Living in this little town they call Londoninium, it’s all too easy to forget about the myriad of awesome clubs across the country that are kicking it every weekend. For hard dance freaks, the Midlands and the North are havens of hard beats, hosting some of the most exciting and downright fun events in the country. B2T is one such world-beating club — a relatively recent phenomenon set up by Sundissential resident and former employee, Strange Dave. Now with Dave and his crew preparing to host their own room at Tasty’s 5th Birthday on December 2nd at Renaissance Rooms, us lucky Londoners are about go get a taste of one of the best hard dance clubs in the country.
Dave’s haphazard involvement with the legendary Sundissential has gone to show that in the dance music industry, seemingly insignificant events can lead to much greater things. After popping his Sundissential cherry, Dave became a regular on the Sundissential website message board and decided to ask the Sundissential promoters whether they wanted a new website, as in his own words, “their current site was shite.” This was the stepping stone for him into the great wide world of hard dance, and from here things slowly gathered momentum for him. But I’ll let him fill you in on how exactly things happened...
So Dave, how did you end up working in dance music full time?
So I started working on a new site [for Sundissential] in my spare time and ended up getting the sack from my job due to enjoying the weekend so much lol. Whilst looking for a new job I spent more time working on the new SS site and one day Danny asked me if I wanted to work full time for SS as the IT manager.
I jumped at the chance totally buzzin’. It was like the coolest job, working for the biggest hard house club ever. Gradually as time went by I started to help out with the organising of event, booking djs, sorting flyers etc… and here we are today.
Was there a defining moment for you when you realised you wanted to be a dj?
I don’t think there was one particular moment mate, it sort of just happened. I only started mixing because I was fed up of getting stoned on my own at chill outs cuz every one else was on the decks. So one day I just thought fuck it, giz a go, and I’ve been addicted ever since.
I mean you can’t beat having a good mix when you get home from clubbing, I remember me and my mate Gaz spending 36 hours straight on the decks. We had to send people to get electric twice from the shop. Crippled wasn’t the word by the time we finished that sesh lol.
You are now a Sundissential Resident and an important part of the team there. Describe your first ever Sunnies experience...
I had just had a bit of a messy split with my girlfriend at the time and one weekend I ended up with the choice of going out on a lads night out with my ex’s mate’s boyfriend who I didn’t really know or go out with, my ex’s brother and my old mate Tony, who I hadn’t seen since I was 10 years old.
I decided a night out on the Coventry town with “the lads” wasn’t for me so I ended up getting on a train and off to Brum we went. I had no idea where we were going or what was in store for me that night. I was told to wear combats and trainers which was weird cuz it was a Saturday night and every body knows you have to wear shirt and trousers to get in any where on a Saturday night durrrrr!
Finally we landed and I was told we were going to some place called Sundissential. I had never heard of it, let alone heard of hard house, and I wasn’t really into dance music at the time. We walked 100 yards down the road and I could see this queue about 5 people deep stretching all the way up the road. We joined the queue and I remember thinking, “what the fuck is this.” I mean people were dressed as mad as they come, outfits made of bubble wrap, some with cyber on and mad face paint. 50 years old trannies, a bloke with a toilet seat around his head fishing with Tonka toys — fuckin’ mad.
We finally got to the front and I was told I couldn’t get in because I wasn’t a member. Luckily enough the bloke next to me said he would sign me in. So off we went filled in a form, paid my fare and in we go. Bam! Again I thought, “what the fuck is this” as I was hit by the maddest atmosphere ever. I looked around and people were going ballistic. It didn’t take me long before I was jumpin all over the place... podiums... the lot haha! I fuckin’ loved it. After what was the best night of my life I have only missed two or three Sundissentials in brum.
I look back and I’ve often wondered what I would be doing now if I went to town instead of Sundissential that night. Scary indeed.
How did you get a chance to be more than just a punter at the events then? It’s no mean feat to get a residency at one of the world’s biggest hard dance events...
