lobster begin their voyage of throwing parties this Friday. They’re beginning life at The Shacklewell Arms in Dalston. This raw and gritty pub come club will play host to Tommy Four Seven who’s had much success on CLR. The rest of the bill is made up of fresh Lobster – resident DJs David Russell, Anton & George and Ed Worboys. Its free before 11pm and then only a fiver after that… Hope it goes well guys.

Saturday

Cocoon @ matter (Buy Tickets)

The big one for Saturday night is undisputedly Cocoon at matter. Pappa Sven continues his residency at the London superclub. If that’s not enough for you Loco Dice is on hand to make you sweat a bit more. That’s it. Sven and Dice all night in room 1.  I don’t really need to say much else.

Prologue @ East Village

Prologue return to East Village once again with another understated but quality line-up. Secretsundaze’s James Priestley headlines with Jozif who’s found recent success on Wolf and Lamb. They’ll be rocking the basement with long time resident Paul Louth, whilst upstairs, DDD’s Simon Morell will be working things with the Stafford Brothers. Not a bad little party in the heart of Old Street/Shoreditch on a Saturday night if you ask me.

Sunday

Mulletover 6^th Birthday @ Great Suffolk Street Car Park (Buy Tickets)

Sunday is the big one and top of the picks is the Mulletover 6^th Birthday. They’re back at the Great Suffolk Street car park with the quirky and hilarious DOP headlining with their brilliant live set alongside a quality British line up of Will Saul, Matt Tolfrey and Geddes. Resident Advisor are running things in room 2 with the incredibly deep Levon Vincent and the bright melodic Floating Points. Tayo is pushing his new venture Lean Left in room 3, where he celebrates all things 4/4. He’s on the bill with Get Physical’s Heidi and Tayo’s buddy Frank Tope. The theme is silver, so get yourselves wrapped in tin foil and be careful of stray lasers being reflected off other people. Don’t forget we’ve also got our competition to win two free tickets, a bday DVD and four free drinks. Enter Here!

Product 5^th Birthday @ The Doors (Buy Tickets)

Product celebrates half a decade which has seen them venture from Nottingham to London via Brighton and Hungry. They’ve landed at little known basement club Doors near Old Street station. This great little space will have its foundations shaken by Spain’s Tim Xavier. Original Product ressie Makai will be in support along with Zade Cross, Amaus, Chris Jones and yours truly – Chris Wan. I’ll be playing with only one leg, which is worth the door fee alone.

Wet Yourself @ Fabric (Buy Tickets)

You can’t really talk about a London weekend without mentioning Fabric these days. Sunday see’s Wet Yourself expand to all three rooms. The room we’re most interested in though is room 2. Marcel Dettmann and Ben Klock will be bringing a slice of Berghain to the hallowed halls of Fabric. YES!

Fuse @ 93 Feet East

93 Feet East is going to be rammed this Sunday, as Fuse have put together a great little party for you daytime rave lovers. Pokerflat’s Guido Schneider will be joined by Get Physical’s Einzelkind, and Murmurs/Viva’s Bearweasel. A lot of name dropping there, but all good DJs in their own right. However you better get down there early as the tickets flew out  for this one in days. There’s 50 left on the door.

So there it is, my lengthy Easter weekend planner for you. Happy Easter!

Pictures by Nick Ensing and Nik Torrens from Resident Advisor

The last 10th birthday I attended was about nineteen odd years ago on a Saturday afternoon and it consisted of a bouncy castle, some jelly and ice cream along with a goody bag full of sweets and a slice of cake. Fabric’s 10th birthday however was to say the least a little different. I didn’t really see any jelly and ice cream on offer, although there were bananas and a BBQ for nutritional support. It was lacking a bouncy castle, although you could say the mechanical rodeo bull was a grown up version of it. And the only goody bag you were likely to see would have been the inside of a body bag due to excessive celebration. But what fabric lacked in traditional 10th birthday festivities they totally made up for with their 30 hour marathon and the most impeccable line-up you would ever lay eyes on. The hardest decision was not whether to go but when to go. The guarded set times along with the massive array of talent that were going to play meant you either stayed for the two whole days to catch everyone or picked your time wisely to catch as much as possible.

Despite all the birthday options going off across the capital I ended up plumping for the quite civilised (really? do civilised people do this?) Sunday morning arrival with a quiet Saturday night under my belt. The first taste of fabric came thundering through the floorboards of Smiths, the bar next door to fabric. Popping in to start the day with a fry up, a quick glance across the bar saw a mix of glee and confusion on the faces of the other diners as their plates vibrated across the table to the bass and beats of room 1 pounding through the floor. Quite a surreal experience, especially for those just there for their Sunday paper read and breakfast.

