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Christina Dean | Guestlist
Hey Danny , how ’ s it going ? Looking forward to the summer ? I feel most of us living through cold winters in European cities relish the arrival of summer . Very much looking forward to the summer of 2016 as I ’ ll be in Ibiza over the course of the season . Shoom will host an arena at Ministry Of Sound ’ s 25th Anniversary celebrations on Sunday August 7th in London .
We have to talk about the famous ’ 87 trip to Ibiza and the birth of Shoom , which has become a watershed moment in UK club history . Can you give us an insight into what the nightlife scene was like before that all happened ? The nightlife scene in London was warehouse parties and the Wag and Raw clubs playing funk , rare groove , hip-hop and disco . House music was being played in some gay clubs by the late DJ Colin Faver and Mark Moore . Pirate radio ruled the airwaves and a small circle of DJs were playing early house tracks on air , and thea clubs closed at 3am in London .
Shoom was only in existence for a few short years but it had such a profound cultural impact , did you have any sense at the time that you were involved in something special ? Most definitely so , we all had an experience in Ibiza at Amnesia in ’ 87 that made a profound change to the four of us on that trip . Returning to England we knew that we were onto something very special and were greatly inspired by DJ Alfredo and dancing in the open air in Amnesia . We became pioneering core drivers and collectively shaped great change in youth culture and nightlife . Collectively we broke boundaries , and the music and scene that developed created a cultural shift of unity that transcended race , class and sexuality . It was an incredible time that also created much opportunity for so many people who embraced the scene .
What was the highlight of those years ? The great change we collectively brought to youth culture through the music and unity , and becoming a professional DJ and pioneering and shaping the UK acid house rave scene . Everything was so fresh , so new and revolutionary . That time was unique to all who experienced the beginning of the scene and the magic of the era . The second summers of love in 88-89 were amazing times and so many lifelong friendships were born too .
What are your thoughts on the comments made by Bloc ’ s co-founder George Hull that “ young people these days just don ’ t
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know how to rave ”, that they “ are too safe and boring ”? Every generation is different and adopts different styles and behaviours . Let ’ s look at how homogenised UK culture has become generally with social media , reality TV and smart phones . We are in a time where everything is immediate and attention spans are shorter . I see many kids having a blast at events across the world . Live and let live , and be mindful of the dreadful recession that we have experienced , the lack of employment opportunities for younger people , student grant restrictions and soaring rents along property prices , which has affected society from young to older people . It ’ s not like the 90 ’ s , this free abandon , and this has
affected our club life unfortunately
You ’ re in Ibiza this summer for Dance 88 / 89 at Sankeys , what can we expect from the night ? People celebrating acid house culture and coming along to dance in the dark . Everyone who attends there will be strictly there for the love of house music .
Given your history with the scene , do people often expect you to play a classics-heavy set rather than fresh
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music ? I get more enjoyment , satisfaction and excitement out of playing new music . On any classics event I DJ at , I always meld new music and reworks of classics into a set . I am not a classic house DJ and do not want to be tagged as only playing classics . I play new music continually as I always have and always will . How does a track become a classic without playing and breaking new music ? I will be playing a combination of 303 acid house past and present at Sankey ’ s Ibiza Dance 88 / 89 .
Ibiza has clearly changed a lot over the years , especially with the surge in EDM . What is your take on the way the island has evolved ?
Ibiza is forever evolving and there ’ s a place for everything and everybody who loves the island . Ibiza has returned generally to the upmarket days of the 80 ’ s and services and business has improved dramatically in recent years . Ibiza has a special magic that continues to shine , and influence and inspire people from all over the world . EDM is commercial music that makes big bucks and Ibiza businesses embrace grand profits and full clubs . EDM is like premiere division football , where entry costs have soared to pay huge fees to the
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small select group of star players . There ’ s something for everyone in Ibiza and its up to the individual what they want to go and see and enjoy . It will always change and something new is always around the corner which is how things evolve .
With Dance 88 / 89 this year and Seth Troxler ’ s Acid Future party last year , the acid house spirit is enjoying quite the resurgence , why is that ? Most definitely so , there ’ s a whole new wave of acid productions that take the foundations and brings the past sounds up to date with a modern 303 feel . I have an original 303 . Great things either with music or fashion come back and has its day again in the spotlight in a modern form . Which is why I ’ ve decided it ’ s time Shoom should be properly re-launched as it ’ s now more relevant than ever with this spirit present , and will be showcasing new young artists that embody this energy , along with those that have pioneered it . The club was always about new talent and music , and I ’ m glad to be at the helm again helping pave the way for future stars . It ’ s exciting .
What artists are you feeling right now ? Phazon , Saytek , Paranoid London , Alberto Ruiz , Rework .
What / where are your favourite places in London ? Outside of clubbing : Hyde Park , Whitehall , Primrose Hill , Richmond park , River Thames .
If you could have a swimming pool full of anything , what would it be ? Apart from water , as swimming is my passion too . I ’ d like a pool filled with the finest Ibiza produced gazpacho . It ’ s a borderline obsession .
Tell us one song or piece of music that changed your life . The Night Writers – ‘ Let the Music ( Use You )’. 1987 , Amnesia , DJ Alfredo .
I know you ’ re actively involved in a lot of charity work as well as music - what project are you most passionate about at the moment ? I recently speed-marched 10 miles with a 35lbs backpack in boots on a military course in 2hrs 22 mins for a great UK children ’ s charity called Scotty ’ s Little Soldiers .
How would you change the world ? Not sure if lightning strikes twice , but through music , we continually change the world . follow @ SimonDunmore
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