I was lucky enough to be working for Sundissential. I started playing out at small events around the Midlands with my mate Steve a.k.a Dangle, so after we started to get our name known Madders and Danny let us play in the back room. After a while we became a stand in djs in case some one was late or didn’t show.
I remember the first time we got to play in the main room, it was April 2001 at The Sanctuary and it was rammed. Paul Glazby was just about to finish and there was no sign of Lisa Lashes so Madders asked us to get ready. I had just been record shopping that day and bought ‘Set You Free’ (Maddox remix) so that had to be the tune to be played.
I went first. I remember looking out to the crowd and they were having it and it was like do or die. Glazby’s tune was running out quick... my hand had a slight wobble so I had to have a quick word with myself. After that the mix went fine and the crowd went mad when the break dropped — happy days indeed!
Just after that I turned around only to find Lisa Lashes stood there. Gutted wasn’t the word. I looked at Steve and he was even more gutted as he wasn’t getting a mix! We finally got booked for the main room in July and after that we were awarded with the residency and I haven’t looked back since.
Sundissential is known as being one of the most vibrant and downright crazy parties in the UK. What have been amongst the more random things you’ve seen going on at the club over the years?
Sundissential is where it all began, all the randomness, the crazy tea parties in the middle of the dance floor, people sat on toilets in the middle of the dance floor peeling potatoes. Not forgetting the great gibbon hunt of 2001!
It’s a amazing how much effort people used to put into going out, spending all week making costumes just for Sundissential that weekend, then they would do it all over again. That’s what made Sundissential great: the fact that you could express your self however you wanted and no one would bat an eyelid.
The club is soon celebrating its 10 year anniversary. What have you guys got planned to make it go off with a bang?
Well I couldn’t tell you exactly as I’m not directly involved with the day to day running of SS anymore. I can guarantee this though — it will be one fucking mental night, I can’t fuckin’ wait... COME ON!
Moving on, you also run the highly successful Birmingham-based night B2T. When did this whole venture start and what’s the idea behind the party?
The idea for B2T was born in April ‘05. I had just quit another promotion I had been working on for various reasons and at this point I had had enough of the whole promotion game, I just wanted to focus on my dj’ing.
I was having a beer with my best mate Tony (Live Wire) and he mentioned he would be up for putting an event on. I knew how much he wanted to do this so I agreed to do it with him and on May 28th B2T was born.
The idea behind the party? B2T equals good vibes, variety of good music, and value for money. We always try to keep or events as cheap as possible and offer as much choice as we possible can. We have been going now just over a year and we have took nothing home really. All the money just gets invested back into making the next event even better. We are not out to rip clubbers off like other events do we just want to have a party ourselves.
You are bringing the B2T vibe to Tasty’s 5th Birthday at The Renaissance Rooms in London on December 2nd, where you will be hosting an arena. What can we expect then?
Well we have an army of B2T ravers coming down with us to show you guys how we like to do it so I can guarantee the atmosphere in our arena will be full on 100% hi-octane all night and you will leave with a smile.
Do you think you Midlanders could teach us Southerners a thing or two? Or visa versa?
Like I just said the B2T army will be down in force for this event and they only have one goal and that’s to have the time of their lives. We ain’t setting out to try and teach anyone anything, clubbing is all about the clubber, the atmosphere, everyone coming together as one and fuckin goin for it. Happy days!
Do you think that there are a lot of Northern/Midlands djs who get lots of recognition in their parts of the country but not down in London? Do you think there is still a divide?
I think there is still a divide but over the last couple of years it has definitely changed. With big clubs letting smaller brands co host rooms it has given many djs the chance to play in other parts of the country they wouldn’t normally.
When did you first come into contact with Billy ‘Daniel’ Bunter, the man behind the Tasty machine?
God it must have been 2003 I think? Obviously I had heard of Billy Bunter before but hadn’t spoken to him before then.
