Cathal

Posts Tagged ‘Cathal’

The Carry Nation

For latest edition of heaving homo house party Pump, promoters Neil Prince and Johnny Kalifornia have recruited New York party icons The Carry Nation to unleash their trademark brand of uplifting diva-heavy house on the lazer basement! Fresh off the back of some seriously thumping releases and brilliantly hedonistic accompanying music videos, we caught up with DJ Nita Aviance and Will Automagic to chat New York’s thriving queer scene, Glastonbury’s Block 9 and plans for Pump!

Hi Carry Nation! We can’t wait to have you guys join us at Pump! How has 2017 been for you so far?

2017 has been a brilliant year getting back to work with our mother-label, UK based Batty Bass, run by Hannah Holland. Two of the tracks we released on that label come with videos from two very talented artists we’ve always wanted to work with, Tyler Jensen and Cathal O’Brien.

You guys are involved quite heavily with the incredible Battle Hymn parties in NYC – can you tell us a bit about it? They always look insane!

Ladyfag is a genius and always knows how to throw an amazing party. The roster of guest DJs always blows our mind and it’s a real return to proper partying in Manhattan

You guys have been playing at the NYC Downlow at Glastonbury for a good few years now – do you agree with Mixmag calling it the UK’s best club?

100% yes. Block 9 always delivers some of the highlights of our year.

What is it about the NYC Downlow that makes it so magical?

Sick programming, enticing visuals and enough d—s to choke a horse!

We love the teaser video for your new single, The Queens! Where did the inspiration for that come from?

Our love for London and our many experiences there led us to give our director Cathal free-reign to interpret our NY-based song. Keeping the trans-Atlantic theme we also wanted to feature Sussi, a recent transplant to London from New York.

You guys have played in all the gay party hotspots, from Horse Meat Disco to Honey Soundsystem and beyond. What is the weirdest / best gig you’ve ever played?

Not to sound like a broken record but nothing compares to Block 9 at Glastonbury. Our year is filled with unbelievable memories from the field.

What’s one guilty pleasure that you’d drop upstairs if you were on pop duties at Pump?

Taylor Dane – Tell it to my Heart

Favourite release of the year?

Love Letters – Who Was Driving

And finally, in five words or less, what are you planning to unleash on the lazer basement at Pump?

The beast!

Catch The Carry Nation at Pump this Saturday 17 June from 9pm-3am at Dalston Superstore!

Volvox

Since starting out as a DJ and promoter ten years ago, Volvox has been challenging and shaping the underground dance scene as a member of the Discwoman collective. Having lived in New York since 2011, she holds residencies at JACK DEPT. NYC and Unter, and has been lighting up dancefloors from Detroit to Puerto Rico with her distinctive raw acid and jacking techno sets. We caught up with her for a whirlwind chat ahead of her appearance at Saturday night’s Lazerdiscz!

Hi Volvox! We’re absolutely thrilled to have you play for Lazertitz at Dalston Superstore! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’ve been a DJ and event promoter for ten years now and based in NYC since 2011…I like dirty acid music and chest-beating techno and I can’t wait to dance with you all!

How did you get involved with the Discwoman crew?

Myself and the Discwoman ladies are all regulars at Bushwick bar/club Bossa Nova Civic Club. We met there and when they formed the group I was the first DJ they approached to join the roster.

How important a role have they played in your development as a DJ?

Discwoman has definitely opened up opportunities beyond all expectations, they’re responsible for this tour I’m on now and I couldn’t be more grateful!

Having grown up in Buffalo, how has your early exposure to the industrial rave scene influenced you as a DJ?

I think it has definitely flavored the style of what I do, dark yet groovy and intensely danceable..

If you could change one thing about dance music culture, what would it be?

Um, how about some more women and POC getting major bookings?

You have seen quite the meteoric rise to success over the last few years, what has been your proudest moment?

This year has been filled with life-altering events but I have to say playing Boiler Room was really something special, the crowd was dancing behind and in front of me and I just felt like I was in a vortex!

If you had a time machine and could go dancing anywhere/anywhen, where would you go?

I wouldn’t mind checking out European high bohemian life of the 1920’s..

Favourite track of 2016?

Have to say it’s Justin Cudmore – Crystal (Servito’s 730 Reshape)…song of the summer, no doubt!

Go-to pumper to rescue a waning dancefloor?

