Flying the flag for disco in the 21st Century; Tom Armstrong chats to Horse Meat Disco's Luke Howard and James Hillard
No matter how much the club scene has changed around it, disco has always found a place to call home. For us Londoners, one name more than any other represents our own thriving community: Horse Meat Disco. The DJ quartet's weekly residency at The Eagle in Vauxhall, London's primary gay clubbing district, has gained a huge cult following and has seen some of the worlds best DJs play to one of the most intense crowds London can produce. This July sees the release of their third compilation album, a 2CD selection of tracks that capture the night's unique energy. We caught up with two of the four, Luke and James, to discuss the album, Donna Summer and fisting.
Where are you at the moment and what are you doing there?
James: We're out in Sydney at the moment and we're part of the amazing Vivid festival that takes place at the iconic Opera House.
What is the aim of the Horse Meat Disco compilations?
James: For people to put it on at parties, chill outs, play it whilst they're doing the washing up, making love. Just to spread a bit of love and happiness. As for the tracklisting all I'll say is its like selecting a new Pope. Its done in secret and fists are involved. Make of that what you will.
Luke: The new CD has been a labour of love and we're really happy with our mix (There are 2 CD's and Jim and Severino did one and James and I the other). There's a nice selection of slower stuff on our mix. Some sleaze classics and some personal faves. Hopefully people will enjoy it and get turned on to some new tracks or reminisce to some they already know. James, please take your watch off next time you use your fist on me!
What was the first thing that sparked your love for disco?
Luke: I remember in the 70's there was an album advertised on TV called Disco Fever on K-Tel that I begged my mum for - she got it for me for Christmas and everybody laughed at me - it wasn't cool with my extended family, I was scarred! When I was 7 my American cousins bought I Feel Love on 7" and we played it all summer and had dancing competitions - so I guess that was a big record in my life, and it still is.
James: For me it was my dad. He was a DJ in the late 70s and early 80s so [disco] music was quite a constant in my life from an early age. Rather than rebelling against it I just loved it and always have, even when it was deemed totally uncool by my peers.
Did you set out with a plan for HMD to be as big as it is? Or has it just snowballed over time?
James: We stared the party hoping to get at least 50 people come down. Our expectations never went far beyond being able to make a bit of pocket money and shaking up the scene a little, we certainly didn't envisage that we would be travelling the world playing disco records to people. I guess what we stumbled on caught people's imagination, but it wasn't an overnight sensation. We all believed in it and spent a good few years really plugging away and getting all the elements right.
Is there a difference when you play in clubs outside of the gay circuit?
James: When I started travelling and playing in different clubs I thought I would have to tailor the music to be appropriate for the people and the place, but I quickly learnt I should just play what I love. I think if you can convey your love for the music to the crowd you can play anything. Having a crowd with an open mind does help. Some places I've played at have been totally open minded, some not so, its a lottery, although sometimes those queens can be very particular and get the most vocal if they don't like something. On the most part I've been lucky to have met some great people over the years who have turned me on to amazing music and well... just turned me on!
Who is the best DJ you've ever booked at Horse Meat?
James: We've had so many great DJs. Sadly I wasn't there for Andrew Weatherall but the feedback I've been hearing is that he was amazing! I always like Daniele Baldelli when he plays. He's a true pioneer and an inspiration. And Luke I'm not just saying this because you're sitting next to me and have hidden the Haribo but you are always great at the club... now can I have my sweets back?
Luke: I've eaten all the sweets, but thanks for the compliment - you've turned me on to some great records over the years Hillardo. I really liked Prins Thomas when he played - a very good selection. Mark Seven has excellent taste. Bobby Vitteritti was super lovely with amazing history and selection. Derrick Carter – fierce! Baldelli - A true legend and a super modest, lovely guy.
How long do you intend to keep working and touring? Any plans to marry and retire to the coast?
James: I love doing this and I'm lucky that I don't have a 9-5, so quite frankly I hope I can keep doing it for a long time. As for marrying and retiring to the coast I'm still accepting offers. They have dried up recently so just putting that back out there!
Luke: I always say if a hot daddy wanted to whisk me away I'd give it all up in an instant but I'd probably get bored - unless we had a brown Labrador. The truth is I've been going to clubs for nearly 30 years - I guess they're where I feel at home, so I'll probably be doing this for a lot longer, or until I go deaf.
Horse Meat Disco play every Sunday at The Eagle, Vauxhall
Horse Meat Disco III is out on 4th July.
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