Posts Tagged ‘Matt Bogard’

Previews – “Making Majestic Moves” – Deelooded “Eastside” – Sunday 10th February

January 15, 2013 | Author

It was the soiree sensation of 2012, turning heads & wagging tongues even before the actual launch in February, while true to form in 2013, the divine Deelooded is doing it again, making majestic moves out east, throwing the cat amongst the pigeons and creating a scene shake-up stir, we looking at this brilliant brand & it’s “Eastside” event in our first preview of the year.

 

 

We have so often said that if we had a penny for the sheer volume of club launches we have seen come & ago, some with alarming speed, we would not just have pennies, but pounds enough to fill a jam jar & more, while of all those pounds that we could have amassed, just a few remain today after all the years we have been circulating the capitals circuit, Beyond being one, Orange another and A:M a third, all surviving well beyond the so called seven year itch. However, more recent additions to the dynamic & diverse scene that is London, continue to make their mark, Room Service, Gigolo & WAR, three examples, while just this last weekend, we helped DISH  celebrate its first birthday and, given its success, should be celebrating the second in a year or so. Indeed, as for second’s, one of the biggest import successes of late has been the Spanish splendour that is WE, the “Formula 2” anniversary back in December proving just what a prolific &popular party it is, while this coming weekend, a shindig on a smaller scale also marks its second birthday, Jim Warboy’s SOS celebrating in style at the enthralling East Bloc. So talking of East and talking of recent additions, there is a club brand that has been turning heads & wagging tongues since its start back in February last year and looks set to create as much of a stir twelve months on with a majestic move out east, also switching from a Saturday to a Sunday, a change of location, of venue and of appeal set to send this club on a soaring course of success.

 

Deelooded has certainly created a stir on the scene, this brilliant brand having gained considerable kudos even before it opened its doors at Factory in Vauxhall almost a year ago now, a rundown space that was soon converted into what we now know as Covert, the eye catching Deelooded advertising campaign certainly turning those heads more than any other club launch we can think of, and we have seen a lot in our time. The brainchild of Fat Tony, a scene figure that has gained iconic (some would say legendary) status over the years, Trade having propelled him into the eyes of the world, while T.V. documentary appearances and regular inclusions in the press have kept this colourful character in the scene spotlight for as many moons as we have been circulating clubs.  But with his Deelooded creation, Tony had his the first full-on promotion that he could call his own, his involvement with many others, Orange included, along with his extensive portfolio of D.J. gig appearances, as well as scores of scene connections, placed Deelooded in a very powerful pulling position from the off, the tongue in cheek poke at celebrities & stars, not just of the clubbing scene, but much further afield, attracting plenty of attention and setting the club on a course that would see a sequences of successes from February through November last year. Indeed, with an a-list of scene D.J.’s having played for Deeloooded, Superchumbo, Danny Rampling & Boy George included, plus with the likes of Kate Moss & Jake Shears having paid visits, the club has certainly made its mark magnificently.

 

So what of that string of successes in 2012? Well, the launch night on 25th February at Factory was an absolute roadblock affair, by all accounts queues stretching close to Vauxhall tube station, such was the desire of droves to be at what was THE place to be & be seen on the scene, Tony & his terrific team transforming the rather squalid space into something quite special, this pulsating party followed by a repeat roadblock performance on May Day bank holiday weekend, while just a month later the brand was royally Deelooded, joining the while country in celebrating the wedding of Will & Kate. And the strength of these successful showings remained in the marvellous marketing deployed well in advance of outings, Tony always armed with Deelooded stickers at each & every club he played, while that playful poke at people also ensured it remained a focal attention grabber, even we getting the “Deelooded” label across a score of social networking pages. But the success story continued deep into the summer, the “Cos Everything’s Not Black & White” benefitting brilliantly from that amazing advertising placement campaign that the club had become so adept at, while capturing the mood of the moment in August, as Olympic Games fever swept across London, its “Let the Games Commence” event boasted its own team of dynamic D.J. athletes, Pagano among them, while others in this resplendent run have included Jodie Harsh & Smokin Jo, Tony also pushing new talent Matt Bogard into the spotlight, along with established others like La Gosse & Guy Williams.

 

Yet, as big a splash & as a much a resounding success Deelooded had proven to be in that run between the launch in February & the amazing August outing, it seemed that the promotional wheels came off a little, the usual advanced advertising & propelling of the next party, “Fake Realness”, noticeably absent.  So, even to he untrained eye, there was definitely destablising forces distracting Deelooded from doing what it did best, sods law for us, as this would be our first appearance at the brilliant brand, although with a sterling set performance from Danny Rampling, an equally entertaining evening among many friends & familiar faces, Jamie Head’s second space showing a heavenly highlight, we had a good enough time. However, over & above those discontented distractions, there was a feeling that the Deelooded head of success steam was running out, a turnout that fell short of expectations signalling the need to change, we having been privy to plans from the clubs promoter to switch from south to east, his aim quite clear, to put this brilliant brand in amongst what has clearly become an artisan alternative scene spot, the likes of East Bloc, The Dalston Superstore & The Joiners Arms attracting a clubbing crowd that has made Shoreditch the latest marvellous melting pot of a place to be seen. That said, Deelooded was still making its mark on mainstream clubbing, the very first day of 2013 seeing it “Take Over WE Vogue”, sporting the second space at The Coronet, the team talk back to its fabulous form, Tony remarking that “…we all know that everyone’s been dying to go to WE Party Vogue for the sole purpose of partying it up in the DEELOODED room…” adding “…we are back, fresher, more fabulous and slightly more DEELOODED than the last party…”, while eyes were already pointing towards that move out east and renewed fortunes for this faltering frolic.

 

So, with the Deelooded movement cast dyed, all eyes are now on the brands effective 1st anniversary event on Sunday 10th February, yes a Sunday rather than a Saturday, but a switch that we have every confidence will go down just as well as the move out east, Xoyo the new host venue, one situating in the epicentre of Shoreditch. Nestled between East Bloc to the west & The Joiners Arms to the east, Xoyo can be found on Cowper Street and is s a warehouse style venue but with a sophisticated style, a trip to http://xoyo.co.uk/ revealing more about the place & its parties, while from talking to Tony, he has is just as assured as us that it will prove as good if not a better space for Deelooded than Covert was. And, while this move of locale puts Deelooded firmly in the “East London” bracket, Tony is keen to stress that his brand is “…not just about East London, this party is about London as a whole…” adding that “,,,last year Deelooded shook up the scene, bringing east and south together in South London, now it’s about taking the best of the south and the east and taking it to a fresh venue in the east..” although we would go as far to say that this next event will attract guys & gals from the north & west too, not to mention the central Soho set, as Tony & his team set a brave new & wonderful world course for Deelooded, the PR going on to say this, “…look what the cat dragged in to 2013…” this, “…set to shake up London even more…” and this “…the cat is well and truly amongst the pigeons and the fur is gonna fly!…”.

 

With the PR doing the talking and the amazing advertising beginning to kick in, what of the event detail itself? Well Deelooded “Eastside”, as we have said, takes place on Sunday 10th February at Xoyo in Shoreditch and pitches its party at the t-dance timing of 4 p.m. through till 1 a.m., hence our prediction that this majestic move will prove very popular with party people & fervent followers alike, the team talk brimming confidence when they say “…Deelooded will bring a scale to the east  that is rarely achieved, in a big, industrial warehouse style location, combining the fun to be had in Vauxhole with the coolness of east across 2 rooms…” that tongue in cheek reference to its former home spot, true to Deelooded form, while familiar D.J. team territory balances the switch stauts quo, Boy George, Superchumbo (aka Tom Stephan) , Jodie Harsh & Tony himself all returning for “Eastside”, while an east end influence was inevitable, Hannah Holland a welcome addition to the main room team. However, with Deelooded host of old, Mark-Ashley Dupe also hosting the second space, taking to the decks himself, along with Dayne Harper & Tom Frankel, this “Eastside” event certainly has a fresh feel to it, Daniel Lismore another ample addition to the team, he taking over the main hosting & promotional duties, while Alex Palumbo completes the lustered line-up. As for entry prices and advance tickets, we expect to receive details in the next few days, so watch this space for news, while to keep tabs, you can always visit the club’s Facebook page at http://facebook.com/deelooded.