Anything by Andreas Gehm…gutted he’s not with us anymore. His talent was beyond.

Can you give us a hint of what you have in store for us at Lazertitz in five words or less?
Crazy Funky Nasty Dirty Acid!!!

Catch Volvox at Lazertitz presents Lazerdiscz on Saturday 23 July from 9pm-3am at Dalston Superstore.

Clam Jam Big Bitch Single Release

The two mega-babes behind Clam Jam have certainly been busy this year, and we’re only just over half way through! In between booking festival slots at Lovebox and Secret Garden Party and club nights at XOYO and East Bloc, they’ve gone all ‘Yonce on us and sprung us with a surprise single release! We sat down to chat party plans, inspiration and …uh… Victoria Sponge!

Bica and Cathal, your Clam Jam babe-duo is such a big part of the success of your parties. How did you two come together?

B: I bought a box of cereal one day, which is strange in itself considering I am a full English breakfast kinda gal, and lo and behold he was the free gift in it. I kinda liked him so thought I would keep him.

C: Whilst trawling the internet I stumbled upon Serbianmidgetlover.com, placed a bid and won her for 2p and a ten pack of Richmond Menthol Super 10s. She seemed happy enough and I haven’t had the heart to get rid of her since then. They run a strict no exchange or return policy so we’ve been stuck together for years now.

We knew you could throw an amazing party, but had no idea you had a bloody single up your sleeves! How did this all come about?

C: Ah yes! Well… we had this tune in mind for a while, then our mate producer Alex Blanco, who had been coming to cLAM jAM a while and loving what we played, suggested we all get in the studio……

B: …. and the rest is history.

Where did you draw inspiration for your video?

B: Cathal has been doing amazing video work forever now, for various personal and professional projects, bands, festivals and fashion designers. I love Victoria sponge…. And he loves to make me look demented!

C: There is no one simple answer for this, being that a ‘big bitch’ isn’t a comment about size I suppose.
Its about being fully saturated, excessive and comfortable in your tastes, sexual habits, body, sense of humour or unapologetic lack of it even. One man’s big bitch is another man’s cream cake.

2015 is looking set to be a big year for Clam Jam! Can you tell us a bit about your party plans for the next few month?

C: We are keeping our Thursday nights, OBVS, at the Mothership Superstore which just gets better and more lushed-out by the minute. We are playing at this year’s Lovebox for the Little Gay Brother Vegas Room on the Friday 17 July, which we are excited about. Then the weekend after we are set to get all at one with nature, ahem, and play at the Secret Garden Party Festival !

B: Also, this is super secret still but we’ll let ya onto something… cLAM jAM will be doing something bigger and better in an unusual location in August. Can’t say more than that, but watch his space.

You have an extra-special guest planned for the debut of your single. Can you tell us a bit about her ?

B: Yep! Super excited that we got a DJ set for the single launch courtesy of the fabulous Perera Elsewhere from the band Yahcoozi.

C: We’ve been following her for a while now, since she has done bits with our mate Hannah Holland, who in turn hooked us up, and we really wanted her to do the set for this night especially.
Check her out – it’s gonna be ace!

Join Bica, Cathal and Perera Elsewhere this Thursday 16 July for the Clam Jam Big Bitch single release party from 9pm-2:30am.

Whitney Weiss

This Thursday Paris-based international DJ Whitney Weiss joins us for a r’n’b infused jam at weekly girl-night Clam Jam! Ahead of the party, residents Bica and Cathal quizzed Whitney on Parisian lesbians, songs involving prolific use of the word “pussy” and Prince…

By Bica and Cathal

Hiya Whitney! Welcome to cLAM jAM……what naughty words on the street have you heard about it?

Oh hey! I’ve heard wonderful things about Clam Jam, that it gets packed and crazy and there are apparently a lot of cuties and interesting fashion choices involving denim? I hope that’s all true. I’m very excited.

As an international lady loving bird, give us some inside info on Buenos Aires and Parisian lesbians?

Buenos Aires is great because it seems like there’s not so much nesting, plus there are tons of mixed parties where you can’t tell who sleeps with who until you try to sleep with them, which I think is cool. The art mullet is very much alive and well there, for better or worse.

