Whenever I have had the privilege to DJ abroad I always wonder why we can't we have this in England and the simple fact is that in England everyone wants to be a DJ and a promoter, hence there being thousands of nights on per year. I wouldn't mind but the nights usually don't offer anything different and really struggle for numbers. It's again that topic of mates running nights to DJ and DJ at thier mates' clubs blah blah blah. The nights in England are usually run in 2nd rate venues, with the odd exception of course. People who have been to the Boiler club in Barcelona or The Lido in Berlin, to name a few, will know what I mean...amazing venues, proper clubs! How many clubs can get 300 & 400 people on a regular basis in England..none!
Manchester seems to be pretty good at the minute, with a few like minded young soulies putting nights on and digging the music. I'll have to get along to a night soon! However, I think London is the place to be. Some top collections, DJs and sharp dressers too. It's not important to some folk on here, but it makes a difference to me and probably to younger folk getting into it. Some might not agree, but if you look up and see an old bloke in a vest and baggies (maybe a bit extreme) DJ-ing or a sharp dessed DJ playing the same tune, which is going to be more inspiring, cool and going to make you want to drag your mates along...I know what I would be thinking! Nights in London seem to attract a mixture of people not just soulies or mods, which IMO makes the nights more interesting. You might get one or two knobheads but if you have a decent venue, a quick nod to the bouncer and that usually sorts it!
Back to the thread, there seems to be younger people coming through, but no where near the numbers of the 70s when all you rascals were running riot. Soul music will always be around and I think it will do do a full circle in time...the ony bad thing is I'll be about 65 when that happens lol + I think that rare records will always hold their value!
Here's to 2013 which IMO will be an exciting one with the return of The Pow Wow Club All-nighter (shameful plug I know!)...watch this space.
Callum