 

So, concurring with the clubs creator, we reckon that Deelooded, with this majestic move, has definitely put the cat amongst the pigeons and already looks like being THE place to be & be seen on the scene with its “Eastside event, meaning Sunday 10th February should be in your disco dance diary, as it is ours. (DISCO MATT)

 

 

Posted in Previews | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Picks/Recommends – “Brilliant Knockout Blow Of A Bash” – A:M Ultra’s “Boxing Day Blowout” – Wednesday 26th December – Pick Of the Day/Festive Focus Extra

December 26, 2012 | Author

Sales shopping sorted, sporting activities accomplished and Christmas leftovers lapped up, there’s only one thing that should be on your roster radar this spiritual St Stephen’s sacrament, as A:M Ultra rolls out its “Boxing Day Blowout” tonight (Wed 26th Dec), a prolific party which wrestled our “Pick of the Day” choice from the Popcorn & Gigolo competition, all the event detail a banner selection away opposite or an image click below, while we fill out our Festive Focus Extra beneath.

 

 

Having suffered our own knockout blow following a mugging on the way to Orange “The Christmas Day Institution” event at Fire last night, while our Boxing Day may be on the back burner, there is a place that will be making the most of this final bank holiday of 2012, Area in Vauxhall entertaining A:M Ultra, which holds its “Boxing Day Blowout” bash tonight (Wed 26th Dec), moving across Vauxhall from its historical Fire home to the amazing & atmospheric Area. And with A:M’s tip top promoter, Steven Sharp, and his team pulling out all the showcase stops, this brilliant bash has all the hallmarks of the most heavenly festive happening of the season, this blowout bash having beaten off the Popcorn & Gigolo completion to make it to our premier “Pick of The Day” position. So, it simply wouldn’t do just to post a picture, but rather wax lyrically and bestow a Festive Focus Extra on this enthralling event, we sharing the slices from our special Orange Nation Christmas week focus, which serves up all the detail of his dance delight.

 

So, without further ado, this is what we had to say of A:M Ultra’s “Boxing Day Blowout”, our original devotion slightly edited to fit this Pick Of The Day & Festive Focus Extra, post, we kicking off by looking at the transformation of A:M, as well as sharing promoter Steven Sharp’s view on Boxing Day clubbing…..

 

“….Tonight (Wed 26th Dec) an afterhours institution that has gone through a significant transformation during 2012, holds its “Boxing Day Blowout”, A:M Ultra flying the Orange Nation flag, given that it’s a Wednesday and Onyx, which would normally occupy this slot, has all but disappeared from the capitals clubbing circuit, in a way a victim of its own success, like a tormented city trader having burnt itself out after a hectic three seasons at the top of the Friday tree. However, while to the naked eye, Onyx is no more, with an inside track along with informed information, Onyx has actually been absorbed by A:M, which under the superb steership of none other than prolific promoter Steven Sharp, has gone all “Ultra” on us, shifting & extending is previous afterhours status into the realms of nightime clubbing too, this traditional Saturday morning meet becoming a Friday frolic as well. And given the souped up size & substantial standing with the Orange Nation weekly clubbing/event schedule, it seems wholly appropriate that A:M “Ultra” has been granted this much prized Boxing Day slot, Mr Sharp pleased as punch that he has landed this cracking Christmas schedule stocking filler for his club, he remarking to us that “…Boxing Day has always been a traditional favourite party night to celebrate with friends and an excellent opportunity to dance and burn off any inches from Christmas Day excess!…” especially for those that didn’t make it to Orange last night…”

 

Then, we honed in on the detail of this “Boxing Day Blowout” bash, propelling the party PR, the D.J. & host line-up and then pointing you to the all important ticket & event info…..

 

“…As for the event, the first big “Blowout” piece of news is that A:M “Ultra” once again switches from his native home Fire, moving across to splendid sister (and in our opinion the much better suited) Area, Steven also revealing that the venue “…will be transformed into a snow setting, with all new decor, new visuals & loads of pyrotechnics to make the party GO BANG!…” we concurring that there is no better place than Area with its superior lighting, layout & atmosphere to push these plans to prolific prominence. And Steven is pulling out all the team stops, hostess with the mostest HRH Minty, with her little elf helpers Danny Boyce & Louise Port all on duty & handing out mince pies and Xmas sweets, while the D.J. line up oozes A:M from its main room pores, the star studded line up including Jamie Head, Gonzalo Rivas, D’Johnny and newish resident players Matt Bogard & Ania, all playing “…playing the contemporary supercharged house…”, the sounds extending to a second space where Onyx takes pop music charge in the heavenly hands of Tasty Tim & DMS.  So, with a line up like that, this is sure to be the billed “Boxing Day Blowout With A Bang”, Area’s doors opening this coming Wednesday (26th Dec) at 10 p.m. and the vent running through to a planned 8 a.m. finish, advance tickets available online at https://orangenation.ticketabc.com/events/m-3-2-2-2-2-2/ priced at an early bird (still available) £10 or the standard £12, while with an ad/flyer it’s that same standard price on the door till midnight or £15 without & after, this surely an Xmas disco diary must, especially if (unlike us) you have Thursday off…”

 

Well, what more can we add, apart from sharing event page with you, a click on http://facebook.com/events/448638455184127/, while we leave some of the last words to Steven when he say’s “…so why not dance off those Christmas Day excesses with the team at we transform Boxing Day Night clubbing and take it to a new level and remember this special event is at Area not Fire and the doors open at 10pm…” he rounding off by saying “…see you on the Boxing Day dancefloor…”. And as this brilliant blowout bash gets our full thumbs up, we reap a recommendation reckon that you should “Go There! Be There!” (DISCO MATT)

 

Posted in Recommends | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Recommends – “Cracking Christmas Clubbing Celebration” – Orange Nation Festive Offer – Tuesday 25th to Sunday 30th December – Special Festive Focus

December 23, 2012 | Author

If there was ever an organisation to come up trumps over Christmas, it is Orange Nation, a superb selection of spectacular showings that sparkle & shine bright throughout the coming Christmas week, we focussing on Orange “The Christmas Day Institution” & A:M Ultra’s “Boxing Day Blowout”, while short shouting for no less than six other glorious gathering’s, a New Year Golden Ticket touting and an Orange Nation Christmas present of free clubbing in January mini mention.

 

 

As we find ourselves on the cusp of Christmas week 2012, we look back to the same time last year and a calendar of events that was every bit as plump as the turkeys that will no doubt be making it to dinner tables across the land come Tuesday, although with Christmas falling during the week this year rather than over the weekend like last, the 2012 festive season reality is that the lack of two additional bank holiday’s means that for some (like us) it’s just two days off from work making for leaner clubbing cavorting. Yet there will be plenty of others that will have either been granted or will be taking the whole week off, meaning there will be a penchant for partying, the clubbing circuit in the capital certainly not failing to deliver, especially if you head into the world of Orange Nation, the clubbing conglomerate that is responsible for brands such as A:M, Beyond, Gravity, Later & Orange, a host of events carrying you from Christmas Day to N.Y.E. meaning we thought it only right to propel their parties in a specially devoted festive focus which we have aptly called, “Christmas Cracker Of Continuous Clubbing”, honing in on two of the big Christmas events, but also giving a mini mention to the myriad of others. And with 2013 just over a week away, we will also take the opportunity to hint towards 1st January in what will once again prove one of the biggest clubbing days of the year, while we cannot forget the special Orange Nation Christmas present of free clubbing in January, no scrooge at large here.

 

So let’s crack (or is that cracker) on and head to Christmas Day (or night actually) as the institution that is Orange swings open its doors, flying in the face of conformity, dragging you away from the comedy repeats on the Beeb and giving you an outstanding opportunity to work off the excesses of the day. And while the promotions team claim “…let’s face it, you’ve been very bad this year so Santa won’t be coming anywhere near your chimney, so screw the turkey, let’s go to Fire!…” perhaps an excessive amount of clubbing during 2012 being their point, although we doubt you have been that naughty but will want to indulge in a little post dinner decadence while others fall asleep over that traditional Christmas supper. But we much prefer the promotions tack when they say “…Join together under the shining star of Orange with your London family this Christmas Day at our annual institution, and live the alternative nativity scene that didn’t make the gospel. Kings (& queens) travel far and wide to the stable of Fire where it all began, for a festive celebration like no other…” and if previous year’s experiences are anything to go by, then it will be a pumping & prolific party to plunder, Orange standing on its own two feet this year rather than previous Chrimbo combo’s with that other Christmas institution Trade.

