where's the most progressive northern nights?

[petegroover]

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.

Edited January 2, 2022 by petegroover

[washlively]

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. 

[Merve]

Here's my take on it.......

Back in the day, Joe Bloggs, Fred Blogs, Arthur Bloggs & Terry Bloggs would be guaranteed 2 one hour slots at 2 nighters every weekend. So if Joe played a record twice in his first set & emptied the floor he could still play it again in his second set & repeat the same sets he had played again the next night at a different nighter. While Joe is doing this, Fred, Arthur & Terry are doing the same with their new exclusives. By week 3 people have caught on & we have four new floor fillers from four different DJs. Eddie Smith, Bobby Smith & Tony Smith have managed to get emi discs of these new floor fillers & are playing them mixed in with their usual Thursday night do's at Worcester, Bedford & Thirsk. A new monster sound is born & other tired records are dropped in its favour (probably booted anyway)

2021/22  We don't have the small amount of exclusive places we had in say 76 (Wigan, St Ives, Cleggy, Yate) but we have far more venues & far more DJs. There is no way a newie can get broken as before because the DJs know an empty floor will mean they aint coming back any time soon, let alone being given 2 spots a night to prove their new record is the mutts nuts !....So instead of playing unknown Johnny Sharp Shirt they will play a 2 or 3 k record that will fill the floor (self preservation), & stick Johnny Sharp Shirt on in the car on the way home with their mates to enjoy. 

Just my thoughts....Tell me if I'm wrong, but just bare in mind ther are plenty of £2 - £20 records on here, discogs, ebay etc That would fill floors everywhere if played consistently for a month or so - So why else arent they being aired?

 

[Geeselad]

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 January 2, 2022 by Geeselad

[Amsterdam Russ]

When the Covid restrictions are lifted and things get back to normal, you could do worse than take a trip to just about any major event in mainland Europe. 

[Chalky]

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.

[Jez Jones]

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

[Chalky]

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?

[Mod Life Crisis]

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 ).

[Jez Jones]

16 minutes ago, Chalky said:

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

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

Edited January 3, 2022 by Jez Jones

[Chalky]

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.

[Chalky]

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.

[Jez Jones]

6 minutes ago, Chalky said:

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.

Oh I agree mate...its just there are 20,000 records to go at (judging from the price guides)  and that gives them plenty go at .Problem is NO ONE has heard every one of these records and they are now becoming the underplayed and unheard !!.....:-) ..as long as you can show its expensive lol ...goodness knows why !!!..That Marvels track you mention....plus the flip make it a bargain...but bargains dont get you DJ spots
 

Edited January 3, 2022 by Jez Jones

[Dave Moore]

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 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stephen Houghton]

When I've been to venues that play the odd one that's not the top 500 it empties the dancefloor, the only place I've been is the sink in Liverpool that play a different set that seems to work .so I think that you have to put your wandering adventure hat on and find something a bit different. Good luck .

[Jez Jones]

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 January 3, 2022 by Jez Jones

[Stephen Houghton]

The last big venue I went I asked the same question to a big name dj,and he shot me down saying abruptly I PLAY TO THE CROWD ,so we suck it up (Blackpool tower)

[Stephen Houghton]

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 

[Geeselad]

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.

[Dave Moore]

21 minutes ago, Stephen Houghton said:

The last big venue I went I asked the same question to a big name dj,and he shot me down saying abruptly I PLAY TO THE CROWD ,so we suck it up (Blackpool tower)

I guess if you're asking a DJ in the Main Rooms at the Tower or Winter Gardens then you'd expect that response  as that's what the Main Rooms at the events are about, although to be fair there is a lot of different genres on show at both these large events.  

I'm primarily relating to events that draw geographical crowds, a little more localised.  I like the 2 roomed events best as at least it delivers some variation.  There's certainly a place for lots of oldies at most gigs but just wish DJs would take a chance on stuff that's been gathering dust for decades alongside a couple of unknowns and litter them in amongst them. 

Dave 

[Stephen Houghton]

Totally agree with you dave  

[Solidsoul]

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 January 3, 2022 by D9 Ktf

[Dave Moore]

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 

[Andybellwood]

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

[Chalky]

1 hour ago, Geeselad said:

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.

I've heard of low attendances, and I mean really low, barely into double figures for some of the prominent "upfront" venues.  The only all-nighter on this weekend, just over a 100 I was told by someone there.  Yet oldies venues are packing them in, Blackpool etc  I know there are extenuating circumstances but I don't think the appetite is there.  The all-nighter scene is on its arse from what I see.

I am really choosy now as to where I go.  I want to hear unknowns, I know however the chances of that are really slim.  The ones I do quality control is often seriously lacking.  I am all for something different but different for the sake of it I am not prepared to pay good money for.   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.

[Chalky]

1 minute ago, Andybellwood said:

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

I was thinking this whilst out walking, there is a ton of recently releases material, new and old but there is some kind of snobbery towards them, same with cheap records that aren't necessarily rare.  Yet for some reason promoters and Djs by and large ignore them or think they are a no go area.

[Godzilla]

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.

[Smudger]

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.

[Leicester Boy]

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.

[Stephen Houghton]

All the replies in this post are all valid,and it shows you just what passion there is out there.from the venues to the tunes that are played,but when it all comes together, that's what makes us call ourselves soullies it's a host of things ,and may it keep going .

