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where's the most progressive northern nights?


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2 hours ago, petegroover said:

Hi,i've been into the devils music for far too long and like some i'm bored to death with the same oldies/top 500.I realize there's less of us now going and promoters want to get people in,but surely we can do with fresher playlists?- not just the family favorites/hits on northern soul volume 26 ffs. I've been to "follow the music not the crowd" in Congelton and can recommend that,Paul Mumford at Chesham always played a rarely heard interesting set and the 100 club also used to be good - any others folks? Rare soul was always about finding and breaking new tunes from where ever they could be found,what happened?  have we all got complacent ? i don't believe customers will dance to anything-or will they?,i for one keep looking and listening for tunes to inspire me and  feel this is what  the scene needs.

 I dont know the answer to your question but it's the same reason I stopped attending venues a while ago because the venues near me just played top 500 or nothing new (I mean nothing new 60's wise even though I love modern new). Top 500 is still huge and a massive nostalgia trip so I dont blame folk for attending one bit its not for me anymore, sad for me but the scene thrives on it. 

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Good call on Congleton, FTMNTC. Allnighter wise I was really impressed with the selection at Swinton. Just great quality all nighter sounds, djs competting to keep an eager floor dancing. Tbh I lot I'd heard before, but not heard played out at nighters in a while and certainly not to a more mainstream nighter crowd. The return of Burnley was great too. 

Edited by Geeselad
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27 minutes ago, Chalky said:

Anywhere you go is virtually an oldies night, upfront, classic, crossover.  There are no new discoveries, if there is there is just a tiny amount.  Even the "upfront" venues are playing the same stuff they were playing 10 years plus ago.

That could be the case BUT they're playing it to different people...theres a whole new generation (for want of a better word) searching for something a little different

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8 minutes ago, Jez Jones said:

That could be the case BUT they're playing it to different people...theres a whole new generation (for want of a better word) searching for something a little different

Whole new generation and playing to a WHOLE new crowd, really?

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Had a conversation along these lines at an event last month with a lad who has been on the scene much longer than me (I started in ‘80/‘81, whereas he was a long-serving Wiganite from “dahn sarf”). The dance floor was packed, everyone was having a great time dancing to the same sets we had been listening to all year. He was bored out of his box and commented how every event in our area (covering Bucks, Beds, Herts , Northants and Oxon) all sound the same, with very little deviation from Top 500.

We came to the conclusion that our local DJs seem so fearful of playing to an empty dance floor that they don’t try anything new; having people listen to and enjoy a DJ’s own choice without necessarily dancing to it is not something they will countenance.

We were both of the opinion that it would be good if events allowed for a set of underplayed/lesser-known songs to be played, without worrying about the reception on the dance floor. This could take place early doors, when fewer people tend to dance anyway.

My personal gauge of a good event is if I hear at least one track that has me logging on to Discogs as soon as I get home. This is happening far less frequently in the past couple of years. (Although a big shout out to Helen from Derby, who introduced me to The Marvels   Keep on Searching at the Stourport all-dayer in Sept; played to a near-empty dance floor, yet was the best song I heard all day).

In answer to the original poster’s question, it’s not in my local area (unless you catch Jeff Piggott on a good night 😀).

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21 minutes ago, Mod Life Crisis said:

Had a conversation along these lines at an event last month with a lad who has been on the scene much longer than me (I started in ‘80/‘81, whereas he was a long-serving Wiganite from “dahn sarf”). The dance floor was packed, everyone was having a great time dancing to the same sets we had been listening to all year. He was bored out of his box and commented how every event in our area (covering Bucks, Beds, Herts , Northants and Oxon) all sound the same, with very little deviation from Top 500.

We came to the conclusion that our local DJs seem so fearful of playing to an empty dance floor that they don’t try anything new; having people listen to and enjoy a DJ’s own choice without necessarily dancing to it is not something they will countenance.

We were both of the opinion that it would be good if events allowed for a set of underplayed/lesser-known songs to be played, without worrying about the reception on the dance floor. This could take place early doors, when fewer people tend to dance anyway.

