Printworks
The UK’s capital embraces music lovers. You’re never too far from a warehouse rave in which time eludes you and you emerge into the morning sunshine a sweaty mess, pupils dilated and searching for an after party. Second only to Berlin (arguably), London presents a menagerie of electronic dance venues in a variety of shapes and sizes, ready to cater to all tastes.
However, the 2010’s saw a number of landmark clubs all over the world shut down due to gentrification and London has been a victim of this, notably with the closure of the Islington’s finest Fabric, a space that has been repeatedly referred to Berghain’s sister club. Fabric seemed to be following the footsteps of Bagleys, Cable, The End and The Fridge. Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh told The Guardian that this would lead to the “beginning of the end of our cities as cultural centres.”
“Clubs find themselves in a perfect storm of gentrification and development. Although clubs offer massive cultural benefits to the area, are what makes a city, give a city its character, property is king,” Welsh stated. Ravers petitioned successfully after drug-related deaths resulted in Fabric’s shut down, but 2017 saw the reopening of the venue with increased security and a change in age restriction.
House, techno, dubstep and drum & bass reigned over The Big Smoke once again and this year has also welcomed a new venue into vibrant South London, also home to dance music sanctuary Ministry of Sound. Expected to revolutionise culture in the city, Printworks is a 5,000+ capacity venue dedicated to the arts near Canada Water spread over 119,200 square feet in a former soundproofed printing factory for legacy newspapers the Metro and the Evening Standard.
Printworks
Printworks
The Printworks London Launch: Extravaganza sold-out day rave on Saturday 4th February curated by LWE and others sees sets from Michigan-based tech-house DJ and producer Seth Troxler alongside Ibiza resident duo The Martinez Brothers. Both Troxler and the brothers from The Bronx collaborated on the haunting original mix ‘Space & Time’ in 2014 and last year, the liquid sound of ‘Stuff In The Trunk’ featuring electroclash favourite Miss Kittin was released.
UKF, Snowbombing and Shogun Audio welcome drum & bass producers London born and bred Sub Focus and the Belgian-rooted Netsky on Saturday 11th February for a day of breakbeats and heavy bass. Sub Focus’ ‘Turn Back Time’ is a personal favourite of mine and was a regular dancefloor filler, while Netsky’s collaboration with Macklemore on ‘Rio’ rewarded him with the same privilege. A large turnout is expected for this event so get your tickets as soon as possible here.
Other events in February include sets from trip-hop songwriter Maya Jane Coles and Junction 2 has so graciously gifted London with a 10 hour Adam Beyer All Day Long set. Lots to look forward to at Printworks, especially how the venue could transform the UK’s EDM scene.
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https://printworkslondon.co.uk
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