[georgeblackwell]

Having been booked as a "special guest DJ" I have been expected to bring something a little different to the venues that I have played at. 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. The nostalgia thing is so endemic now that the choice of of suitable records at most venues is getting even narrower. I am in the UK in March for a couple of "guest spots" (Isle Of Wight weekender and Wolfies in Walsall) I'll let y'all know how it goes. Probably put my playlists on my youtube channel.

[Timillustrator]

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. 

 

[Timillustrator]

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 January 3, 2022 by Timillustrator

[Baz Atkinson]

Great read this nowt new but the scene is pretty dominated by DJs playing same stuff on repeat and playing same venues buying flavour of the month hot box specials . 
There is no upfront scene now apart from one or two last outposts where figures compared to say 10 to 15 years ago are very poor. 
Smaller collectors clubs are more common now it’s a backlash to venues playing and paying Mates rates . Many DJs would amputate their left nut to DJ these days at bigger  venues that’s one of the reasons records are not been discovered . Playing safe is the devils brew ,it stifles creativity which saddens me because the British Rare Soul Scene was once the envy of every other country.

I hope one day a real rare soul venue up north appears again in the vein of the Wilton where collect tors play and encourage each other sadly we had that and lost it due to cynicism and again poor attendances . 
The sweet scene now delivers obscure unknown and underplayed soul but because it has zero dance appeal it’s over looked and good dos are few and far between . 
 

[Solidsoul]

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 January 3, 2022 by D9 Ktf

[Daz Mc]

2 hours ago, Timillustrator said:

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. 

 

U wont hear any top 500 played at Wolfies and if we believe in it we will play it wether it's a £5 cheapie or an expensive obscurity. Always have great guests from near and far and aim to bring something different from the norm.

[Chalky]

Because it isn’t top 500 does not make it upfront.  The upfront scene isn’t top 500, but they have their own top 500, probably less.  Its the same for crossover scene, the same bunch of records you see time and time again on playlists. 
 

What is upfront anyway?

What is underplayed? Underplayed where, on the oldies scene no doubt but on the so called upfront they are probably overplayed but because they differ from the classics people have a different mentality of how they think about these records  

If all you have done is attend venues that plays the classics or oldies then venues that play something different to the classics will offer then something different.  It doesn’t make then upfront or cutting edge.  Those days are long gone. 

Edited January 3, 2022 by Chalky

[Chalky]

If you really want something different then look for somewhere outside your comfort zone, Djs you don’t know, seek a playlist or review, see what is offered on the flyer.  There are venues out there that offer something different to others across all the various sides of the scene, but upfront, they are few and far between. Probably just the 100 club that can really call itself that as they have two Djs who have more new discoveries than anywhere. Kitch has bunch of great exclusives too. 

Edited January 3, 2022 by Chalky

[Mod Life Crisis]

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.

 

[Soulmark]

Bored with scene at the moment same old oldies they were playing 10 years ago 

[soulpaul0]

my two pennys worth.................you get top 500 or night of things that clears the floor ,what's need is a few unknows played even if it clears the floor and to follow it up for a few weeks to get it in the minds of the only want the top 500 /i went to wigan lot.

[Benji]

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?

[Gilly]

The Soul Scene has more so-called members than the Chinese Communist Party. (let me break it down into category's)

1, A large % love to go out for a drink and enjoy a bit of 'Northern' ''Do I Love You'' KTF t shirt. and handbag.

2, All of the above except the handbag

3, Those who only know maybe 6 records, and only want to hear 6 records. (long standers)

4, Those who don't like to hear anything new. (until it's been accepted by the masses, then it's in you're Top 500) (this may take several years)

5, The 1000s of Northern Soul devotees who are life long fans...from their armchairs in front of a computer. Surely one has to attend venues to be part of it ?

[Ezzie Brown]

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

[Steve L]

16 hours ago, Chalky said:

If you really want something different then look for somewhere outside your comfort zone, Djs you don’t know, seek a playlist or review, see what is offered on the flyer.  There are venues out there that offer something different to others across all the various sides of the scene, but upfront, they are few and far between. Probably just the 100 club that can really call itself that as they have two Djs who have more new discoveries than anywhere. Kitch has bunch of great exclusives too. 

Heard two of Kitch's spots recently, hardly knew anything he played and all were top class. 

Anyone wanting to hear something different should seek him out, although I don't think he DJ's that much..

[Geeselad]

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.

[Jez Jones]

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 January 4, 2022 by Jez Jones

[Leicester Boy]

It always amuses me how these threads always turn into a witch hunt about a large section of the scene that like a certain kind of music, funnel your energy into creating a scene that suits you instead of denigrating people who have different views. Just saying.  Have a nice day.

[Jez Jones]

6 minutes ago, Leicester Boy said:

It always amuses me how these threads always turn into a witch hunt about a large section of the scene that like a certain kind of music, funnel your energy into creating a scene that suits you instead of denigrating people who have different views. Just saying.  Have a nice day.

I dont think anyones on a witch hunt...no one is that bothered really...its just a conversation not a manifesto

Edited January 4, 2022 by Jez Jones

[Leicester Boy]

1 minute ago, Jez Jones said:

I dont think anyones on a witch hunt...no one is that bothered really...its just a conversation not a manifesto

I think we're both intelligent enough to understand the point i made. But conversate away.