Since it’s not that big, Paris is already a city where it can feel like everyone knows (or has slept with) everyone in a particular subculture. This is especially true with Parisian lesbians. If you want to engage with a French lesbian—which you can totally choose to do—try asking her about the best place to get gluten-free bread in Saint-Ouen/Canal St. Martin/Montreuil, her electronic music project/accessories line/adorable puppy, or how amazing it was to be a lesbian in Paris during the Le Pulp era, which you (and I) tragically missed out on.

On the “official richter scale chart of lesbianism” 0 being closeted Barbara next door – 10 being being Ellen Degeneres baking muffins with Portia De Rossi whilst listening to Tracy Chapman on the radio, what position would you say you were?

I’m more of an Angelina Jolie circa Hackers vintage 1990s overly-optimistic college sophomore sexuality/gender is fluid kind of girl, to be totally honest!

You played with some big acts/DJs, but I kinda wanna know about the most recent one, Zebra Katz. How did that go?

It was absolutely wonderful and also somehow super-French. We both played at this lovely party called ONO at Faust, which is a new club under the Pont Alexandre III bridge in what used to be like a customs space for maritime imports. So just picture a huge bougie cave of a room packed with people who work in fashion and lesbians in heels with expensive haircuts and professional voguers and stylish foreigners of indeterminate sexual orientation and a handful of enthusiastic barely legal French teenagers, all frolicking together. I got to play thanks to my dear friend Kiddy Smile, who DJed an incredible set the same night. Vjuan Allure, who is an amazing ballroom DJ from the US, also turned people out. And of course Zebra Katz was fantastic.

I know you gonna bring it at cLAM jAM! Tell our girls what kinda music choices have you got cooked for them?

So much Janet, a reasonable amount of ballroom, a little bit of freestyle, some Robbie Tronco songs that prominently feature the word “pussy” and mid-90s treasures you forgot you knew the words to but will remember when on the dance floor. Oh and Prince. There will be Prince.

First time I met you was at legendary CHERYL. Mental night in the best possible way. How did you get involved with that?

Oh my god I have such fond memories of that night! It was one of the highlights of my summer for sure and the London debut of Father Figures, my party/DJ and production project with DJ Traviesa. I had heard about CHERYL through a friend in New York and actually wanted to bring them to Buenos Aires a few years ago. We went out for Polish food and totally got along, but bringing them to Argentina fell through in a colossal way thanks to South American logistics. Instead of hating me, we stayed friends and they had me play CHERYLWEEN V, CHERYL: Alien, and Jennifer Aniston’s fake funeral, which was a personal highlight of my clubbing life. I joined them on their tour two summers ago in Europe, which actually eventually led to me moving here—thanks, CHERYL! I absolutely adore them and they consistently throw the best parties. We had a wonderfully debaucherous time together at Glasslands in August, too; just thinking about it makes me grin. I just can’t say enough good things about them.

You are also involved in the Vogue Balls in Paris. Tell me more……?

Yes! I am Whitney Míu Míu, the DJ for the kiki house Míu Míu. The absolutely wonderful Kiddy Smile invited me to play the Grace Jones Ball last fall, and it kind of grew from there. There was a Janet Jackson Ball last summer, which was great as well. I’m definitely not an expert on the Paris vogue scene at all, but it seems like it’s really growing and expanding. Teki Latex, who is an amazing French DJ, is also quite involved now. I’d say the vogueing community is one of the most creative and legitimately fun facts of Paris nightlife, since people aren’t afraid to dance and actually appear to be enjoying themselves when at parties.

P……p……ppp PRINCE gonna just come out with it. What’s going on between you two? Is it love or lust or both?

Oh my god, it is something that I’ll never comprehend, just like his gender identity/sexual orientation. I’ve been deeply in lust with Prince since puberty and felt funny feelings for him starting with when I was a precocious youngster and saw the cover of Purple Rain in my parent’s record collection. I’ve been listening to him since I was 9 or 10, long before I understood what he was talking about (which explains a lot, really). I love and respect him and am a little bit afraid of him at the same time. I have started relationships with people where their level of enthusiasm for Prince was a determining factor, no joke. Also, according to Wendy and Lisa, he counts as a lesbian. Do with that information what you will.

Join Whitney this Thursday 4th December for Clam Jam at Dalston Superstore from 9pm – 2.30am.

