I think this is a brilliant thread, and it's really good to see a few young soulies posting on here with there opinions.....
I personally think that what James is doing is to be applauded, and if he succeeds in getting more converts to soul music in whatever form, then he's doing us all a favour. I think that Steve Cato was also trying to acheive this at his S.O.N. do's in Manchester. And I tried to support him as much as I could......
I think the location for these forward thinking venues is important, and London and Manchester are maybe the only places where this kind of venue can work. Hip and fashionable, vibrant and with lot's of young people looking for a scene to belong to......
I would love to see more young people at my allnighter, BUT.....
For example, one night last year, three young guys approached me while I was on the door. I explained to them what was going on, and that I didn't think they would enjoy it, and that it was a tenner in. No problem says one of the lads. It was obvious that they had been drinking quite heavily. But the spokesman says "we love northern soul" .....
So against my better judgement I let them in with my final words "we don't want any trouble" Unfortunately at that time I had to do my dj spot. But while behind the decks I could see that the lads were causing problems on the dance floor, and were being spoken to buy a mate of mine. After I had finnished my spot, I discovered that the lads had been ejected by the doorman, mainly for their own safety, as they had been getting handy with the ladies....
Needless to say I was not flavour of the month for having let them in. But isn't it a shame that so many young people don't know how to behave....
Good luck to young Mr. Trouble though, and well done for your efforts. I'm afraid for the future of our music, so don't just sit there playing mp3's. Get out and support a venue that does it for you. We are all gonna be a long time dead, so dance while you still can.