The 5th Birthday is bringing together crews from all over the country, such as yourself, Hard South from Brighton and Nailed from Leicester. Which other promotions across the country have really impressed you on your travels?
I’ve always loved going to Pam’s House in Norwich. Bit of a mission but it’s always been a good night. The crowd out there love it. They’re friendly as ya can be and up for it like us back home. Pam’s House it is.
Aside from the obvious candidates who get touted about very often, which new producers are getting you really excited about at the moment? Who do you think deserves more attention? Give us a scoop Dave!
B2T resident Riggsy is the man. 100% tune machine, a dream to work with and a top guy too. Also look out for Kye Shand, another B2T ressie, as I think he will make some noise next year with his productions. They just keep getting better and better.
And finally — got any gossip?
Yeah Madders has one bollock and it’s called Mandy, Live Wire is Limp oh… and I think there might be a B2T New Blood Christmas Free Party @ The Sanctuary in December!
Photos courtesy of Strange Dave. Not to be reproduced without permission.
£8 EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE UP TO MONDAY 23RD OCTOBER FROM www.tastyuk.com DON’T MISS OUT!!!
THE £15 + BF SAVER TICKETS WILL SELL OUT BY MID NOVEMBER!
STANDARD TICKETS £17 + BF
MORE ON THE DOOR
TastyUK.com in association with Contagious Club Wear and Fusion present
TASTY – THE 5TH BIRTHDAY & CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
Saturday 2nd December 2006 @ The Renaissance “Rave” Rooms. Off Miles Street / Wands worth Road, Vauxhall, London, SW8 1SD 9pm to 6am + Free After Party @ Hidden 6.30 am to Super late
WELCOME TO THE 5TH BIRTHDAY & CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
7 LIVE STAGE ACTS
OVER 60 PERFORMING ARTISTS
2 MASSIVE MAIN ARENAS OF HARD DANCE & HARDCORE
3 ROOMS OF INTIMATE PARTY FUN INCLUDING THE RETURN OF THE OLD SKOOL & CLUB CLASSICS ROOM
OVER 14 HOURS OF MAYHEM
1 FREE AFTER PARTY
CO HOSTS FROM THE WEST COUNTRY, MIDLANDS, NORTH OF ENGLAND & THE SOUTH COAST
4 DANCE & ENTERTAINMENT TROOPS INCLUDING “CONTAGIOUS” - CLUBBINGS BIGGEST FASHION NAME
5 ROOMS OF BASSSHAKING SOUND
5 ROOMS OF FUTURISTIC LAZARS, LIGHTS & VISUALS
1 PARTY CAPTURING 5 YEARS OF INTENSE TASTY MADNESS
&
OVER 2000 TASTY – HARDER GENERATION / PARTY PEOPLE!!!!
NEXT GENERATION ATTRACTIONS
5 rooms of Tasty Birthday & Xmas atmosphere - half a million pounds worth of bass shaking Funktion One Sound - full on unique Tasty production - full on futuristic light shows - 4 high powered lasers - live vj - dance platforms - outside chill out areas - SAS Dance Team - Glow Worms Performers - Twisted Bliss Dancers - official event souvenir programmes - photo stall - uv stall - massage - free tasty membership - cd giveaways & the all important unrivalled Tasty party vibe at the most important Hard Dance & Hardcore party of 2006 …WHO’S THE F***ING DADDY???
CONTAGIOUS ENTERTAINMENT FRESH FROM ROCKING THIS YEARS GLOBAL GATHERING
The Contagious Dance team will be outside of the club on the night while you Que, supported by the Kicker Hummer Mobile Sound System, and spectacular fire entertainers
Main Stage entertainment includes - stilt walkers, jugglers, fire entertainers and large dance troop, you thought Contagious took entertainment to the next level at Global, wait till you see what they have in store for Tasty
Make sure you don’t miss the Contagious promotions girls who will be mixing with the crowd giving away fantastic free clubbing outfits, legwarmers and other great giveaways through out the night
Contagious will be decking out the venue with a host of inflatable’s bringing that true big festival feel to Tasty’s 5th Birthday & Xmas celebrations
WELCOME …….
