Bleep43 Present Derrick May

Bleep43 Present Derrick May

26 May, 2010
by: Music Team

Our intrepid in-house DJ Joe Europe checks techno Godfather Derrick May at Bleep43.

I was very excited about going along to Bleep43 at Corsica Studios for two reasons: firstly, I had never before been to one of Bleep43’s parties and was more than a little intrigued as to what they would have to offer. Their website, which includes articles, reviews and podcasts, is a very impressive source of information on all things electronic. Just by perusing the list of previous party line-ups, which have been graced by some of the leading lights of the dance scene, you can tell that these guys really know their stuff.

Secondly, it's not every weekend that you have one of the founding fathers of techno playing on your doorstep. I've seen this man spin before and believe me, any chance to see the master Derrick May on the wheels of steel is definitely not to be missed.

On arrival at Corsica studios the place seems surprisingly empty even though it's past midnight. The music in both the main room and the more intimate back room is doing all of the right things (you can never complain if the first tune you hear on entering a club is 'Love is the Message' by LFO) and those who are here are clearly appreciating it. All of the DJs are spinning a pleasingly diverse range of tunes that reflect the love for electronic music that's at the core of Bleep43.

When 1am strikes and Derrick May jumps on the decks, it becomes clear that all of the people in the place have come for only one reason. As soon has he takes to the stage, the main room becomes so packed that it’s difficult to move. Where did all of these people come from? The energy and hype that he creates is phenomenal. From the first tune, the Detroit legend is at his best – furiously toiling away behind the decks mixing in record after record, not content to play any one track on its own for longer than a minute. There are no show-stoppers, no hands in the air high points, no reliance on the old classics. What we do get is five hours of solid, grooving house and techno (and yes, he does slip a couple of well loved tracks in there too). No frills, no messing, and the crowd love it.

This is not to say that the rest of the acts were unappreciated. Intergalactic Gary spins a great set of varied electro, house and disco which is a welcome relief from the mêlée of the main room. Also, Jo Johnson’s expertly crafted set of sparse electronica is well appreciated and she’s be someone I'll keep my eyes out for in the future. But what is clear is that people have come to see Derrick May – few can lay claim to having had more influence over the development of electronic dance music than him. What is also clear is that they are far from disappointed.

Words: Joe Europe

Click here to see all London DJ music.
Click here for things to do in London.
Return to Spoonfed's London Clubbing homepage.

Bleep43 Present Derrick May

26 May, 2010
by: Music Team

Our intrepid in-house DJ Joe Europe checks techno Godfather Derrick May at Bleep43.

I was very excited about going along to Bleep43 at Corsica Studios for two reasons: firstly, I had never before been to one of Bleep43’s parties and was more than a little intrigued as to what they would have to offer. Their website, which includes articles, reviews and podcasts, is a very impressive source of information on all things electronic. Just by perusing the list of previous party line-ups, which have been graced by some of the leading lights of the dance scene, you can tell that these guys really know their stuff.

Secondly, it's not every weekend that you have one of the founding fathers of techno playing on your doorstep. I've seen this man spin before and believe me, any chance to see the master Derrick May on the wheels of steel is definitely not to be missed.

On arrival at Corsica studios the place seems surprisingly empty even though it's past midnight. The music in both the main room and the more intimate back room is doing all of the right things (you can never complain if the first tune you hear on entering a club is 'Love is the Message' by LFO) and those who are here are clearly appreciating it. All of the DJs are spinning a pleasingly diverse range of tunes that reflect the love for electronic music that's at the core of Bleep43.

When 1am strikes and Derrick May jumps on the decks, it becomes clear that all of the people in the place have come for only one reason. As soon has he takes to the stage, the main room becomes so packed that it’s difficult to move. Where did all of these people come from? The energy and hype that he creates is phenomenal. From the first tune, the Detroit legend is at his best – furiously toiling away behind the decks mixing in record after record, not content to play any one track on its own for longer than a minute. There are no show-stoppers, no hands in the air high points, no reliance on the old classics. What we do get is five hours of solid, grooving house and techno (and yes, he does slip a couple of well loved tracks in there too). No frills, no messing, and the crowd love it.

This is not to say that the rest of the acts were unappreciated. Intergalactic Gary spins a great set of varied electro, house and disco which is a welcome relief from the mêlée of the main room. Also, Jo Johnson’s expertly crafted set of sparse electronica is well appreciated and she’s be someone I'll keep my eyes out for in the future. But what is clear is that people have come to see Derrick May – few can lay claim to having had more influence over the development of electronic dance music than him. What is also clear is that they are far from disappointed.

Words: Joe Europe

Click here to see all London DJ music.
Click here for things to do in London.
Return to Spoonfed's London Clubbing homepage.

Music Team