 

So what’s on offer? Well citric sound splendour from start to finish as the D.J. line-up is pure Orange old school, The Sharp Boys, & Fat Tony on deck duty, while another original resident makes a special festive appearance, Gonzalo Rivas jetting in from his home & base of Valencia in what will be the first of a string of showings that include Beyond, A:M & WE Party, although he cannot contain his excitement for being back behind the Orange (potentially RAW) decks on Christmas night, so much so that he has laid down a special compilation to mark the occasion and one you should go grab without delay by clicking on http://orangenation.podomatic.com/entry/index/2012-12-20T08_37_46-08_00 while his set will definitely be one to savour. However, with the party kicking off at Fire this Tuesday (25th Dec) at 11 p.m. and the event running through till 7 a.m., plus with the potential of not just one but two rooms of fun, the D.J. set length maths dictate that the so called “…special guests…” will be required for duty, likely includee’s being Verity Mayes & playing partner Bryony Masters, while if they are in town, both The Oli & Paul Martin may be called up, the prospect of all these spinning stars sorting the Christmas night sounds surely too much to resist. So, having netted your hook, line & sinker, all we now need to say is go grab your advance tickets now, online at https://orangenation.ticketabc.com/events/orange-2-2-2-2-2-2/ still priced at just £10 or you can pay on the door although expect to pay more, further event info, should you need it, out at http://www.facebook.com/events/424553537610538/.

 

Then, the following night, another afterhours institution that has gone through a significant transformation during 2012, holds its “Boxing Day Blowout”, A:M Ultra flying the Orange Nation flag, given that it’s a Wednesday and Onyx, which would normally occupy this slot, has all but disappeared from the capitals clubbing circuit, in a way a victim of its own success, like a tormented city trader having burnt itself out after a hectic three seasons at the top of the Friday tree. However, while to the naked eye, Onyx is no more, with an inside track along with informed information, Onyx has actually been absorbed by A:M, which under the superb steership of none other than prolific promoter Steven Sharp, has gone all “Ultra” on us, shifting & extending is previous afterhours status into the realms of nightime clubbing too, this traditional Saturday morning meet becoming a Friday frolic aswell. And given the souped up size & substantial standing with the Orange Nation weekly clubbing/event schedule, it seems wholly appropriate that A:M “Ultra” has been granted this much prized Boxing Day slot, Mr Sharp pleased as punch that he has landed this cracking Christmas schedule stocking filler for his club, he remarking to us that “…Boxing Day has always been a traditional favourite party night to celebrate with friends and an excellent opportunity to dance and burn off any inches from Christmas Day excess!…” especially for those that didn’t make it to Orange the previous night.

 

As for the event, the first big “Blowout” piece of news is that A:M “Ultra” once again switches from his native home Fire, moving across to splendid sister (and in our opinion the much better suited) Area, Steven also revealing that the venue “…will be transformed into a snow setting, with all new decor, new visuals & loads of pyrotechnics to make the party GO BANG!…” we concurring that there is no better place than Area with its superior lighting, layout & atmosphere to push these plans to prolific prominence. And Steven is pulling out all the team stops, hostess with the mostest HRH Minty, with her little elf helpers Danny Boyce & Louise Port all on duty & handing out mince pies and Xmas sweets, while the D.J. line up oozes A:M from its main room pores, the star studded line up including Jamie Head, Gonzalo Rivas, D’Johnny and newish resident players Matt Bogard & Ania, all playing “…playing the contemporary supercharged house…”, the sounds extending to a second space where Onyx takes pop music charge in the heavenly hands of Tasty Tim & DMS.  So, with a line up like that, this is sure to be the billed “Boxing Day Blowout With A Bag”, Area’s doors opening this coming Wednesday (26th Dec) at 10 p.m. and the vent running through to a planned 8 a.m. finish, advance tickets available online at https://orangenation.ticketabc.com/events/m-3-2-2-2-2-2/ priced at an early bird (still available) £10 or the standard £12, while with an ad/flyer it’s that same standard price on the door till midnight or £15 without & after, this surely an Xmas disco diary must, especially if (unlike us) you have Thursday off.

 

So those are the two Orange Nation Christmas week headline events, but what about the rest? Well on Thursday (27th Dec), the team point you in the direction of Room Service who hold a pre-party for WE “Vogue which takes place on N.Y.D., this followed by Gravity at Covert from midnight until 8.am. Then moving to Friday (28th Dec) A;M “Ultra is back and back at its home Fire, doors opening at 11 p.m. & the club running superlate (translated as post Saturday morning dawn), while just fifteen or so hours later, awesome afterhours Beyond rolls out yet another of its infamous “Midnight” meets, that is from zero o’clock on Sunday 30th Dec) running through till another superlate billing, we suspect 10 or 11 a.m. Then completing the Christmas week picture is Later, which itself is on the move for a one-off Sunday daytime disco dervish at Covert, making this a perfect hop, skip & jump from Beyond at next door Area, proceedings kicking off at 11.30 a.m. & the club running through till 7/8 p.m. details of all these events due out at http://orangenation.co.uk. Then, after a resting respite on New Year’s Eve, the “Golden Ticket” trio takes charge, Beyond NYD, WE “Vogue” & Orange “WE Afterhours” the £40 combined ticket package which is brilliant value so worth a mini mention now, this terrific ticket combo available online now at https://orangenation.ticketabc.com/events/new-years/ while details of what it offers is up at http://facebook.com/events/128980950589187/, while watch this space for special New Year Focus features on Beyond, WE & Orange, as well as an Extra Bites post on Beyond “Midnight”, all coming up later this week.

 

So, spending Christmas week on the Orange Nation dancfloors is truly a seven day prospect & affair for some, while work commitments look like restricting us to that institutional tradition that is Fire on Christmas night, although we wholeheartedly support all seven soiree’s as prominent places to be seen on the scene this festive season, meaning you should “Go There! Be There!” (DISCO MATT)

  

 

Posted in Recommends | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Recommends – “Back Where We Belong” – Weekend Best Bites Newsletter – Friday 30th Nov to Sunday 2nd Dec

November 28, 2012 | Author

As we approach one of the most momentous & meaningful weekends in our year, we thought it wholly appropriate to re-launch our weekly recommends newsletters, this “Best Bites” the first half of the posting picture, where we pick out our three top of the tree event choices of where to be & be seen on the scene in Soho, Vauxhall & Shoreditch, along with mini mentions for two other hot shots that have featured in our full on focuses.

 Well, it’s been a while, not just a few weeks, but a few months, although it feels good to be back in the “Best Bites” recommendations driving seat, that last analogy pretty apt this weekend as one of the hot shot mentions has a driving format of shorts. But the weekend is also momentous & meaningful as Saturday (1st Dec) marks two occasions, first & foremost, World AIDS Day, a cause that is extremely close to our heart, it also marks the first day in our birth month. For others however, while for others, December 1st is the first day of advent, meaning Christmas is, from here on in, very much in focus. However, it is this weekend we are focussing on, picking out our three top choices, one each from Soho, Vauxhall & Shoreditch, while those two hot shots also get a little look in.

 

So to our first and to Soho first, as it is the wonder on Wardour Street that steals that top of the tree crown this weekend, the crowning glory for us being Friday frolic PLAY>TIME, the award winning & outstanding outing that has become a firm favourite of ours & many more, promoter jay Roberts having very much made Friday the new Saturday in Soho, even toppling the might of another award winner that was the darling of the clubbing circuit scene on Friday’s, Onyx having gone by the wayside. But PLAY>TIME forges ahead with its fabulousness, this Friday no exception, as the team welcome two terrific talents to the D.J. decks, Kris Di Angelis making his debut for this brilliant brand, while Mikey D makes a welcome return on the back of his prolific new(ish) podcast “House Music All Night Long”. But no PLAY>TIME would be the same without a that significant slice of sexy seduction, Jay introducing Daniel Dias to the PLAY>TIME podium, Mr Roberts also gyrating his booty to the beats, not least that he & Daniel have recently “shot a scene” (you know the sort we mean) together, this along adding to the allure & excitement of this enthralling event. So naturally, with all that on offer, PLAY>TIME is one hot ticket & well deserved of our top of the tree choice, proceedings kicking off this Friday (30th Nov) from 10 p.m., entry a mere £8 before midnight or £10 thereafter, the club running through to a planned 4 a.m. finish, more details available the events page at http://facebook.com/events/498999320134205/.