My personal gauge of a good event is if I hear at least one track that has me logging on to Discogs as soon as I get home. This is happening far less frequently in the past couple of years. (Although a big shout out to Helen from Derby, who introduced me to The Marvels   Keep on Searching at the Stourport all-dayer in Sept; played to a near-empty dance floor, yet was the best song I heard all day).

In answer to the original poster’s question, it’s not in my local area (unless you catch Jeff Piggott on a good night 😀).

Used to play the Marvels as a bit of a something different quality oldie some years ago.  I struggled to sell it, took ages.

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22 minutes ago, Jez Jones said:

Nooooo i mean the same 'lot' that were out and about attending progressive nights 10/15 years ago aren't ALL still doing it(maybe disillusioned or simply cant be arsed) ...there are 'newer' people now looking for something different...I'm not saying there are droves of them but a few...just my opinion of course

I think most are disillusioned because like the classic scene it was/is becoming the same old same.  Like the other scenes it is what you spend and not your choice though imagination.  It still seems to be the same Djs playing the records, nothing seems to have changed much at all with what has happened the last couple of years.

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13 minutes ago, Dave Moore said:

Been back in England almost full time for 3 years now after a 20 year haitus.  My view is that the same old people are swamping their local areas every weekend (Fri/Sat and now even Sundays!)  Same faces, same DJ Line Ups, same promoters booking same mates. I think for quite a few it's all really about them DJing and to be honest most would do it in a telephone box if asked.  It's a recipe for staleness and that's what has been delivered. Of course if you're relatively new to it all then you're happy to listen to Tomangos, Salvadors, Gwen Owens, Eddie Parker, Epitome Of Sound etc week in week out but I recently left a venue once I'd heard the above plus Paul Anka, Holly St James, Jay Traynor. 

I think it's just the way the crowd has changed and the impetus for new sounds has taken a back seat to familiarity.  The promoters must share some responsibility for this as well as the DJs.  Give the DJs a brief, ask them to freshen up a little. Don't be afraid of some dancers leaving the dancefloor every now and then, you all have 'rescue' records, (or should have).   Play a fresh sound at the beginning of a set then play it as you last 45 again.  And do it again at your next booking which will inevitably only be a few days away!

Nothing worse to a music fan than listening to a stream of  45 year old rarities that leave a DJ open to accusations of "playing with his wallet because he's ears are painted on".   Get a few of yer brilliant 'ten bobbers' out. 

I've had the above conversation with a number of DJs and it's usually met with....

1.  The crowd dictate what I play.  (Really?)

2. The promotor books me to fill the dancefloor. 

I guess there's no magic wand and trying to replicate the days when new records were instant successes are long gone as the demographics/dynamics have changed but let's get back to taking a chance on records we believe in every now and then, records we think should be heard by dancefloors and drop them regularly in amongst the 'usual suspects' in order to entertain the whole room including the guys at the bar yawning! 😉 

Here's one for instance, brand new, I bought ten copies and all ten flew out when I played it to people.  Bet it doesn't make any playlists though eh? 

Dave 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice record but is up against it with groups of 40,000 plus over on another social media site that are salivating over Archie Bell and N F Porter...and then regale all and sundry about tales of how they enjoyed Wigan..it seems to have become 'de rigeur' to reminisce from 45 yrs ago...

Lets hope these people don't realise there are events playing this sort of music going on ...... hopefully they still think its an internet thing 🙂

Edited by Jez Jones
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29 minutes ago, Dave Moore said:

Been back in England almost full time for 3 years now after a 20 year haitus.  My view is that the same old people are swamping their local areas every weekend (Fri/Sat and now even Sundays!)  Same faces, same DJ Line Ups, same promoters booking same mates. I think for quite a few it's all really about them DJing and to be honest most would do it in a telephone box if asked.  It's a recipe for staleness and that's what has been delivered. Of course if you're relatively new to it all then you're happy to listen to Tomangos, Salvadors, Gwen Owens, Eddie Parker, Epitome Of Sound etc week in week out but I recently left a venue once I'd heard the above plus Paul Anka, Holly St James, Jay Traynor. 