Visit Whitney Weiss’ website: www.whitneyweiss.com

Bica & Cathal

London’s premiere Thursday night social for thirsty lesbians and their gay boyfriends Clam Jam turns ONE YEAR OLD this week! And to celebrate, we rounded up resident DJs Bica and Packin C aka Cathal to find out how they keep managing to attract the hottest girls, interesting guests (this week as a birthday treat, Pat Butcher- ok Jacqui Potato dressed as Pat Butcher- takes to the decks) and still manage to play good music…

“Clam jam” is the female equivalent of cock blocking. But isn’t what you guys are doing basically the opposite?

bICA: We called it that because it was one of our favourite lesbian slang expressions.

cATHAL: We wanted to turn it on its head – claim the expression for ourselves and bring a bit of humour to it. Plus I mean, come on, if you’re getting clam jammed it means there are some serious fitties in the room.

bICA: Yeah, who doesn’t like some hot and healthy competition?!

Before you settled on the obviously amazing name, what else hilarious was up for consideration?

bICA: Anything that had pUSSY cat or female genitalia was obviously considered.

cATHAL: mINGE bINGE was tossed around and is still in the running.

bICA: Yeah, we’re still considering using it as an after cLAM jAM party should the occasion arise.

Why do lesbians like dancing on Thursdays?

bICA: It’s weird innit because we presume the majority are employed and still have to get up on Fridays!

cATHAL: From the outset we thought if it’s a good party the ladies will come regardless of what day it is – Thursday just seems to fill their slot.

What’s a guaranteed Packin’ C dancefloor filler?

cATHAL: Anything sleazeh and chunkeh.

bICA: With a Jäger bomb bass line and a healthy amount of pheromones sprinkled across it.

cATHAL: This Toddler T track with Shola Ama is a favourite – it’s a bit of a Clam Jam anthem now – it ALWAYS gets the girls dancing, if you hear it you know you’re here and the fun is gonna increase ten fold.

Fave photo each snapped by Cathal that sums up the night for you…

cATHAL:

bICA:

Forget “what happens at Clam Jam, stays at Clam Jam”, what is the craziest thing you have seen with your own eyes at Clam Jam?

bICA: Girls getting it on in the most unusual crevices of Superstore, naked dancing on the bar…

cATHAL: I’ve got a vivid memory of these really hot girls packed into a gold BMW outside doing their nails getting ready to come in – that gave a happy warm feeling inside.

Who is your dream Clam Jam guest?

cATHAL: Aside from Pat Butcher?

bICA: I’d have to say Courtney Love on one on the decks.

cATHAL: Beth Ditto dressed as Lil’Kim holding hands with Sandra Bernhard would be nice.

If Clam Jam was a cocktail what would the ingredients be?

bICA + cATHAL:

7oz crushed ice

500ml Hendricks gin (strong as fuck, gets you unawares)

A large unused (please girls) slice of cucumber

Lucy Fizz tonic (for the ting)

A big red sugary rim

NB: it’s paramount not to be stingy with the measures.

All of this is guaranteed to leave you with no regrets, just a fuzzy clammy feeling of joy.

What would you improve about London’s lesbian scene?

cATHAL: Consistency.

bICA: There simply should be more to it.

cATHAL: Yep, I think people being more aware that there are a whole bunch of girls out there who are pretty next level and wanna go out somewhere together.

bICA: Definitely… sometimes a factor that is missing from lesbian nights is a good directional music policy.

What’s the ratio of girls to boys on a standard Thursday?

bICA: I think I would say 85% girls, 10% fit gay boys, 5% drag queens, 0% straight pervy boys hassling ya.

What can we expect from Clam Jam Year Two?

cATHAL: We have a really exciting warehouse collaboration coming up – still under wraps, I can’t wait , our girls are going to LOVE IT.

bICA: We’ve had some really great girl guests in our first year – we wanna continue bringing a diverse element to the east end – if I tell you more I’m gonna have to kill ya.

cATHAL: Our website is launching next week so keep ya clams peeled! It’s going to be a great showcase of all the photos I’ve taken over the past year as well as the posters we’ve created with Shay Malt – he has been brilliant. We want to continue pushing a strong visual identity for cLAM jAM and most importantly, continue in making a difference.

bICA: We wanna thank our fiercely loyal girls by making the night even more bam!

What advice would you give to a Clam Jam virgin?

bICA: Brush your hair, change your underwear, do some pelvic floor exercises.

cATHAL: Bring a jar, we provide the jam.

