If you were to take a look at the string of clubs that’ve closed down in London over the past year or two you would be forgiven for thinking that the capital’s clubbing scene is rapidly dwindling away. Studio 338 burned to the ground, Dance Tunnel giving in due to the “licensing climate”, plus Shapes, SE1, Cable to name just a few. Then the biggest blow of all with Fabric losing its license and closing down, appalling and uniting DJs and ravers across the globe to fight its case. This ended up being a huge success, but when the days were at their darkest, some very welcome news came in the form of Printworks.
London Warehouse Events (LWE) were behind the giant move to transform one of Europe’s largest printing facilities into a music and arts venue with a view to reshape the face of London clubbing. The venue is comprised of six event spaces of differing sizes, with an unbelievable maximum capacity of six-thousand. Just round the corner from Canada Water station in SE16, Printworks is relatively accessible from anywhere in London. The entire building complex is completely soundproof, meaning that the L’Acoustic and SB28 loudspeakers won’t even be able to upset latecomers to the community with a view to retrospectively complain about noise (looking at you Islington).
The Metro and Evening Standard might not be printed here anymore but the events list has made a few headlines… (look guys its a pun ok it’s Valentines day I’m lonely allow me)
Here are the three I’m most interested in, check out the full listings on the website.
Performing the album live for the first time ever, Booka Shade will make the most of Printworks industrial setting and state-of-the art, bespoke AV system for a show that looks set to live long in the memories of those lucky enough to be in attendance. The event celebrates the release of their Galvany Street album (one might call it a launch party), and will feature support from the likes of singers such as Craig Walker, David Walker, Australian Yates and Urdur. If you can’t really remember Booka Shade’s songs I’ve conveniently plugged one below (I know you can I just want to plug one anyway).
The Hydra Presents / 4th March:
For their first Printworks installment Hydra are bringing together some of electronic music’s most well-respected and most loved names to the billing.
Daphni headlines. Also known under his live Caribou moniker his shift from gig halls to the dance floor has been seamless following the launch of his Jialong imprint. Joining him comes Floating Points, having played for The Hydra earlier this year, and set to headline Horizon Festival around the same time – those that were there know the breadth of his musicality. In support comes Gold Panda fresh from the release of his third album ‘Good Luck and Do Your Best’.
Melt Festival Presents / 18th March:
I. Love. Kiasmos. The Icelandic sonic geniuses will be bringing one of their much revered DJ sets, which actually quite possibly saved my mind during my degree. Kudos for that. Over the past 20 years, Melt have set new standards on the international festival circuit and leave nothing to be desired. With an eclectic, pioneering approach to programming, their date at The Printworks will display the electronic beat within.
Room 1 sees techno innovator Chris Liebing step up with a name on everyone’s lips at the moment – Mind Against. Recondite lines up for an uncompromised live set, packed with plenty of low end punch and drone sounds, a musical maelstrom that may as well have been designed specifically for Printworks. Julia Govor is another name that is appearing on lineups with increasing frequency and with her productions continuing to find their way into the sets of many DJ peers, this is just the start of her ascent. Superstition will take over The Print Halls intimate room 2 space. Expect dark, deep and minimal techno, helping this story to continue.
That’s all for now folks. Grab your tickets and help the cause that is Printworks in taking back the London scene and cementing its importance in the landscape. See you there!
Franklin
