The Rise and Rise Again of London House Parties
Back in the day you couldn’t throw a shape in Shoreditch on a Friday night without hitting someone on the way to a London house party. Then grime and garage took over and for a while – just a little while – everything was quiet. But no more. London house parties are back and they’re as funky as they used to be.
Anyone who remembers Turnmills before it got really busy, or Bagley’s – remember Bagley’s chill out area? Say what you like about a dilapidated warehouse behind King’s Cross Station, at least it had sofas and palm trees on the roof – before it got shut down will be familiar with the vibe you get in today’s London house parties. It’s the same “anything goes, anyone’s welcome” feeling. Business folk partying hard next to dyed in the wool clubbers who haven’t slept since Tuesday.
So what’s the deal with new London house parties? To a large degree it’s the same as the old. You have to get your ear to the ground and find out what’s going on if you want to get involved with the really good stuff. Keep your eyes peeled for flyers or follow your favourite DJs into their after hours sessions. Oh, and check out some of the city’s new up and coming house labels too. Several are operating as DJ agencies and party venues too, so just following the latest releases on your favourite underground label could lead you to some of the best London house parties you’ve been to in years.
There are, of course, some more mainstream events that manage to maintain a bit of old school secrecy – like the legendary House Party hosted by Michael Amaning and Marin 2Smoove, which gets it on once every three months at an undisclosed venue. The venue changes, the tickets don’t go on sale until two weeks before, and you only find out where it is by word of mouth.
Too cool for school or just awesome? Depends on who you ask. It’s emblematic of the London house parties we all know and love, after all – it’s just got such a good reputation that the mainstream media likes to talk about it every now and again!
The philosophy behind House party is certainly the right one – and it’s the same one that informs all the best London house parties you ever went to. No-one cares what you wear, just as long as you get down and feel the music. Because what’s partying all about? Dancing all night long.
About the Author
Vineet Verma is a passionate club kid, DJ and music producer. He’s currently co-running the Now Then Records label, DJ agency and party venue. When he isn’t playing or producing he’s organising London house parties, doing A and R for new artists and sniffing out hot new venues for all nighters.
Tell others about
this page:
Comments? Questions? Email Here