Join Bica, Cathal and Pat Butcher (aka Jacqui Potato) this Thursday 4th September from 9pm – 2.30am at Clam Jam’s 1st Birthday.

Easter Weekend Alert

Easter is nearly upon us which means 4 full days of partying to plan! Here’s our guide to what’s happening here at Superstore…

THURSDAY 17th APRIL: Homoelectric! The London-cum-Manchester party collective host big Thursday and kindly provide your Good Friday hangover. With a DJ set from popstrel Little Boots in the basement alongside Jamie Bull, Luke Unabomber with the MenWhoFell2Earth top floor takeover. Join the Facebook event here.

FRIDAY 18th APRIL: Horse Meat Disco! It’s three of the residents- Jim Stanton, James Hillard and Luke Howard over both floors plus Nancy’s resident Fitzgerald in the house for a Good Friday Extravaganza. Join the Facebook event here.

SATURDAY 19th APRIL: Body Talk! DJ Rokk welcomes NYC legend Larry T and Beats International’s Lindy Layton to a special bank holiday edition his long-running party celebrating original house heroes. Join the Facebook event here.

SUNDAY 20th APRIL: Sister Pantychrist! The bank holiday Sunday girl-night to end all girls is BACK! And super-awesome DJs Smokin’ Jo and Lakuti will be treating the laser basement to all kinds of amazing house music plus SPC resident Cathal will be joined by Rokk in the top deck disco. Join the Facebook event here.

And we’ll be open for teas, coffees, brunch, sandwiches and hangover cures during all four days.

Clam Jam #6 in photos

This month Clam Jam ups its monthly allowance of Jam to twice a month! Meaning an extra helping on Thursday 20th March as well as this week. To celebrate we convinced Packin C aka Cathal to let us have a look through his stack of photos and check out all the hot girls (and boys) that came down to the last party when Miss Lina Bradford (aka The Queen Of Fire Island) was DJing…

AND you can soundtrack this little trip through memory lane by listening to this HOT new mix from Cathal and get hyped for the party this week.

For Clam Jam #7, Packin C aka Cathal will be joined by special guest from down under (literally), Sam Gabriel, and that prodigal son Shay Malt is back from Hong Kong ready to sell you some dodgy knock-offs inbetween DJing.

For Clam Jam #8 special guest Deejay D’Afro joins Cathal in the top bar. For more info on all Clam Jam parties add them on Facebook here.

DJ Lina

Actual New York legend DJ Lina joins us at Dalston Superstore next week for a 2-day residency spanning the lesbian delights of Clam Jam on Thursday 5th February with resident DJ Cathal, followed by Pecker on Friday 6th in the laser basement alongside the Duchess Of Pork and Gibson (Grizzle host upstairs).

As the long-time resident DJ at Sip N Twirl in Fire Island Pines, a summer resort for NYC’s LGBT community, Lina Bradford knows a thing or two about making people dance. And so we’re taking advantage of her current winter sojourn here in London and getting her behind the decks two nights in a row! Ahead of her mini-residency we asked her a few questions about her hometown, her performances as Girlina in the ’90s and more!

How does one get to be the undisputed Queen Of Fire Island?

I find it funny to have any labels attached to me, ‘cuz when jew know me I am So Not That Gurl! I guess it’s because I came during a time when love and positive light was needed. The Island was very dark after the AIDs scare and morning parties, so people pulled away, and then in 2005 there was a new beginning… and me!

How much would you say Fire Island Pines has changed since you first went in the late 80s/early 90s? For better or worse?

Well it has changed a lot; I did have a huge part to play on that. For one, John Whyte, the OG back in the day, in the ‘70s and ‘80s was racist and didn’t like women or trans or drag queens… And so the birth of the 4th Of July event that is today known as The Invasion! Then when he died Eric [von Kuersteiner] and Tony [Roncalli] bought up everything and that’s when I brought life to it, as there was never a High Tea before, and that was also the birth of Lina’s Lounge.

You’re originally from Manhattan and have lived in NYC most of your life correct? Do you think people have a tendency now to romanticise New York’s gay scene in the ’90s? Or was it really that amazing? Tell us the truth please Miss Lina…

Yes, born and raised, so I have seen and done it all! The ‘70s and ‘80s amd YES early ‘90s were EVERYNESS!!!! The early ‘90s were the last good times of what I considered to be the end of NYC, till about ‘97ish. Now it’s very Middle America and not edgy at all! No artist can afford to live there and they have to move outside the city, NYC is a Dorian Gray of what it used to be, it’s sad!