I think it's just the way the crowd has changed and the impetus for new sounds has taken a back seat to familiarity.  The promoters must share some responsibility for this as well as the DJs.  Give the DJs a brief, ask them to freshen up a little. Don't be afraid of some dancers leaving the dancefloor every now and then, you all have 'rescue' records, (or should have).   Play a fresh sound at the beginning of a set then play it as you last 45 again.  And do it again at your next booking which will inevitably only be a few days away!

Nothing worse to a music fan than listening to a stream of  45 year old rarities that leave a DJ open to accusations of "playing with his wallet because he's ears are painted on".   Get a few of yer brilliant 'ten bobbers' out. 

I've had the above conversation with a number of DJs and it's usually met with....

1.  The crowd dictate what I play.  (Really?)

2. The promotor books me to fill the dancefloor. 

I guess there's no magic wand and trying to replicate the days when new records were instant successes are long gone as the demographics/dynamics have changed but let's get back to taking a chance on records we believe in every now and then, records we think should be heard by dancefloors and drop them regularly in amongst the 'usual suspects' in order to entertain the whole room including the guys at the bar yawning! 😉 

Here's one for instance, brand new, I bought ten copies and all ten flew out when I played it to people.  Bet it doesn't make any playlists though eh? 

Dave 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh I like this ,breath of fresh air 

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It's all getting a little cynical, there are still plenty sticking there heads above the parapet each month, barely breaking even or taking a hit financially on the night, for the cause.

The upfront scene which has been now going for 12/15 years has lost some key venues, go go, nags, soulfunktion and are surely missed. But the appetite is still there, I'm certain it will gain momentum. Getting into soul in '87, I remember plenty of low attendances, cold empty dancefloors and seeing the same hardcore everywhere. Seemed like a lot of event back then we're all-night card schools with some tunes on in the background.

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I am all for playing new stuff, but lets face it, most of the great records are known and have been played! 

It's all a matter of perspective and what the individual knows or doesn't know. A newie for one person is a record another person has known for years!

I don't know how people can love a record and think it's the best thing since sliced bread, then ten years later look down their noses at it.  That must show how bad their music taste was in the first place!

I think it's DJ's that you like, you should follow, and not venues.

Edited by D9 Ktf
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30 minutes ago, D9 Ktf said:

 

I don't know how people can love a record and think it's the best thing since sliced bread, then ten years later look down their noses at it. Doesn't that show how bad there taste was in the first place!

 

I don't think people necessarily do that. Just because you're a bit bored of a particular record doesn't mean you look down your nose at it.  Just means you don't want to spend all night yawning at the bar.  😉 

Dave 

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3 hours ago, Chalky said:

Anywhere you go is virtually an oldies night, upfront, classic, crossover.  There are no new discoveries, if there is there is just a tiny amount.  Even the "upfront" venues are playing the same stuff they were playing 10 years plus ago.

There’s plenty of licenced new and recent releases on vinyl including previously unreleased recordings

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1 hour ago, D9 Ktf said:

I am all for playing new stuff, but lets face it, most of the great records are known and have been played! 

 

This sentence seems to me to nicely encapsulate the issue: if people really believe that if they don't know a record it's no good, then that's a massive barrier to any DJ or venue daring to divert from the true and tested sounds.

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There are many great new and previous unissued nowadays but I have only heard them on podcasts and not many at all at venues,I bet you could do a great  night just using such records with a few lesser played originals .But the problem is would you get enough punters through the doors.

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The situation is for many its a social scene where after a weeks work they want to have a drink meet up with friends and listen to music they know and love. Same stuff of course but its what they like and enjoy , ive been to dos advertised as rare and underplayed and have certainly enjoyed it but the attendance compared to top 500 nights is sparse. Its sad but its what it is.

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There are a few that fit the bill - Byron in Nottingham doesn't trouble the top 500 too much, Wolfies in Cannock is pretty much all rare and underplayed and monthly. Dark Horses, now in Dordon, is mainly obscure and unknown. I've not been but understand that Bellmans Yard (this Friday) is similar. 