 

Now while we are on the subject of Soho & this wonder on Wardour Street, Profile/Lo-Profile’s GM Kerry Chapman & her terrific team are marking World AIDS Day on Saturday with the return of their very popular “strip-a-thon”, the bevy of beauties behind the bar getting the strip down balls (no pun intending) rolling, your donations to charities The Food Chain & National AIDS Trust part of the process, as the more you put in the pot, the more the barmen reveal, while D.J.’s Alessandro Londra, Rob Sykes & Nathan Six will be sharing deck duty, possibly entering into a topless track turn or two. And with red ribbons available along with plenty more to tempt you in from the cold, check out the events page at http://facebook.com/events/295765387202385/ while more info on Profile & its offers can be found at http://facebook.com/profilebar &/or http://profilesoho.com.

 

Onward to Vauxhall and there has been much change down Orange Nation way recently, a lot of news we need to fill you in on which will have to wait a while, although what cannot wait is our top of the tree choice we have picked form the multi leaved ON offering, A:M having gone “Ultra” on us recently, taking the Friday night helm vacated by a departing Onyx, this amazing afterhours having moved forward its opening time into Friday nights, but still running deep into Saturday morning. Still currently based at Fire, A:M “Ultra” is, however, on the move this weekend, switching to smaller sister venue Covert, although in our view is the smarter sister as it offers two delightful dancefloors, an accessible upstairs space, all sure to fit A:M like a glove. And for the first of a three week run here, promoter Steven Sharp introduces young blood beatmaster Matt Bogard to the D.J. decks, he joined in another A:M newbie, Ania, while the continuity is cornerstoned by A:M favourites Paul Heron & D’Johnny, while Onyx, having given away to its afterhours associate, remains in the picture, hosting the second space, D.J.’s on pop-tastic duty including Tasty Tim & Little Rob. So, while this new “Ultra” format is very much about the music, it’s also about the hosting, the terrific team of Hrh Minty, Danny Boyce & Louise Port making sure your entry & then enjoyment is expedited exceedingly well, that entrance available this coming Friday (30th Nov) from 11 p.m., the club running through till 7 a.m., advance tickets available online at http://orangenation.co.uk, while entry on the door is priced, with flyer/ad discount, a mere £3 before midnight, £6 before 3 a.m., then £8, while for others its £10 before midnight, then £12 (you know what to do!), more detail up at http://facebook.com/events/283665795070260/ while watch this space for news on the new A:M pre-parties at Rupert St coming soon.

 

Now for that hot shot mention and returning to the World AIDS Day cause and it is Beyond that will be flying the fundraiser flag this Sunday (2nd Dec), this “all roads lead to” audacious afterhours sure to be packed to the rafters, not least that it is the official WE “Formula 2” (more on that in a bit) afterparty. But more than that, promoter Ben Kaye is thrilled to welcome special D.J. guest Brett Henrichsen for the US, joining Beyond all-star roving residents Jamie head, Mikey D, Fat Tony, D’Johnny, David Jimenez & more, while AIDS charity The Terrence Higgins Trust is the donation benefactor, we devoting a Weekend Focus Extra “Brett’s Bag Of Beats” to this beyond event, advance tickets for this awesome afterhours outing a must by hitting on http://orangenation.co.uk , popping into Soho outlets Prowler, Clone Zone & 50 Dean, while bars Ku, Comptons & Rupert St have a stock too, more detail on Beyond & this event out at http://facebook.com/beyondclub.

 

So we head out to Shoreditch and it is East Bloc that covets our top of the tree choice crown this weekend, Saturday sporting a second birthday bash as TheMenWhoFell2Earth (MWF2E) mark this momentous occasion with a pulsating package that includes special guest D.J. Luke Howard (of Horse Meat Disco, Paradise 45 & Lovebox fame), he joining MWF2E regulars Amp & Deck and Hits&Mrs in the main room, while the second space is sorted by D.J. duo Push The Button, all this hinting towards wayout & alternative action with a capital W & A, this branded party very much for decernists of tech, nu disco & electro. But the bravado doesn’t end at the D.J.’s, oh no, as “…the man with the plan…” host Oly is back and my does he know how to host (to be seen to be believed) while as it’s a MWF2E birthday bash, they have the infamous act Bother Boys back, taking to the stage to serve up “…song beauty & the ridiculous…” meaning that anything could happen here and it probably will. Plus, while the focus with be on birthday, the team recognise that they share their Saturday with World AIDS day, so will be raising funds for the Terrence Higgins Trust, a slice of the door plus bucket donations going to this very worthy cause. Now talking of the door, the MWF2E one opens this Saturday (1st Dec) from 10.30 p.m., the club running through till 6 a.m. entry just £6 before midnight, £9 thereafter, East Bloc at 217/219 City Road, EC1 (nearest tube Old St), directions available at http://eastbloc.co.uk, while a visit to http://themenwhofell2earth.co.uk &/or the events page at http://facebook.com/events/524256870936413/ while fill you out in the info herein. Plus with news just in from the team, they tell us that “…As our special Birthday present to you, we’ll be exclusively screening the new Radio Soulwax / 2ManyDJ’s film ‘Dave’. It’s their usual mash up brilliance, only this time it’s all Bowie records set to a custom made film. We’ll be transforming the mirror ball lounge into Dave’s cinema for the night in conjunction with our friends at Caviar films and it won’t cost you a penny extra…” while check out the MWF2E video clip at http://facebook.com/photo.php?v=572328689207 which completes this recommendation package.

 

Now for that second hot shot, second an appropriate word as WE party London celebrates its 2nd Anniversary here in the capital on Saturday (1st Dec) and is very much THE place to be & be seen on the scene (unless you’re a MWF2E fanatic of course) this, fabulous “Formula 2” sprinting off the starting grid at the Coronet, D.J. drivers vying for pole position including the Fernando Alonso of WE, Carlos Gallardo, who speeds in from Spain especially for the event, he surely having a task on his hands with the Sebastian Vettel of the London scene, Steve Pitron, while other runners in the race include Paul Heron, & D’Johnny in the main room, the Room Service second space sported by Jodie Harsh, Fat Tony & Ariel. But with much more of this fabulous “Formula 2” foray out in our feature, “Chequered Flag celebration” (direct link http://discomatt.com/web/?p=6114) as well as at http://wepartylondon.com, this is one 2nd birthday you won’t want to miss.

 

So, that’s it for our re-launched “Best Bites” newsletter for this time, three top of the tree choices & two sure fire hot shots to tantalise your tastebuds, while we will be serving up our “Short Shouts” shortly too, a whole host of other getting a mini mention, all meaning that this weekend is one that you will definitely want to be & be seen on the scene by making sure you “Go There! Be There! (DISCO MATT)

 

 

Posted in Recommends | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Picks – “From Sun To Soho” – Room Service – Thursday 1st November – Pick of The Day

November 1, 2012 | Author

Having been sunning himself in paradise, our Shoreditch son makes a welcome return to Soho, Room Service’s very own Kris Di Angelis standing in the D.J. spotlight while young blood Matt Bogard also gets his beats say, a bevy of beauties come hosts including Jodie Harsh, Munroe Bergdorf, Daniel Lismore &, of course JJ Clark looking after your every whim & fancy, meaning it simply had to be our “Pick Of The Day”, all the event detail a banner selection away opposite or an image click below, while to indent the important detail beneath.

 

 

 

ROOM SERVICE 

There’s only one way to get served….week by week we Serve it hot!!. This is everything… Room Service started as a little fag party in a Soho basement club and has broadened its hot appeal to reach party boys internationally, from Las Vegas to New York City, Ibiza to Rome. We’ve launched our record label and will keep your ears ringing with the unmistakable sound of Room Service – underground house with a nasty bassline and a sexy rhythm, and a hint or two of vocals deliciously served up. 