Fusion – The West Countries number 1 Hardcore party. This is the 1st time Fusion have touched down in London since Wembly arena in 1996
Love Muzik & Digital Love – 2 of the capitals freshest parties are about to bring the Old Skool, Club Classics and Funky & Dirty House vibes to the 5th Birthday.
Bounce 2 This – Birmingham’s most up for it, bouncetastic Hard Dance and Hardcore extravaganza are gonna tear up the “Hardcore & Hard Dance” classics room.
Hard South – The sounds of the future fresh from The South Coast, injecting the party with The Nu Breed.
Nailed – More Nu Breed madness this time from the Midlands, get ready as Nailed go head to head with Hard South …. The future is before your eyes.
www.tastyuk.com
Flyer:
-
Region:
London
Music:
Trance. Hard Trance. Psy Trance. Nu NRG. Hi NRG. Hardcore. HardStyle. House. Bouncy House. Deep House. Funky House. Hard House. Prog House. Deep Techno. Funky Techno. Techno.
DJ's:
HARD DANCE STAGE – WHO’S THE F***ING DADDY?
IN CONJUNCTION WITH CONTAGIOUS CLUB WEAR
Billy ‘Daniel’ Bunter (Last Hour Tasty Birthday Set – Who Wants 1 More?)
Greg Brookman ALIVE P.A. (Birthday Special)
Mark EG (Live on Stage Birthday Show)
Jon Doe B2B Roosta (5 Years of Tasty Anthems) Request your all time Tasty classics to tastyevents@hotmail.com Justin Bourne Cally Gage Andy Rise B2B Matt Pick Up
J.K B2B Andy McCall Sam Hudson with Nick “The Bongo Man” Fisher LIVE P.A.
HARDCORE STAGE – BATLLE OF THE DJ’S AND LIVE ACTS
IN CONJUNCTION WITH FUSION
Paradise LIVE P.A. Performing See the Light
DJ Unknown VS Lou Lou (Live Hour DJ Set & P.A. Performing Making Me Wanna Dance & My Fantasy)
Darren Styles VS MC Junior (Live Hour DJ Set & P.A. Performing Pretty Green Eyes & Paradise and Dreams)
CLSM VS Nikki Mak (Live Hour DJ Set & P.A. Performing Take Control)
Ramos – Supreme & MC Marley
Hixxy Billy ‘Daniel’ Bunter
Sytronik
Sketchy SmYrKy & Seraya
MC’S Junior, Marley, ChitChat, Casper, Spenno
PARTY ZONE – OLD SKOOL, CLUB CLASSICS, FUNKY & DIRTY HOUSE IN CONJUNCTION WITH LOVE MUZIK & DIGITAL LOVE
From: Jo Brighton 13th Nov 2006 22:58.28 Wicked interview... bout time u got recognised for the work that u do dave. See ya at tasty....definately!xx
From: Simon_Vegason 16th Nov 2006 10:00.26 Wicked interview fella! Looking forward to catching up with ya at B2T again soon buddy...
Keep rockin' dude!
Simon
From: dj_riggsyon 17th Nov 2006 13:11.08 wicked interview daveyboy me old fruit. cheers for the mention ;-) cheques in the post hehe
catch ya soon mukka
From: crazyclubber66on 17th Nov 2006 18:37.09 strange dave is a legend its about time someone reconised his talents and get hi signed up pronto the guy is a legend mucho respecto my son xxx
From: mattpickupon 21st Nov 2006 16:11.20 smashing interview davie boy
From: sexyminxon 21st Nov 2006 16:31.47 Wicked interview keep up the good work
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keep up the good work 