£25.00 and Under - The Challenge

Talking to a friend recently about soul music and the topic of ‘upfront nights’ came into play. After a few moments it occurred to me that we were talking about two different things, though seemingly unbeknown to each other the trajectory of our conversation carried on unaffected by our differing views. The disconnect came, when the notion of price and genre came into it; perhaps I’m in the minority, maybe even isolated when I suggest that to assume an upfront night must firstly be about expensive records, and secondly, they’ve got to be hard and fast is wrong?

Upfront to me is about the essence of discovery; surely about good, new, underplayed and/or forgotten black-African or black influenced music, of varying pace and age. I look to Europe when I write these words, and I know from experience that over there that this is the case. I also know the history isn’t as established, and thus uptempo doesn’t hold the same cultural stock, but BPM aside, upfront is about FRESH sounds.

As the chat progressed a benchmark price was established - £100 or more for a good upfront sound? Again, I thought, nahhh…

These two points of departure got me thinking — can you do a good, upfront night on the cheap? Can it be done for £25.00 and under (current market value, give or take a few quid, because as we know, price is very subjective).

The topic first arose when I asked on the Facebook sales page “Soul for £25.00 and under” if such a night could be done. Plenty of responses, mostly positive and encouraging were made, however tentative enquiries thereafter as to ‘interest’ in such an event were lukewarm at best.

So here it is, what do we think — could it be done, specifically, could the bigger DJ’s go back to basics, could they dig for cheaper, but lesser played quality records and get a good vibe going, and would folk be keen to listen?

The option to do such an event is on offer in the back room of Different Strokes in Manchester. While Different Strokes does champion the cheaper record, those who have been, are all too aware that on the whole, the good DJ’s generally play big and rare

As ever, the issue of cost is pertinent - the DJ’s will kindly play for free because they’re up for the challenge, but the cost of using the second room, aka the pool room must be covered (equipment hire etc), as such; Steve and his team quite rightly have to be cautious, thus would there be interest.

The proposed date is the 6th of Sept 2014. The room will be 9-1am, running parallel to the main room, which will be typically upfront as always. As such the event is not an aside because that defeats the purpose of the challenge, which is, “can good, cheap soul records hold their own” or, “can the pool room give the main room a run for its money?"

DJ’s thus far:

Adam Topping

Steve Cato

Gary Bratchford

All comments and ideas welcome, and if DJ’s are interested in participating, it could feature again in the future.

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Second Issue

Rodney LeePeaceJul 16 2014 10:56 AM

Hopefully would stop djs playing same records two or three times during night.

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soul or nothing....

little-stevieJul 16 2014 12:27 PM

I look forward to playing at this little gathering and digging deep.. Who knows what we might find.......

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bri phillJul 16 2014 12:36 PM

It's a great idea in principal because there is so much good upfront stuff around for that sort of money.

In reality would it bring more punters to the DS night probably a few but doubtful if enough to keep a decent vibe all night.

I would expect people to pop in from the main room for a short while especially if they weren't to keen on stuff being played at that time.

Regarding costs may just cover them and maybe quite interesting.

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soul or nothing....

little-stevieJul 16 2014 01:00 PM

Indeed Phil... Don't expect a stampede but always looking to mix it up.. A small gathering of folk would be fine as its not a very big venue....

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Fresh

Mister FishJul 16 2014 01:15 PM

I'd play this if I was playing

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Going Big

KevinKentJul 16 2014 01:36 PM

"As ever, the issue of cost is pertinent - the DJ’s will kindly play for free because they’re up for the challenge,"

But why does that seem to be such an accepted part of this scene? It just goes towards perpetuating the gulf between the big names and those other (often better and more imaginative IMO) dj's that are sometimes struggling for bookings. I'd sooner pay a decent wedge of door tax to ensure that the guys who were doing the work and putting their reputation on the line were getting rewarded for their efforts. (gripe over. )

As for the idea in general - off course it can be done, and done well. I've attended a few "cheap as chips" nights, one room events that have tried this formula, and found them to be refreshingly different, and a real eye-opener for some folk.

Dig deep and Good Luck.