Tonight, D.J.’s KRIS Kris Di Angelis & Matt Bogard spin underground, sexy house. Tough boy-beats, deep grooves and horny beats, while our hosts JJ Clark, Munroe Bergdorf, Kane Luke, Daniel Lismore &, of course, the one the only Jodie Harsh lead you astray over to their tables and onto the dance floor… 

Only at Room Service do you KNOW you’re guaranteed a good night – This is the “Deluxe Gay Dance Party” created by the dream-team of London nightlife. Plus we team up with Circa, Soho’s drinking hotspot, to bring you the “Late Check-In Pass”. Go down and buy a drink at our favourite neighborhood bar and you will get a pass which gives you £5 entry between 1am and 2am. Even more reason to keep the party going into the early hours of Friday morning….

 

Room Service is at Miabella – 12-13 Greek Street, Soho, W1 4DJ. And it’s good

Door & Taxes
10pm – 3am
£6 before 11pm
£10 until 1am

More info at http://clubroomservice.com & http://facebook.com/clubroomservice, enquires & table service bookings via concierge@clubroomservice.com.

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Picks/Recommends – “The Boy Is Back” – Onyx “Third Birthday” – Friday 14th September – Pick of The Day/Special Focus

September 14, 2012 | Author

We can’t quite believe its three years since Onyx emerged on the capitals clubbing circuit, having pretty much taken the scene by storm from day one, it riding the rollercoaster of unbelievable up’s & dinky doses of downs  that has been the last thirty six months, tonight (Fri 14th Sept) seeing this captivating club uncork the celebratory champagne, we landing our “Pick Of The Day” choice at Onyx’s doors, all the event detail a banner selection away opposite or an image click below, while we reflect the clubs past, present & future beneath.

 

 

 

Has it really been just three years since Onyx opened its doors? Well, if the event PR is anything to go by then yes it has, although if we are honest it seems that this colourful & captivating club has been around for much longer, perhaps as it is now very much part of the capital’s circuit Friday furniture, it having captured the clubbing public’s imagination pretty much from the off, in its first year alone scooping a cupboard full of awards from the scene’s top brass press publications & websites. Yet under the veneer of this shiny spectacle Onyx has also had its fair share of upheavals, the club having changed promotional hands no less than three times, its original helm head falling from grace in a pretty dramatic fashion, his replacement soaring skyward in the eyes of the scene, while Onyx’s third pair of hands has had to cope with the club’s most turbulent period yet, its crowing popularity having been wrestled away by a Soho bit hitter in the form of the very popular Play>Time.

 

That said, along with its Orange Nation stable of running mates, brands such as Beyond, A:M, Gravity, Later & (of course) Orange, Onyx is now very much an indelible part of weekly clubbing life, surely its most notable achievement to date being the transformation of Friday frolicking and setting the standard that many others have followed. Onyx has also attracted is fair share of the cream of the gay D.J/Producer scene, figures including our Italian Stallion Pagano, super Swede Per Q.X., Gaydar Radio’s Club Nation host Phil Marriott, shining stars Jamie Hammond, Jc Christopher & Lee Harris, all gracing historic home Area’s main room decks. But moreover, the brilliant blend of upfront house into pop & commercial through tech & tribal across three spaces has been the clubs most formidable force to be reckoned with, scene icons Tasty Tim & Miss Dusty O spearheading that pop cultural revolution in Onyx’s second space, while an assortment of others including Lisa German, Ariel, Paul Christian & David Jimenez have turned the terrace room tech-tastic in Onyx’s three year time.

 

Then there have been the new kids on the Onyx & D.J. scene block, names such as Adam Turner & Matt Bogard, who have kept the offer fresh, while each promotional hand has played his & her part in creating a Friday phenomenon which, at its height, has knocked very hard on the door of Beyond as the biggest & best weekly around. So who have been those promotional hands? Well for much of Onyx’s history it has been Jonny marsh steering the ship, while more recently his Brighton bred sidekick Verity Mayes has held the helm, she having taken over at a pivotal moment in Onyx’s relatively short history and sees its moving from that historical home Area to the newer more compact club next door, Covert. Yet while this is a pretty substantial shift for the club, in some ways Onyx has come full circle as it marks its third birthday, as original promoter Steve Geller is very much back in the picture, heading up the main room D.J. line-up for this special celebration while we have a sneaking suspicion that he will also be re-arresting the promotional reigns back as the club sets sail into its fourth year, Mr Geller surely the one to return Onyx to the top of the Friday clubbing pile.

 

With that bite size reflection on the past present & future of Onyx done & dusted, let’s fill you in on a little detail of tonight’s third birthday bash which, if you have been paying attention, takes place at new home Covert, the club having waved a fond farewell to Area with its “Last Dance” affair one week ago. So, with a determined step into the future, Onyx rings in the new from 10 p.m. tonight, advance tickets priced at just £6 available online via direct link http://orangenation.clubtickets.com/gb/2012-09/14/onyx-the-third-birthday, while joint entry to A:M is just a further £6 via the same link, entry on the door a similar price while by going to http://gayguestlists.com/onyx, you can get yourselves discounted entry, a flyer also a discount option, entry before midnight having already been advertised as free (you know what to do). And in terms on the music, the Onyx team welcome special guest D.J. DMS to the new second space at Covert, alongside Tasty Tim & Lady Lloyd, while Steven Geller spins a special headline guest slot set in the main room, ability abetted by Jonny M & Matt Bogard. Plus, the go-go boys are back too and we suspect (although not in the PR) the tallest & most welcoming hostess in the land, Chrissy Darling, will be taking centre stage as usual, more info, should you need it, out via http://facebook.com/onyxlondon.

 

So, suffice to say, its looks like Onyx will be rocking & rolling tonight at Covert and is definitely a brilliant place to be & be seen on the scene on Friday, we hoping to make our inaugural visit to this Vauxhall venue & celebrate with Steven, Chrissy, Jonny & The Onyx crew, not forgetting the one & only Tom Fuller, so if you see us come say hi, but if not then keep your eyes peeled at http://twitter.com/discomatt for our live nibble size review tweets. (DISCO MATT)

 

 

Posted in Recommends | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Recommends – “Pride As It Should Be” – Orange Nation “World Pride Programme” – Fri 6th to Mon 9th July – Special Focus Feature

July 4, 2012 | Author

From A.M. to WE, Boylesque to Beyond, Onyx to Orange, plus Gravity, Later & newbie Infamous too, there is no doubt that Orange Nation is a superb Vauxhall & Southwark clubbing torre de force this “World Pride” weekend, also holding sway in Soho with an exclusive outdoor event, Disco Matt dishing up the detail of a superb sequence of showings courtesy of this capital clubbing conglomerate.

 

 

As we sit on the scene sidelines swinging in & out of our summer sabbatical, we are quite horrified by the sound bites we are seeing over what is clearly a shocking shambles of a so called World Pride event, the latest statement from Pride London which includes this  “…our sincerest apologies, Pride London deeply regrets the situation we have found ourselves in …” issued following a wave of criticism of their handling of World Pride, clear evidence that not only will this year’s London Pride festival be nothing short of a flop, but when the capital sees itself in the global spotlight, it is a damning disgrace that the both committee presiding over Pride in London & the powers that be holding the purse strings, have failed the community at such a late stage. However, with no such committee & commitment problems, it comes as a huge sigh of relief that from the ashes of cancelled dance stages & arenas comes the saviour that will be Soho, Vauxhall & Shoreditch in the hands of Orange Nation, who have no less than eight clubbing parties across the latter two districts & one huge pre-party come party planned for Soho.