Talk us through an average night at your night Twirlina at Sip N Twirl? What make it special?

What makes Twirlina so special to so many, including myself, is its COMMUNITY! Love and respect, there is Low Tea, Middle Tea and then there’s Twirlina! It’s Thursday through to Sunday, with a different vibe every night, as I have to make the music and visuals different for myself, or no one is gonna feel it if I am not!

Haha, so Thursday is Rewind Thursday- all ‘80s and my spin on ‘80s… it’s THE SHIT BABY! Friday is Lina’s Lounge- soulful house. Saturday is GBOGH! That’s Go Big Or Go Home! Bigger sound, factory beats. Sunday is TBS- Throw Black Sunday. Klassics All Klassic Disco. It’s the fact everyone comes upstairs as it’s all outside on a huge outdoor deck that’s packed and my DJ booth is in the center, everyone kisses and hugs me and takes photos. It’s just simply otherworldly and ALL LOVE!

And what brings you to the most expensive city in the world, LONDON?

What I love about Londouge is the feeling of old skool, jew all keep it so real and recognize good music! And culture! And always push it and keep it current!

What’s your Number 1 tip for maintaining a flawless public persona?

By ALWAYS keepin’ it 100% baby! I Love Love Love people and positive energy!

Is the DJ Lina shower curtain the best bit of DJ Lina merchandise or are there more amazing gems out there?

Haha there are DJ Lina t-shirts we do every year when I shoot the posters In March… the shower curtains came from those. There’s even a line of jeans on the way!

What’s one record people might be surprised to learn you know ALL THE WORDS to?

Not really any more but most may not know I am a huge klassic rock chick. Led Zepplin is MY EVERYNESS! I have everything and know every song to everything haha! LOVE THEM, PLANT ROCKS!!!!!!!

Your performances (and especially your dance moves) as Girlina are legendary in New York, what was the most memorable?

WOW, jew all did yo’ HOMEWERK! Girlina, wow haha! I would say The HX Awards… HX was a huge magazine that was around forever, it just folded a few years back but it was ‘92 I think and Girlina did Feel What Yo Want by my friend Kristine W. Junior gave it to Girlina and she put that song on the map and BROUGHT IT 2 LIFE! And herself and she won Best Performer of 92.

What’s your key look for early 2014 in London?

My lewk: it’s klassic fresh faced with a 1940’s vibe and a mix of ethnics and preppy!

And finally, share with us your signature dance move…

Well back in the day it was The Drop And Kick and Queen of The Runway! Now it’s a lil shimmy hahahaha!

Join DJ Lina for her Superstore 2-day residency on Thursday 6th February for Clam Jam and on Friday 7th February for Pecker.

Clam Jam Loves Keziah

By Cathal

For the second instalment of cLAM jAM at Dalston Superstore Cathal and Bica (cLAM jAM mum + dad) invite Keziah, sexy front woman of rising London band Black Gold Buffalo, to be special cLAM jAM guest of the month this coming Thursday.

Ahead of the fun Cathal had a chat with her…

Cathal: What was the first record you remember hearing and liked ?

Keziah: I was 5 and it was a buddy holly album of my mums. I made her play it on repeat on a road trip to france.

Cathal: What were you listening to when you were 15 ?

Keziah: When I was 15 I was a pure r’n’b, hip-hop girl and was massively into Mary J Blige, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, Shortee Blitz, Ashanti, Kelis, Missy Elliott…

I used to help teach hip-hop dance and I remember doing routines to these classics… haha.

Cathal: What is your secret shame tune ?

Keziah: Do you ever feel like a plastic bag? MY SECRET SHAME! When this came out I listened to it every morning for a week. Don’t worry I will never play this out!

Cathal: Show us something the world needs to see.

Keziah: A bit of a deep one I know… but Patti is the oracle.

Cathal: Give us a sneaky tease of your cLAM jAM set.

Keziah:

Azealia Banks – ATM Jam (Kaytranada Edition)

702 – You Don’t Know

Q-Tip – Vivrant Thing

Foxy Brown – Oh Yeah

And more!

Cathal: Ace.

Join Cathal and Keziah at Clam Jam this Thursday 3rd October at Dalston Superstore from 9pm – 2:30am.