- Kev

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Going Big

Andy KempsterJul 16 2014 02:23 PM

Warren Boogaloo used to run a "cheap as chips" night a few years ago in north london and they were great, for once I was hearing records being played that I could seriously afford to buy without skinting myself for weeks at a time, Des Parker, James Trouble and various others including of course Warren himself played some great tunes in that little basement club. Just proves it can and has been done, maybe it will happen again. I for one hope so

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TailorMade Gaz BJul 16 2014 02:25 PM

KevinKent, on 16 Jul 2014 - 12:36 PM, said:

"As ever, the issue of cost is pertinent - the DJ’s will kindly play for free because they’re up for the challenge,"

But why does that seem to be such an accepted part of this scene? It just goes towards perpetuating the gulf between the big names and those other (often better and more imaginative IMO) dj's that are sometimes struggling for bookings.

Very true Kev - I guess payment is a gesture of gratitude, but with events like this, where the margins are tight but the goal is to be refreshing, its sometimes difficult to pay people who might not even expect it - but as a good promoter who you your best. So I guess what I was saying is Adam (who lives a good 100 miles away) is doing it as a big favour because he's invested in the idea, and for that I'm very grateful. Basically I'm saying Adam is 'top'-ping...

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SoulStuJul 16 2014 08:49 PM

It's a brilliant concept Gaz - there are masses of quality tunes around that price, you'd never be short of quality OVO to play. The problem is obviously those punters who's legs go wobbly if they haven't heard each record a million times before. Can't educate pork I'm afraid!

I reckon there's enough discerning soulies round your neck of the woods to make it worthwhile tho.

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Garry HuxleyJul 17 2014 10:34 AM

Best of luck with this as in my opinion it's what is needed all across the scene.

Wish there was a regular night like this near wellingborough, i'd be there every time,

Might get the oppertunity to DJ a bit more often as well.

Good luck.

Garry

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NockerJul 17 2014 12:33 PM

Stevie B and Sid Jones do it monthly upfront session at FUSION soul@D.I.SC in Denton Manchester, trouble is lack of punters, shame because its a brilliant mix of sounds and lesser known guest DJs.

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Second Issue

PAUL GJul 17 2014 01:14 PM

https://www.facebook...33887693356805/

upfront soul music

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TailorMade Gaz BJul 17 2014 02:39 PM

Mister Fish, on 16 Jul 2014 - 12:15 PM, said:

I'd play this if I was playing

Fantastic Steve.

my Fav Bobby J record...

Currently listed at £25 on on two sites.

So if anyone is keen on having a bash at a cheapies set, send a PM!

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MarkHJul 17 2014 09:41 PM

At Majestic Soul in London we have always featured plenty of tracks during our nights that are both under £25 and not well known (of course we also feature some rarities and classics as well)

Mark H

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geese

geeseladJul 18 2014 12:11 AM

an ideal concept, and three dj's I know that can cut the mustard with their knowledge in order to provide variety and depth in the playlist. be great if you guys can be truely upfront and play some new releases, there's plenty to pick from over the last few months.

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TailorMade Gaz BJul 18 2014 11:06 AM

geeselad, on 17 Jul 2014 - 11:11 PM, said:

an ideal concept, and three dj's I know that can cut the mustard with their knowledge in order to provide variety and depth in the playlist. be great if you guys can be truely upfront and play some new releases, there's plenty to pick from over the last few months.

Cheers Geese,

Yeah its got potential, and as others have noted, it can be done.

Furthermore, the call was specifically to the bigger DJ's, though this isn't a pre-requsit for the night to go ahead, but that is where I think the 'challenge' lies, however the invite is open to all.

Those who are well established on the scene as strong collectors, can they go back to their collections, or in essence, their roots, and pull a good set together. I know some could, but can they all do it. One such example was when Sean Haydon gave me a record he'd just played. Regardless of cost, I was appreciative and grateful, but when he told me it was £10 I was astounded - and it had the whole crowd up on its feet.

Or, conversely, can those who have just appeared with some cash and gone straight to big and rare, including the 'hot boxers'...could they even put a cheap set together; do they know what good quality cheap soul is.

They're the ones who draw the crowds, and give specific nights appeal, but is there an over reliance on expensive records and how much knowledge is there?

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Tape swappers fav

DaveKDJul 18 2014 09:47 PM

Andy Kempster, on 16 Jul 2014 - 1:23 PM, said:

Warren Boogaloo used to run a "cheap as chips" night a few years ago in north london and they were great, for once I was hearing records being played that I could seriously afford to buy without skinting myself for weeks at a time, Des Parker, James Trouble and various others including of course Warren himself played some great tunes in that little basement club. Just proves it can and has been done, maybe it will happen again. I for one hope so

I loved those nights heard some really great tunes. One night Des was selling the tunes literally off the decks for a tenner - brilliant. Have to say I thought James Trouble being a 'big records' DJ would fall flat on his face, but no chance - he played an excellent set, a definite winner.