 

So putting World Pride to one side, let’s take you through the whole Orange Nation offer, including that planned Soho party, first up being Gravity this Friday morning (6th Jul) which (quite tongue in cheek to Pride London) has been called “It’s Definitely Happening”, although we do wonder how long looking into the morning mirror that title took, although in all fairness the team do say, “…it’s Pride weekend, so start as you mean to go on…”, Gravity certainly the place to do that, especially if you want your weekend to start early on Friday morning, doors opening to this event at 2 a.m. & the club running to a “v late” timing. And with D.J.’s on duty including Fat Tony & Verity Mayes, plus with host JJ Clark zooming across from Room Service, no doubt with plenty of followers in his tracks, while Gravity’s promoter Danny Boyce will be sure to give you the warmest of welcomes, this is the best place to be at the start of your weekend, especially if its starts on Friday. Plus, with entry on offer at just £5 before 3 a.m. with a flyer or pass, these being handed out by a bevy of boys around Soho on Thursday night, as well as being available from JJ at Room Service, while its £8 thereafter or £10 on the door, more info available at http://facebook.com/gravitythursdays.

 

Into Friday we find ourselves and usually it would be Onyx at Area neatly followed by A:M at Fire, although as has been the trend in recent months, when it comes to the big weekends (& this is one such weekend), the clubs combine to make one huge happening stretching close on twelve hours, an equally towering team of D.J.’s flying the respective club flags. So, kicking off at 11 p.m. & Fire playing host, this “Pride Warm Up” party sees the two club D.J. camps collide, in the Onyx corner we finding Matt Bogard & Jonny M playing upfront & energetic house with plenty of vocal intentions in the main room, while is pop & dance anthems from gender benders Tasty Tim & Lady Lloyd in the lounge, while packing a powerful punch in the A:M corner are all star residents Fat Tony D’Johnny, Jamie Head, Alan K, Paulo Moreno & David Jimenez, very much cementing the character of this amazing afterhours club which promoter Steven Sharp is always clear to stress, “…it’s all about the music…”. Mind you, with the amount of hosts on duty you may be forgiven for thinking otherwise, Nick Adams Byam ability assisting the delightful Chrissy Darling (could he be a pretty young thing?!?!) while A:M wise, it’s the dynamic duo of Danny Boyce & Minty, Chrissy presiding over the door duty early on, while Minty takes over later. And talking of the door, entry packages are pretty reasonable, as a wee trip to http://gayguestlists.com/onyx could get you in gratis, while for others & those with a flyer it’s a mere £6 before 3 a.m., rising to £8 before 5 a.m. & then £10 thereafter, while if you don’t want to go foraging for a flyer, then you can rather click on http://orangenation.clubtickets.com/gb/2012-07/06/onyx-vs-a-m-fire-pride-warm-up for that £8 price tag while entry on the door is £12 after 3 a.m.

 

So onward to Saturday and with both the parade & the “official” World Pride after events covered in confusion, Soho will no doubt be playing host to the lion’s share of the action, Orange Nation in the thick of the action, or should we say in the middle of it, having secured Comptons who will be playing host to the WE “Players” pre-party. Now, naturally we have been digging for details and with plans to have an outside stage very much in the balance, we can nevertheless confirm that, as of going to press, this pre-party will happen, whether inside or out, D.J.’s on duty confirmed as Paul Heron, Matt Bogard & Fat Tony, while if the green light for an outside stage goes ahead, then the whole Orange Nation residency team will be rolled out in back-to-back form, so Steve Pitron & Jamie Head,  Alan K & Paulo Moreno, Jonny M & The Oli, D’Johnny & David Jimenez and Verity Mayes & Bryony Masters. However, with Westminster council crying wolf on issues of policing, safety & funding, as well as having supposedly issued a licensing edict to all venues, the final decision on this outside stage will not be made until after a major meeting which takes place tomorrow, so watch this space for a “hot off the press” newsflash as the decision hits our desk. Mind you, whichever way it goes, Comptons is always the biggest & best Pride melting pot & with Orange nation plus WE Party involved, it will be even more so.

 

Now talking of WE, if time allows, we will be delivering a full on focus & devotion to what will undoubtedly be the biggest party of the whole Pride weekend, The Coronet in Elephant & Castle once again playing host this Saturday (7th July), while the D.J. line-up is mighty & impressive as the place, WE’s very own resident roving D.J. Carlos Gallardo back to London by popular demand & sure to thrill with tons of towering tunes neatly balanced between those benchmark euro-beats & uplifting vocal injections, while it will be an all out progressive assault from our Italian stallion, Pagano, the tones turning tech when Paul Heron & D’Johnny take to the decks. But with Room Service’s Kris Di Angelis & Matt Bogard going back-to-back in the second space, there will certainly be an alternative electro twisted trip to be made, Munroe Bergdorf playing host upstairs, while the main arena will be in the very capable hands both Ben Kaye & JJ Clark. So, let’s rattle through the rest of the detail which goes like this, doors opening at 10 p.m. & the club running through till 6.am., advance tickets available online via http://wepartylondon.com &/or http://orangenation.clubtickets.com/gb/2012-07/07/we-party-london-we-players-pride-party, at the standard £18 price tag (yes those £10 &£15 super advance ones went really quickly), while outlets Prowler, Clone Zone, 50 & Solarstation are your Soho sources, along with Comptons & Ku-Bar, entry we believe available on the door, but expect to pay more.

 

But for those that may be WE’d out or are in search of something a little more intimate compared to the full on theatre size experience, the Orange Nation team have come up trumps with “Boylesque”, in what has been labelled as “…the alternative pride party…” although is likely to have massive mainstream appeal, not least that international gay icon, pop star, D.J. & altogether good egg, superstar Boy George is at the centre of, not only the title of this club night, but the entertainment too. And having announced that he will be performing live for the first time in over two years, while we have been sworn to secrecy, the is one stunningly spectacular surprise up his sleeve, meaning that you will be far from disappointed if you trade your W & E for a B & G. But more than that, we are told that artists flown in especially for this event (we really cannot say, sorry) performing both D.J. sets & songs (itching to tell!!), okay just two then, Jeremy Healy & Jon Pleased, but all we will say is that it’s not to be missed. So what more can we say, well apart from George & co?, well, the “alternative” burlesque (see what they did with the title?!) theme will be extenuated by a score of sexy boys & girls on stage, while the second space will be a “Fire” room showcasing some of the clubs finest D.J.’s (naturally those not on duty elsewhere!), Fat Tony (B G’s best buddy), Jamie Head & Verity Mayes on decks duty, while the third room will be given away to Walt Utz & Madame Jojo’s who will present a show spectacle with a line up of London’s most notorious stars from the cabaret circuit. Now we really cannot say anymore (stop it!!!) apart from dipping through the detail, “Boylesque” kicking off at Fire from 11 p.m. this Saturday (7th July) & running through to a planned 6 a.m. finish, advance tickets priced at just £10 (absolute bargain!) still available at http://orangenation.clubtickets.com/gb/2012-07/07/boylesque-boy-george-s-alternative-pride-party, while you can check-in at the usual Soho outlets for handpicked passes.

 

 

Onwards we go and to Beyond and like WE, if time permits we will be devoting a special feature to it as this looks like being every bit the roadblock events that is always is come big weekends, and some we say, not least when you consider that the team have “…pulled out all the stops to bring one of the world’s best D.J.’s to London…” NYC’s Hector Fonseca bringing with him a resounding repertoire of remixes, no less than 5 having reached number one in the billboard charts last year alone, hence we are chomping at the bit to feature him is this special focus. But with Tel Aviv’s FFF Group also jetting in their own package of players in the form of D.J. Tal Cohen & international drag performer K Long, both who featured in the FFF party at Fire last year, Beyond certainly has the global feel that that only WE Party & Hustlaball can match this weekend. Add to that London all star cast including Steve Pitron, The Sharp Boys, Hifi Sean, Fat Tony, D’Johnny & Paul Christian, together with back-to-back sets from Alan K & Paulo Moreno and Verity Mayes & Bryony Masters, so if there was ever a club that was about the music for us, then it is Beyond & not least this “World Pride” spectacular. So, skipping through the detail, it’s a 3 a.m. start at Area this Sunday (8th July) with entry simply £15 in advance (the best commodore you will spend this weekend) either online at http://orangenation.clubtickets.com/gb/2012/07/08/beyond-world-pride-2012 or at those Soho outlets, while entry will be available on the door but expect to pay more & probably wait even longer, Ben Kaye & JJ Clark teaming up gain, as they did for WE, while no special Beyond would ever be the same without the tremendous Tom Fuller.