Cathal’s hot bust yo nut mix

Ahead of another round of bust yo nut this weekend, sexy basement DJ Cathal has sent us this HOT mix! He’ll be down in the laser pit on the actual night laying down some classic house realness alongside Gutterslut’s Nic Fisher. Meanwhile upstairs BYN resident and genuine scratch DJ Mistamaker brings the ’80s hip hop vibes with newcomer Afwa and a very special live PA from FERAL is KINKY! On top of all of that amazingness, hostess with the mostess John Sizzle will be on hand to cater to all your whims and fancies.

Join Cathal at bust yo nut at Dalston Superstore this Saturday 10th August from 9pm – 3am.

Hear more from Cathal at his blog: www.cathalplays.blogspot.co.uk

Photo credit: Marta Lamovsek

DJ Paulette

That fallen angel of the north DJ Paulette joins us at our bank holiday Sunday Service for Sister Pantychrist! She joins a long list of ex-nuns at Dalston Superstore, including Nimmo & The Gauntletts, Cathal, Elena Colombi, Bisoux, Squeaky and Elma Wolf who between them all will keep your praying for the party to never end.

As one of the residents at seminal gay Manchester night Flesh, like her former cohorts Dave Kendrick, Princess Julia and Guy Williams among others, Paulette has since gone on to be a successful DJ, at Ministry Of Sound, across Ibiza with her own Bang parties, and even as a presenter on the radio and TV. We quizzed her on her past, present and future in dance…

You were a resident at the legendary Hacienda- what is your favourite memory from that time?

From Murray & Vern’s fashion shows where my lilac pearlised rubber catsuit split just as I started some complicated choreography involving lots of bending on the runway, to start to finish marathon all night disco, soul and house vinyl sets on a guerilla Technics set up in the sweatiest, sleaziest basement – I have so many happy memories.

If I have to choose, then it’s a toss up between being shown how best to beat match by clapping along to the track by Princess Julia in the Gay Traitor Bar, or by being watched doing a showstopping lip synch to Donna Summer’s ‘I Feel Love’ (Masters At Work remix) by James Horrocks and Thomas Foley of React Records and then being asked to DJ at their ‘Garage’ night (alongside Steven Sharp, Rachel Auburn and Princess Julia) which was then held at Heaven on Friday nights.

What made Flesh such an important and still referenced party?

It was the mix of everything and everyone that made it so special. From flyer design to party themes to DJs and performers and most of all the fervent, loyal clubbers. Paul Cons and Lucy Scher put every effort into creating an unforgettable party and an ambiance that was unparalleled in clubland. Flesh was simultaneously a super stylish, uber-hedonistic, monthly mid-week party for music loving lesbians, gays and their friends at one of the best clubs in the world. All the DJs, artists and promoters involved were the best in their field and have gone on to do such fabulous things since – Tim Lennox, Dave Kendrick, Kath Mc Dermott, Guy Williams and myself.

Why is Manchester such as fertile place for music?

It’s in the blood. And because it rains so much? You can’t go wrong with that combination.

You’re now based in France- what precipitated that move? Life changes or were you attracted to the music scene over there?

Ha ha, I was based in France for nearly nine years but I’ve moved again. I am now based in Ibiza! The move was prompted because I wanted to get more involved musically and clubwise in the deep house scene, and the opportunities and contacts I was seeking are more easily found and connected to here. There has also a major personal change in my life which tipped the balance and since I didn’t like the direction Parisian/French life was taking I decided it was a good time to hang up my Parisian beret and don a sombrero for the foreseeable future.

What makes Paulette go “Bang” so to speak?

A bumping beat, a funky, phat bassline and a sexy lover. Oh and the always tricky combination of high heels and wide legged pants…

You’ve expressed your desire to have a proper radio show… who would have as your first guest on your new dream show and why?

Good question. I would love to have a Prince and Stevie Wonder sandwich. Their knowledge, talent, experience and music is timeless and unparalleled. Without them my music collection would have a humungous hole.

Where is your favourite dancefloor in the world for atmosphere, crowd, soundsystem, outfits, dancing skills- the full works!

