This summer sees Brixton nightlife kick into gear and revellers have no end of choice when it comes to the new music nights available. Just up Effra Road a new venue has popped up on the map, Club 43. On Saturday July 12 ‘Out and Down’ will be offering up a selection of disco, house and invite you to let loose and get down on the dancefloor in a different way. We caught up with Ben from Out and Down one of Club 43’s newest nights to get the craic on what to expect…
How did the idea of ‘Out & Down’ come around?
We wanted to avoid the current trend in Brixton towards paid nights and generic dance music. Three years ago we started promoting events in Brixton when our friends Get Down Sounds invited us to take over a residency on Thursday at The Dogstar. This grew into a monthly residency in Room 2 on the weekend, and now we’re here at Club 43 – an intimate basement space where we can throw parties for free, which is really important for us, and play our own blend of dance music.
Brixton is a great place to live and hang out, and there are still spots where you can hear genuinely amazing music. But it’s becoming increasingly expensive and there’s a growing similarity in the music policy at club nights. Out & Down at Club 43 offers a space where people in the area – and from afar – can hear a different side of dance music at a night run by promoters passionate about the area.
What is different about this night to other club nights in Brixton?
Firstly it’s free for anyone who RSVPs in advance. We’re also not-for-profit, so everything is put back into making the night. The four of us have always wanted to establish a regular free night in Brixton because from our experience, as club goers ourselves, free entry nights attract a really diverse and interesting crowd – people who want to let loose without the confines of paying lots of money to get in.
Out & Down is also a music first night. We spend as much of our spare time as possible supporting the scene – the new labels, artists and promoters pushing things in exciting directions, which we champion on our weekly radio show for MEATtransMISSION. And as promoters and residents ourselves, we’re keen to support and invite other resident DJs to play at our nights – those who run nights themselves and really know how to work a crowd.
What music can we expect?
Mostly disco, house and techno – but we’ve followed dance music long enough to know things can change quickly, so expect to also hear anything from Balearic to Chicago. It’s always interesting talking to the guys at places like Phonica, or our friends who also promote nights, to find out who’s doing what and where it’s happening. Over the years we’ve found our favourite styles, and our aim is to move people’s feet while introducing crowds to new and interesting sounds.
A few of our favourite nights include places like Andrew Weatherall and Sean Johnston’s A Love From Outer Space, or even local nights like Wormfood at Hootananny. We’re drawn to spaces where the crowds are friendly, really into the music, and just there to have a good time. Obviously this is led by the music, but the vibe is really important for Out & Down.
Why did you choose Brixton?
In November we’ll be celebrating three years in Brixton. Jon and Jamie both live in Herne Hill, and we all hang out in the area. We’ve witnessed Brixton changing a lot over the past years, and we’ve chosen to launch a new night at Club 43 because we think a lot of people are missing out on a regular party where it’s free entry – and the music comes first.
What is your favourite/least favourite aspect of Brixton’s music scene?
There are a few nights pushing things in really exciting and fun directions, like World Unknown and LOCAL. These are the sort of nights that put the right things first – the music, vibe, and finding ways to fit into the area by doing something new, rather than just mimicking what’s already there. There’s also a lot to like about the variety in Brixton, which stems from its rich history in music. Understanding what has been here in the past, like the early-days of DMZ at Mass, or even further back in the 70s when dub and reggae soundsystems were more prevalent – is really important for us to work out how Out & Down can fit into an already diverse area.
On the other hand, we’ve also noticed a growing resemblance in nights, and increasing entry prices, and this is why we’re bringing Out & Down to Club 43 on July 12th – for free, with DJs who know how to have a good time.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Well, Jon and Jamie are both loyal redheads – so they’ll be looking forward to a fair amount of sunburn. As for myself, I’m really looking forward to the Lambeth Country Show to see Jocelyn Brown and just embrace some of the best things about living in south London. And of course it’s another free event, which just makes it better.
Other than that, we are looking forward to seeing what other promoters are bringing to Brixton, and enjoying a few drinks in the sun.
FREE @ Club 43
Doors Open 9pm-3:30am
Find out more info on the Out and Down facebook page here