 

So, on the home straight (ish) and Later comes next, the team rolling out yet another fun filled frolic in the form of the now infamous “Funfair” format, the Later garden a hot bed of happy happenings with rides & games stalls, while a fortune teller will be sitting on his /her corner ready to tell you what is around your corner. Plus with the pool filled up if the weather permits & the bbq, an indelible ingredient of any Later party, stacked with sausages & brimming with burgers, that along with some other surprises in store and out will be the new clubbing in. That said, inside the musical heat will be turned right up full, resident D.J.’s Jamie Head, D’Johnny & Paul Heron cooking on tunes gas mark nine, while hostess Andrea & her boys (yes she has a bevy of them) will be causing enough madness & mayhem to make this a party to remember. And with host venue Fire’s doors opening at 11.30 a.m. this Sunday (8th July), the club running through to 8 p.m., with discount wristbands/stamps available at Beyond, standard entry is available online at http://orangenation.clubtickets.com/gb/2012-07/08/later-funfair or on the door, priced at £10, we are pretty sure you will be walking away come 8 p.m. with the biggest smile on your face, candy floss round your lips & a shiny bum from all that sliding, not to mention sore feet from dancing.

 

Now we would normally finish with Orange (which we will), but will quickly mention new club “Infamous” which launches at Covert on Sunday night from 6 p.m. details coming your way via our extra bites post “Princely Sum of A Soiree”, which paves the way for the “From Orange With Pride”, the organisers saying of the Pride closing event saying “…you’ve had the world, now get a true taste of London & the biggest last dance of Pride 2012…” as it is sure to be with not just the “Orange Family” of D.J.’s that include The Oli, Fat Tony & the Sharp Boys, but Hifi Sean is back too, starring in Fire’s main room alongside guest slot guy Paul heron (my he is a busy boy this weekend, we count five gigs at least!), while the event also boats the newly named RAW Future Heroes space with Lee Yeomans in charge of the tunes. But it’s Pride and so we all know what track/record that means, “A Deeper Love” among a handful of other hits performed by special PA Elliotte Williams, very much crowning this citric colossus which kick starts at 11 p.m. on Sunday (8th July) & carries you deep into Monday morning & a date with your day off diary,  http://orangenation.clubtickets.com/gb/2012-07/08/from-orange-with-pride-london-s-biggest-pride-closing-party the place to go for advance tickets, priced at just £10, while its half that price with a flyer before 1 a.m., door hosts Chrissy Darling & Minty managing your efficient entry & them cheerful cavorting ala citric style.

 

So that’s the Orange Nation World Pride package and what an enthrallingly extensive one it is too, we finishing by reminding you that advance tickets are very much the way (especially for WE & Beyond), Solarstation not just a superb source, but also an opportunity for you to soak up some sun, of the sun-bed variety of course, as we all want to look at our best for World Pride, a quick visit to http://solarstation.co.uk revealing all you need to know before revealing yourselves to some bronzing brightness. That just leaves us to wish you a very happy World Pride, even if the event itself looks like being a bit of a wash-out, as there is always the league of Orange Nation clubs to turn & to take to. (DISCO MATT)  

Posted in Recommends | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Picks/Recommends – “Royal Flush” – Onyx & A:M Present “Onyx Queen Of DiA:Monds” – Friday 1st June – DM’s Diamond Picks/Focus Extra

May 30, 2012 | Author

Continuing his special series devoted to the diamond jubilee weekend, Disco Matt once again looks to fabulous Friday for his next “Diamond Pick”, when Onyx joins forces with A:M to bring you their “Queen Of DiA:Monds” event, the queen with the crown being headline D.J. Smokin Jo, all the detail a banner selection away opposite or an image click below, while DM deals out his card pack prologue beneath.

 

 

When we look at Friday’s on the capitals clubbing circuit across the years there have been a handful of brands & names that have become synonymous with this traditional start to the weekend, there was & still is “Camp Attack”, brought to you from the promoters of G.A.Y., while who can forget Fiction, the cavorting club that reigned supreme over The Cross for a purple patch period, while more recently, one looks to Vauxhall for another prolific party that very much hit the ground running when it launched some three years ago & has continued to drawn in a fervent following ranking it at least equal & sometimes exceptional to its peer brands. Yes, we can only be talking about Onyx, the fabulous Friday frolic that has not only ridden the storm that has faced the scene during its history, a succession of promoters having taken it in different directions, both visually & musically, but with a whole host of specialist events, such as “Neon”, “Resolution”, “Recovery” & “Digital Generation”, it’s popularity has been propelled, while with the assistance of afterhours club A;M,  Onyx’s appeal has been accentuated, particularly on recent big bank holiday weekends & when its backyard, Area, was closed for refurbishment.

 

And as we find ourselves on the precipice of another huge weekend in clubland, the promotional powers of these two clubs have once again joined forces to serve up a spectacle stretching a full ten hours, the best bots of both brands being merged into one end to end event that will see D.J. stars take turns to serve up a superb selection of sounds that showcase both the Onyx & A:M style. So from the Onyx camp we have ex-promoter of the club Jonny M & new terrific talent Matt Bogard take up the main room reigns, they joined by A:M regular residents Fat Tony, D’Johnny & David Jimenez, while the rich vein of Onyx runs through room two, The Chapel being all about pop music with none other than gender benders Tasty Tim & Lady Lloyd dishing out the dance delectations. Then with the terrace space given away to the alternative antics of “Obey”, the club kid feel of this space spearheaded by Mark-Ashley Dupe & his gang, in the traditions of Onyx, there is a delightfully different feel to each space, the added A;M ingredient sure to carry revellers partying deep into Saturday morning,

 

This will surely especially be the case when the legend that is Smokin Jo hits the decks, she very much the queen bee of this “Queen Of DiA:Monds” event, A:M’s promoter Steven Sharp thrilled to be welcoming her back to the decks following her appearance for the brand back in March & this simply stunning set at As One on NYD when she held sway in the Orange room, taking us back to those halcyon days when she trounced Trade with her terrific tunes. But having played at gigs right across the globe & attracted amazing accolades as a result, career highlights have to include scooping the industry’s biggest mag D.J. of year award, Jo still the only female to have lifted this coveted crown, while club brands she has played for stretch to mainstream clubs Puscha, Tribal Gathering, Cream & Full Circle, while she still plays to gay audiences across the capital, recent appearances for Paris Acid Ball & Fat Tony’s club Deelooded, notable highlights, the latter re-forming a working relationship & friendship that goes back to those groundbreaking days of Trade. Gigs aside, Smokin Jo is pretty productive in the recording studio, a current album project close to fruition while a host of track releases & remixes scatter a discography that stretches to well over 30, a small selection available by following the Beatport link at http://smokinjo.com/music/, plenty there to get you in the mood for what will surely be another prolific performance form this quintessential queen of the D.J. scene.

 

As for the detail on this “Queen Of DiA:Mond’s” A:M & Onyx amalgam, just click on the super sized image above, while we leave you by simply saying, to be seen on the scene you need to “Go There! Be There! (DISCO MATT)

Posted in Recommends | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

Picks – “Jodie’s Jerdi Jamboree” – Room Service – Thursday 12th April – Pick Of The Day

April 12, 2012 | Author

The most splendid of social soiree’s that has been thrilling your Thursdays like no other gets Disco Matt’s selection, Room Service, which takes place tonight (Thursday 12th April) at Maibella in Soho, DM’s pick of day, all the detail a banner click away opposite, an image click away below, while Jodie gives us her take on this place to be seen on the scene party, beneath

 

 

 

Jodie says of Room Service & tonight’s event…..

 

Room Service – your weekly fix of the best of London’s gay scene wrapped up in a boutique package, is back with the hottest Go-Go boys and the best underground house music in the city. THIS is the FULL SERVICE.

No other party is SEXY, GAY and COOL, all at the same time. Fact. Sixteen months ago, London was introduced to Room Service as a brand new concept inspired by New York City’s club scenes – the underground mentality of the Lower East Side, the glossy table service vibe in Chelsea’s lounge bars, and the city’s musical roots in house music. Jodie Harsh introduced a whole new formula for London’s contemporary gay scene – midweek becomes the weekend, the VIP club space becomes your playground, It-boy’s and scene celebrity hosts become your friends, Go-Go boys become your eye candy and posing for the hottest photographer in various states of undress becomes your calling card.