So good luck with the night, sure it can be done no question.

Dave

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ey up, thar knows what thar can do dunt yer

chalkyJul 19 2014 11:02 AM

The trouble with this scene is to many price is first and foremost and not the music. Price often over rides quality and often to the detriment of the scene in particular the so called upfront scene and it often doesn't do it any favours whatsoever in the eyes of the more traditional scene goer.

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LEN

LENJul 21 2014 01:35 PM

A real shame that price is focussed on at all.

Good luck with it.

All the best,

Len

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TailorMade Gaz BJul 27 2014 05:53 PM

Nige Brown and Carms on board

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Getting spins again

Anais nin CarmsJul 28 2014 11:19 AM

I absolutely love and thrive in this type of environment , so many under 25.00 pound records don't get aired that are so good , really looking forward to a diverse and interesting night where all you can hear is ... good god that's a bloody good tune , I didn't know it was that cheap !

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Getting spins again

Anais nin CarmsJul 28 2014 11:27 AM

Can I just ask that there is good seating in the spare room , lets try and create a great fluctuating tempo environment , perhaps incorporate a trades/selling environment. Make it somewhere we can encourage people to come into ..and then be trapped when they hear how good cheapies can sound Might be an idea to invite Beatin Rhythm to bring some under 25.00 pound selling stock along

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stokesoulboyJul 28 2014 11:58 AM

My fave "cheap" Motown 45

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TailorMade Gaz BJul 28 2014 12:52 PM

Derek Higham is on board too, in the absence of Mr.Topping who has double booked himself

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TailorMade Gaz BJul 28 2014 12:54 PM

Anais nin Carms, on 28 Jul 2014 - 10:27 AM, said:

Can I just ask that there is good seating in the spare room , lets try and create a great fluctuating tempo environment , perhaps incorporate a trades/selling environment. Make it somewhere we can encourage people to come into ..and then be trapped when they hear how good cheapies can sound Might be an idea to invite Beatin Rhythm to bring some under 25.00 pound selling stock along

I'll ask Steve and see if he can sort something out!

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soul or nothing....

little-stevieJul 28 2014 06:57 PM

We do have extra seating for certain events, plus soft lighting etc... Any folk wanting to do sales of under £25 tunes is welcome if you contact me in advance to arrange space/ table... Please RSVP on the event or leave a post with message, this will give us some idea of numbers maybe... We also have a Different Strokes group on Facebook with info etc..

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It's Never Dull In Hull

hullsoulSep 01 2014 06:13 PM

Making our first visit to Different Strokes & the "under £25" idea is definitely a bonus for us

Cheers

Martyn

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soul or nothing....

little-stevieSep 06 2014 12:40 PM

Sorry, not been on of late... Tonight is the night...

dj times for the back room tonight.. The under £25... Just getting together a little set now.... Adam and co will have some sales too and everything in his set will be for sale.. There are gonna be some bargain tunes that have gone under the radar... Back room open 8.45... Front room open from 7pm... Come early and here some mid tempo and deep cuts from the residents and the guests.. The front room is freestyle 7pm to 9pm... A nice buzz about all this, see you later folks.. x

ps.. free parking on the street outside from 8pm...

any other last minute questions.. Call or text me on 07752084878... Setting up and won't be on-line

under £25 room...

9pm-9:30 Steve Cato

9:30-10 Gary Bratchford

10-10:30 Derek Higham

10:30-11 Carms

11-11:30 Nige Brown

11:30-12:30 Adam Topping

12:30-1 Derek

1-2 Nige and Carms

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soul or nothing....

little-stevieSep 06 2014 12:50 PM

Full event here...

http://www.soul-sour...s-2-room-event/

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TailorMade Gaz BSep 09 2014 04:39 PM

Well its fair to say it was a success.

Thanks to Steve, Richie and Matty for the opportunity to run the event in their spare room - great venue and the dynamic of both rooms worked really well.

Many thanks should go to the DJ's as well as the Dancers.

Adam Topping came back, after he realised he was double booked and then available again! He and the others ensured the room was kept bouncing while the dancers and listeners took in the variety of quality sounds.

Derek played a blinder as he welcomes in his 60th birthday to a warm round of applause when announced, much to his embarrassment, while Nige and Carms did as you'd expect - play quality slices of soul.

With that in mind and the interest shown, it's a project that I'll try to carry forward!