As surreal experiences go that was just the first for the day. On entering the club it was odd to see club casualties crashing out with massive smiles on their faces ready to be replaced by fresh faced party revellers. It was going to be interesting to see how well the sober new comers would mix with the inebriated after partiers, like a designated driver with completely trollied passengers scenario. But it seems that didn’t matter at all, after an hour of hearing those hip shaking grooves it wasn’t important whether you could barely speak or hold a debate on socioeconomic policy. Everyone was happy and on the same wavelength, the room was at a perfect capacity with plenty of atmosphere yet plenty of room to move but most importantly, everyone was just fully involved to party.

Arriving after breakfast and a Bloody Mary I manage to catch the closing parts of Ricardo Villalobos’ first set. He’s already kicking out some crisp beats tinged in an aura of South America as he does so well. It’s Sunday afternoon and it’s a nice day outside, but in Room 1 its dark and the music is gripping the mixed crowd, losing themselves to the syncopated sounds from Fizheur Zieheuer. Doc Martin has the difficult job of following on from Ricardo with a crowd that’s in progress of being replenished. But he holds his own using his extensive repertoire of experience that very few DJs have. He leaves his mark by ingraining, actually probably more imprinting, Afefe Iku’s Mirror Dance on everyone’s memory.

Midway through Doc Martin’s set we’re drawn to Room 3 for Ricardo’s second and eclectic set. There’s just enough time to catch Pete Herbet finishing on the acid house classic Voodoo Ray – another moment of the day as a packed Room 3 pogo to the wailing vocals and hollow riff anticipating the second helping Villalobos. Ricardo jumps on and swan dives into a deep swirling malaise of ambient sounds and luscious melodies. A packed Room 3 with broken air con isn’t quite sure what to do. He pulls out some really interesting sounds, but the temporary Fabric sauna and being in that “I’ve just woken up to come clubbing and really need something a bit more upbeat” vibe means Room 1 reels us back in once more.

Coming back down the often forgotten back stair well from Room 3 we stumble upon the adventure playground that has be erected in Room 2. The lights are up, the room looks a thousand times smaller and there is a mechanical Rodeo Bull on what used to be the dancefloor?!? What used to be the site of heavy weight techno is a playful den of Mario Kart, sofas and giant Operation; a welcome rest bite to the continuing rigours of Room 1.

Making our way back to Room 1, Doc Martin has finished up, but Terry Francis is well into carving up the room with his sharp tech house sounds. Terry Francis’ set is so good in fact that he ends up turning what began as a civilised, slightly drunken Sunday outing into a full on debaucherous all day and night session. Francis carries on the continuing build that Doc Martin left with, stepping up another gear pushing the crowd further. And that’s pretty much how the rest of the night panned out. Every DJ that came on stepped up the game and basically had me and most of the crowd glued to Room 1’s dancefloor for the rest of the evening.

Ivan Smagghe switches with Terry Francis to raise the bar even further. He invigorates the room by playing heavy tribal rhythms keeping everyone on an excitable edge. The second part of his set sends the crowd over the brink with some twisted electronic beeps and bleeps. Hearing the dulcet German mutterings on Pandullo Vs Und’s remix of I-Robots Frau was a particularly haunting moment in the darkened depths of Room 1. Smagghe taps out to let Steve Bug take control. Running up to the eight hour mark for me, things start to get a little murky in the detail. What I can tell you is that Bug kept the energy following on from Smagghe’s brilliant set, dropping a ton of house music full of groove and with plenty of colourful riffs and melodies.

Daniel Bell who followed Bug with a live set followed a different tact, yet he still kept energy levels high. Bell laid down plenty of grooves but opted for a more stripped down sound with slowly mutating hypnotic loops to engage the crowd. It got the crowd locked in and worked well as a conduit between Bug and Villalobos who was to follow on.

By this point the club seems to be bouncing more than ever. Room 1 has filled up with a few more bodies and the second wind, potentially third or fourth for some, has kicked in ready for Ricardo Villalobos’ third return to the decks. There’s instant gratification when he jumps on as the Villalobos fanatics’ crowd round the caged DJ booth of Room 1. But it’s easy to see why, this man just sounds like no other when he DJs; his sets sound so fluid, effortlessly breezing through tempo changes, different rhythms and influences. And it’s all executed with an air of nonchalance, with minor mistakes often dropping left right and centre, yet it all adds to the character of Villalobos whilst many other DJs sound so clinical and detached through their digital interfaces.