 

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2 hours ago, Chalky said:

I really thought the lockdowns and the time people have had to reflect would have brought about a change but if anything it is worse than it was before all this started.

Here is to a better outlook for 2022 and maybe change will be delivered, the scene really needs it.

Very valid point, I have definitely seen the same. The first few post-lockdown events we went to we thought were a bit mainstream, all top 500, Motown and upbeat but reasoned that maybe that was as a reaction to all the gloom and doom but it seems more that venues want to be packed and if they can achieve that by playing Motown and disco then so be it.

A couple of once decent clubs have definitely gone this way, even going so far as to change their name.

 

Edited by Timillustrator
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3 hours ago, Dave Moore said:

I don't think people necessarily do that. Just because you're a bit bored of a particular record doesn't mean you look down your nose at it.  Just means you don't want to spend all night yawning at the bar.  😉 

Dave 

I've been on the Northern scene since 1974 and always been keen to find out about new records. But I still love the classics!

In all that time I have observed an enormous amount of snobbery and one upmanship! I have seen people turn their backs on great music because someone told them they were oldies. Some people like very substandard records, if they think that nobody knows them. 

We used to run a venue with the classics in the big room and a smaller room for collectors. We knew the small room would not be full, but it was an acceptable way to get new sounds played. People did wander in from the big room and it was gratifying when some stayed. Maybe this is the only way to do it!

Edited by D9 Ktf
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4 hours ago, georgeblackwell said:

Sadly however the ageing dancers are careful to limit their excursions onto the dance floor to what they can physically manage these days so they tend to walk off the floor after the first few bars of a record that they are not familiar with. There will be a lot of punters sitting down nodding and enjoying the records that I play but not necessarily leaping about on their feet. I have had promoters (who wouldn't know a decent record even if Van McCoy gave it to them) telling me my spot was crap as the dance floor was not packed all the way through. Then as I leave the DJ booth I have had a load of punters shaking my hand saying it was the best spot of the night. 
 

 

 

George, this backs up my point at the start of this thread i.e. that an empty dance floor does not necessarily equate to a poorly-chosen record.

There have been some interesting recommendations made above and I think we’ll be making our way up to some new venues up the M6 this year. Look forward to meeting some of you there.

 

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Just wondering, what's the 2022 definition of "progressive". From what I understand just a few years ago it meant, despite introducing unknown/new sounds, pushing the boundaries a bit and playing more funkier sounds that had been ignored before. Is this still valid?

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i went to a couple of memorial events at the end of last year for lost friends , it was great to see many old friends but by and large the music bored me and i went home early.........so its back to my strategy of the last fifteen  plus years..........seek out the the top players and the people listening and learning from them and travel to enjoy the best., although i havent travelled abroad... a huge mistake now i know whats out there......................the internet and the new generation of artists has given us so much wider scope, no need to give up on the scene, but you gotta work harder to escape the mundane most accept as they socialise while doing so and thats up to them....ez

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10 hours ago, Benji said:

Just wondering, what's the 2022 definition of "progressive". From what I understand just a few years ago it meant, despite introducing unknown/new sounds, pushing the boundaries a bit and playing more funkier sounds that had been ignored before. Is this still valid?

One of the intrinsic problems with the upfront scene has been quite a rigid timescale, although they play 60's and 70's anything that strays past the formula and into modern is instantly, 'disco crap!' Many of the crowd involved come from scooter background and are hooked on a retro ethic in terms of where the sound can go. We'll unless it's a European DJ then it suddenly seemed ok. 😂

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29 minutes ago, Geeselad said:

One of the intrinsic problems with the upfront scene has been quite a rigid timescale, although they play 60's and 70's anything that strays past the formula and into modern is instantly, 'disco crap!' Many of the crowd involved come from scooter background and are hooked on a retro ethic in terms of where the sound can go. We'll unless it's a European DJ then it suddenly seemed ok. 😂

good point...it then becomes 'trendy' which for old people is becoming very attractive......imagine still feeling relevant when you're 60 🙂 ... saying 'choooon' is way cooler than saying Keep the faith you know !!!

Edited by Jez Jones
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