Sancho Panza v Rebel Waltz

Sancho Panza v Rebel Waltz

26 November, 2009
by: Lowri

Sancho Panza sprang from the collective talents of two London DJs: Matt Brown and Jimmy K-Tel. Their desire to "get all our mates together on New Year's Eve" back in 1992 has led to one of London's longest standing and most celebrated promotions. They have become notorious for their kicking contribution to Notting Hill Carnival – where their sound system is the largest dedicated solely to underground house music – as well as their residency at The End and their parties all over the capital and beyond.

2009 has seen them launch a residency at East Village with Rebel Waltz – aka Stuart Paterson and Murray Richardson. This Saturday 28th November is the final instalment. We caught up with the boys ahead of their show.

So, can you tell me how it all began?

We wanted to get all our mates together under one roof for New Years Eve. We found a small basement space near Camden, spent 2 days dressing it up, charged £5 on the door and basically, fell in love with it all.
 
I first came across you at Glade 2005-ish. You were the tent playing the most upfront party music with the most people in fancy dress going nuts inside. Was the rise to the popularity you now enjoy a fairly rapid change or did it take some time?

It's been a slow and steady cruise. Small steps to the top of the mountain.
 
Has there been a massive progression in your musical style since you started?

In 17 years of doing parties the music has certainly moved around. Originally you would hear a lot of US house, quality vocals that are now considered classics. Along the way it's been more techy, more breaky, more disco flavoured, etc. It's anything that's interesting, delicious and funky.
 
What would you say is the ethos of Sancho Panza?

Ain't nothing but a party y'all.
 
Do you get your name from the squire character in Don Quixote?

Indeed we do.
 
You guys have been around for a few years! What have been the main changes you've noticed in London clubbing?

There's people in the toilets offering you cologne and a hand towel.
 
So....partying for a living. Does it get tiresome?

We do other things as well so it keeps Sancho special.
 
Future plans?

We're doing a New Year's Eve loft party with Stuart Patterson which is shaping up to be very special, we have a small festival idea brewing for summer 2010, we've got some other warehouse parties in the pipeline, we'll be doing boat parties and Carnival and we're back at the excellent East Village for a bi-monthly residency.
 
Failsafe dancefloor rocker?

Come down to East Village on Saturday 28th and we'll show you...


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Lowri