 

This is where your weekend KICKS OFF, and where you GET OFF to the best house music on offer. This is Attitude magazine’s number 1 UK club night. This is Boyz magazine’s best weekday party. This is Room Service, and we are pretty much officially London’s hottest gay night out. You’re heard the buzz…check in and get involved. There is only one way to get “served”….week by week we “serve” it HOT!

Thursday 12th April 

This week Steve Pitron and Matt Bogard take to the decks for five hours of pure aural candy while Jodie Harsh, Johanna, Kingsley, Anais Cacherel + Dimitry Strigun keep your glass wet and your body pumping, as will GoGo’s Danny & Jonny, London’s hottest twins!

 

Check-in to our drinks deal….Our “Serviced” cocktail is £4 all night, and for a limited period of time you can get bottle service for just £150 (Grey Goose vodka). 

10pm – 3am, £6 before 11pm, £10 after

Plus, we are team up with Circa, Soho’s newest hotspot, to bring you the Late Check-In Pass. Go down and buy a drink at our favourite neighbourhood bar and you will get a pass which gives you £5 entry between 1am and 2am. Even more reason to keep the party going into the wee hours of Friday morning….

Room Service is at Miabella – 12-13 Greek Street, Soho, W1 4DJ

More info at http://’clubroomservice.com &/or http://facebook.com/clubroomservice

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | No Comments »

Reports & Recommends – “Boutique Brilliance” – Room Service – Thursday 16th February – Special Feature

February 16, 2012 | Author

It literally took the scene by storm when it launched in London sixteen months ago, a summer season in Ibiza propelling its profile even further, while its presence at WE events as well as playing  pre-party hosts for the likes of Beyond, Casa Latina & Matinee have seemingly secured its future. But with the seventeenth month itch approaching along with the need to cope with the capital’s clubbing crowd complacency, what does Jodie & her tight knit team have in store for this superb Soho scene soiree?

 

 

Boutique Brilliance

There can be no doubt in our minds that when we cast our eyes across the clubbing scene schedule in any given week these days, there are a handful of clubs & events that not only crop up with resounding regularity, but also stand out from others as exemplary examples of popular parties that hardly ever fail to attract & maintain a healthy following, the likes of Beyond, Later & Orange three shining examples of weekly brands that have stood the test of time. However, maintaining an enthusiasm & interest in events takes a fair amount of hard work, the days when you could simply open the doors & see crowds flock in, very much long gone, whether it be at the weekend or otherwise. However, when a club catches the imagination to the extent that it very much bucks that trend, the people involved could be forgiven for taking things a little too much for granted, although even the less experienced promoters have to realise that by simply sitting on their laurels is tantamount to disaster, particularly when operating in a scene that is renowned for turning against the trend tide with lightning speed.

 

Creative Genius Jodie

Room Service is one such clubbing brand that literally took the scene by storm and since its launch in October 2010 has seemingly continued to ride a wave crest that shows no signs of coming into shore, an extension of its eventing here in the capital seeing promoter Jodie Harsh & her terrific team expand into a summer season in Ibiza, undoubtedly propelling the profile of the club in the eyes of Europeans if not just Spaniards. But back home, while we have only made the occasional visits since the launch, every time we have pitched up after 11 p.m., the queue has extended down Greek St, a reflection of just how popular the club is, and this is on a Thursday (i.e. school) night if you please. However, Jodie’s jamboree has not been without its competition, Gigolo seemingly locking horns when it launched in May last year, although what it rather seemed to do was to bring more people into Soho on a Thursday night, although while David & L.a. may have since switched both venue & night, Lo-Profile has “Society”, meaning Room Service still needs to keep on its toes and remain “Ship Shape & Bristol Fashion” in its quest to remain at the top of its game, a game that has seen it voted as the best UK club night in 2011 by Attitude magazine & is sure to feature in the upcoming Boyz award results too.

 

Room Residents

So what does this boutique clubbing brilliance have in store in the forthcoming weeks & months? Well, first & foremost, Jodie has consolidated her towering team of resident D.J.’s these being scene stars & favourites Steve Pitron, Severino, Kris Di Angelis, Fat Tony & Ariel, while special guests in recent weeks have included the mighty music maestro, Smokin Jo, east end boy Matt Bogard & Brighton belle Verity Mayes. And hosting pre-parties remains a staple ingredient in the Room Service schedule, the club welcoming Matinee with open arms three weeks ago, Trade last Thursday and tonight (Thurs 16th), it’s all about “A Space Odyssey” as the Casa Latina crew roll into Soho town. But while all these represent amazing attractions, we have to dig a little deeper into the Room Service treasure chest of treats to discover some hidden gems that often get overlooked when considering whether to mosey on down to Maibella, this compact & bijou yet enticingly beautifully formed little venue on Greek St. And those treats pretty much start at the door, the charming J.J. Clark making every single welcome something special, while for those that arrive before 11 p.m. (the club opens at 10) there is a complimentary glass of champers to greet you, this as well as the special “serviced” cocktails priced at an extremely reasonable £4 each available all night, or for those at the other end of the scale, a bottle of Grey Goose, marketed as “…the world’s best tasting vodka…”, with all the accompaniments & special treatments the Maibella team offer you for £150.

 

Pre-Party Pampering

Then we look outside of Room Service’s Soho doors and the untrained eye & ear will hardly realise that Jodie has teamed up with Circa Bar on Frith St, just a block away, this equally compact & bijou beauty matching the sumptuousness of Maibella, also attracting an equally qualitative crowd and sporting a bunch of resident D.J.’s that have past & present links with Room Service, Munroe Bergdorf & James Pople two that appear relatively regularly on Thursday’s. And as part of the tie between the two, that is Room Service & Circa, for those of you that can’t make it down to Greek St until after the witching hour, it is well worth swinging by Circa first, as there are “late night check-in passes” for your favourite boutique brilliance priced at a competition busting £5, valid for entry between 1 & 2 a.m. However, it doesn’t stop at Soho, as Room Service continue their partnership with WE, once again taking over the second space at the forthcoming “Pharaoh” event on Saturday 3rd March at The Cornet in E&C,  while the summer season ahead looks like seeing Room Service go on tour, as well as rekindle the “Downtown” brand and, with little birdie tweeting that Room Service could be hosting a room at the next As One event, sitting on laurels does not form part of the Jodie’s & her teams equation.  

 

So, if you haven’t yet checked in at Maibella on a Thursday and in so doing, indulging in the full Room Service sensation, that being “…your weekly fix of the best of London’s gay scene wrapped up in a boutique package, with the hottest go-go boys steaming things up, a crazy army of hosts leading you into a haze of neon lit mischief and the best underground house music in the city…” then its high time you did. And in the words of Room Service’s sponsors, this is one fabulous feast for the eyes & ears, meaning it’s time to stimulate your senses and “Go There! Be There! (DISCO MATT)

 

Posted in Recommends, Reports | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »
This Is Disco Matt
Who Is Disco Matt?
Disco Matt is London’s original party boy and independent journalist who previews, reviews & recommends London's best gay clubs, events & businesses, links to & reviews the scene top D.J.’s and generally covers the gay scene including international gay clubs & events.
Contact Disco Matt
Just drop us a line at matt@discomatt.com.or complete the contact form found at the bottom of this column.
Disco Matt Suggests
To link up with our scene website suggestions, simply click on the chosen banner below
Disco Matt Published
To follow our alternative press publication points, select your chosen banner below
Disco Matt Post Diary
May 2013
M T W T F S S
« Apr    
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
Disco Matt Supports
We promote and support a wide range of clubs, events, music producers, publications & businesses, both in London & internationally, our choice picks included in rotational banner sections below
Supporting Clubs/Events
Below are our rotational banner picks/links choices from the wide range of clubs/events we support in London & internationally.
Pick of The Day
Hot Shot Happenings
London Best Bites
International Best Bites
Supporting Music
Below are our rotational banner picks/links choices from the wide range of music producers we support in London & internationally.
Podcast/ Of The Week
Podcast Picks
Track Of The Week
Track Producer Picks
Supporting Publications
Supporting Businesses

Designed by Brent Nicholls.