I would love to tell you exactly how his set panned out, but despite the fact of things being hazy at the time, more often than not I’m never really sure what he’s playing or doing. Either he’s kicking out some fresh cut or remix that no one else has or he’s dug up some decade old house track that sounds so current that you’re thrown off the ball trying to think which producer from the past year could have made it. But you can be assured this fabric birthday set had all of the Villalobos hallmarks. 909 house grooves would bounce and then shatter into broken beat rhythms, dark sinister riffs would slide in over bright joyful melodies, Jazz sounds would happily sit alongside South American influences and of course there is the trademark knocking of the record needle along with a dropping of a massive house classic (Basement Jaxx’s Fly Life is the current in vogue classic). Hardly anyone can match what Villalobos can do, but a man who will definitely keep pace is Craig Richards. When he joins Villalobos for their back to back set, the room practically convulses from audio overdose. Their combined musical knowledge and experience of working a crowd results in one of those sets that will go down in club land legend and a fitting way, for me at least, to end a fifteen hour birthday celebration.

A party as huge and complex as this had so many points where it could have fallen down, with many people feeling apprehensive about those minor gripes that often tend to taint the other big fabric nights. But for this birthday weekend fabric got it completely spot on. The music was amazing, the club was on fine form especially with the lighting adding that little extra to the atmosphere; the staff were also great, but most importantly the crowd and atmosphere were perfect – plenty of room with great people wanting to have an incredible time. With everything working in harmony it created one of the most memorable fabric nights (day?, weekend?) ever. I hope I’m still clubbing when the 20th Birthday rolls around.

Get em from TICKETWEB NOW!!

Only great things make their 10th anniversary. House music has been going for plus 20 years now. A Technics turntable often lives well beyond 10 years without any problems. Harry Patch celebrated eleven decades on this planet which itself has been in existence for 450 million decades. And most importantly my pair of lucky boxers celebrated turning ten the other week. there are a few holes, tears and stains, but by god they’re comfortable.

Another thing that’s turning ten in October will be Fabric. After busting through the super club crash of the early noughties. At a time where large clubs and nights were ending due to a loss of appetite for big room trance in soulless douldrums, Fabric remained unphased and continued sticking to its underground music policy to pull through the tough times in club land. Their music policy paid off and the club’s popularity rose with the upward trends of underground house and techno as well as the emergence of breakbeat and the second wind of drum n bass. Before long, from the strength of the nights along with their much revered CD series Fabric were setting the trends and becoming the template for what clubs should be doing.

Fabric’s birthday has always been an important date in their events calendar. The lineups have always been strong and the party has been known to roll on well into the next day. Of course any birthday party worth its salt has to have a little take home goody for the night. Past goodies have included Fabric oven gloves, ice cube trays and fridge magnets. So with this monumental milestone on the horizon its not surprising they’ve gone all in. Its probably one of the most ridiculous club lineups i’ve ever seen. Every DJ on the bill oozes quality. There’s obviously the big hitters such as Villalobos and Steve Bug who can do no wrong at the minute. But then even after that you have pure quality from the likes of Daniel Bell doing a live DBX show, Ivan Smagghe, Matthew Jonson, Konrad Black and Michael Mayer. And even after that there are the solid long time favourites too – Andrew Weatherhall, Bill Brewster, Dave Mothersole, Doc Martin, Fred Everything. But that’s not the end of it… Daniel Wang,  Pete Herbert, The Revenge, Kenny Larkin, Swayzak. All great in their own right. To top it all, a Fabric birthday would be nothing without its faithful residents Craig Richards and Terry Francis. Truly an eye watering lineup. How can one possibly fit that into one night? Well the answer is keep the damn place open for two days!?!?! Saturday night to Monday morning – non stop! It is a sickening amount of time for a club to be open and definitely not for the faint hearted. But… i wouldn’t have it any other way. Roll on the sick note for Monday.

So whats the deal ticket wise? Fabric First members have first dibs on a limited 500 slightly cheaper tickets whilst the general sale go on after that at a couple of quid more. The tickets are broken down as follows:
£22/£25 – Valid from Sat 11pm – Mon 5am
£12/£15 – Valid from Sun 10am – Mon 5am
£8/£10 – Valid from Sun 10pm – Mon 5am

Tickets for the general public now on sale at TICKETWEB!!

The question is, how big is your belly?

17 & 18 OCTOBER – THE DISCO WILL NOT CLOSE.
Craig Richards, Terry Francis, Andrew Weatherall, Bill Brewster, Daniel Bell (DBX) LIVE, Daniel Wang, Dave Mothersole, Doc Martin, Fred Everything, Ivan Smagghe, Kenny Larkin Live, Konrad Black, Mathew Jonson Live, Michael Mayer, Pete Herbert, Ricardo Villalobos, Rub N Tug, Steve Bug, Swayzak Live, The Amalgamation Of Soundz, The Revenge