Joe Brooke-Smith gets involved at Electric Minds 6th birthday party.
House music. As a DJ, producer, promoter, enthusiast, fan, obsessive etc. it’s always hard to fully explain what you mean when someone asks the question – “what is it you actually do then?” The phrase “I’m into house music…” It’s like saying “I’m into rock music” or “I’m into pop music”. A useless expression that fails to convey what you really mean and could imply anything from the cheesiest chart dance hit to the most underground music imaginable (sadly most people’s default conclusion is the former).
When faced with that question in the future I would love to step into my Delorian, accelerate to 88 mph and bring my inquisitors back to this moment, and point to this night and say HERE! THIS! Do you understand???
Electric Minds have been slowly building their rep as one of the baddest house and techno nights in London and now they hit the grand old age of 6 they have a very impressive string of nights under their belts. This year they’ve set up a string of loft parties bringing in some of the hottest talent around. They’ve showcased some of the most influential labels of the moment – I speak of Ostgut Ton, We Play House, Workshop Records – and their wheels of steel have been graced by the likes of Mark E and Markus Worgull.
To be honest I’m wondering if I’m in the right place as I approach the nondescript black door on a busy East End street with a very small queue and a lonely looking bouncer. After a short wait and some reassurance from a fellow punter that I have indeed found the right party I’m on my way up the stairs into the intimate loft space and the throb of the music is building.
The feel of the place is part way between house party and warehouse rave. The rafters are low over the dancing crowd’s heads, the floor is crammed with gyrating bodies. The atmosphere is friendly, the revellers know their music. They know what they like and they like what they hear.
The music is house. Through and through. Without exception. This does not mean it’s dull, unchanging, uninspired. This does mean that it’s sometimes uplifting, sometimes jacking, sometimes hypnotic, sometimes sinister. The energy ebbs and flows with the DJs carefully guiding the dancing mass seamlessly (well – except for the odd occasion when the needle is knocked from the record by overzealous dancers).
Move D is exceptional, but then again so are all the DJs on the night – resident and main conspirator Dolan Bergin and London house DJ Mark Pavitt. Exchanged glances between the dancers say it all – sharing the experience of being moved by house music.
This is exactly how it should be.
Joe Brooke-Smith
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