Strangely there is no one club that covers all these bases for me. My favourite dancefloors are Showcase in Paris or DC10 in Ibiza. My favourite soundsystem is the small room in DC10 (the big room is way too loud – so loud that it knocked my watch out of whack for over a week. Cartiers so rarely lose time and it stopped it stone dead.) I love 4 Elements in Paris where I do my Bang night as the atmosphere is always festive. Outfits? Hmmmm – believe it or not I don’t really think of dress when I go to a club. It’s not that important to me.

What are your summer Ibiza plans?

My summer Ibiza plans are just taking shape now. I have the opening party of Privilege on June 7^th – playing in the Vista Club in a back to back with Iban Mendoza, and in warm up to Jaymo and Andy George – all of whom I LOVE! Then I have a few dates as resident in the Vista Club, boat parties for Smartie Party and a few dates at KM5 already lined up. I am in negotiations also with Hed Kandi to play a few dates at their residency at Hotel Santos in Playa D’En Bossa.

You’re playing at Sister Pantychrist as our fallen angel special guest. What’s the most Good Samaritanesque heavenly act you’ve ever committed?

I do try to do at least one Good Samaritanesque deed every day and I am very much someone who facilitates introductions and connections. We drove some friends home to Talamanca yesterday when their car broke down on our drive – it’s the other side of the island to where we live. Recently though I went to excessive lengths to get one of my nephew’s a job in Leeds when he started his university course and pulled every string possible to get another one of my nephews a Montpellier football strip for his birthday. Oh and I sneakily let our cat Luna eat Bubu’s (our other cat’s) breakfast this morning though. She looked hungrier…

What will you play to take the Superstore dancefloor to celestial heights?

Jaymo & Andy George – Remember – Moda Black

Dansson & Marlon Hoffstadt – Shake That – Play It Down

Benoit & Sergio – $100 Bill – Hot Creations

Stefano Ritteri – Nothing Stays The Same – Defected

Join DJ Paulette on Sunday 26th May at Dalston Superstore for Sister Pantychrist from 9pm – 4:30am.

Smokin Jo

After praying good and hard, the girls of East London have had their earthly desires granted and a heavenly force has delivered unto them a hot Easter Sunday party! Going by the somewhat sacriligious name of Sister Pantychrist, this glorious worship of dance music carries on right through the night until 4:30am, and features a fallen angel in the shape of legendary DJ and former Trade resident Smokin Jo, and five (count’em, five) ex nuns called Borja Peña, Cathal, Bisoux, Rebecca Sawyer and DJ Squeaky.

Ahead of Sunday’s extravaganza we managed to prise Smokin’ Jo away from her divinely duties to find out more about her favourite tracks, what it takes to be a female DJ and what inspired her to pick up her headphones in the ’90s…

What parties and what DJs inspired you to start DJing yourself?

I used to go to all the big raves and underground illegal warehouse parties in the late ’80s: places like Clink St, Sunrise, The Dungeons were all amazing; DJ’s like Colin Favor, Tony Humpries, Evil Eddie Richards, Kid Batchelor really inspired me; the deep house and techno sounds I fell in love with.

When did you make your first ever mix tape?

God… ummm probably around September 1990. I got some decks and used to practise every day, I made tapes and played them in a shop I used to work in.

What does Trade mean to you?

Trade means so much to me, It was the club that launched my career, not to mention it was utter mayhem every week. It was a dream gig, to be able to play that music to that crowd is something I will NEVER forget. It was a truly special time, the energy and the feeling that everyone was one. Every track I played and every mix I did was greeted with cheers and applause. Magical.

As a longtime London resident and someone who regularly plays here and abroad, what’s your take on the current view in the music press that London’s club scene (both on the smaller night scale and bigger warehouse events) is in dire straits?

I think the press always needs something to complain about. We are very spoilt in London to have such a diverse music scene, and while some clubs maybe are getting a bit stale and lazy, there are lots of underground, illegal or newer parties and venues that are popping up which are amazing. Dance Tunnel, Half Baked, Shelter, The Loft Studios are all amazing. If you want a good night out you need to go and and find it not expect it to come to you.

You’re our fallen angel at Sister Pantychrist… what’s the most angelic or heavenly act you’ve ever committed?

One time in Ibiza my boyfriend and I found a girl who had fallen into the port in Ibiza town, she had lost her friends, had no money and no idea what she was doing, totally off her nut. We took her back to our place and looked after for a few days, gave her food, let her stay and showed her a good time in Ibiza!

Tell us one track you plan to play that’ll deliver salvation to the crowd…

Pleasurekraft – American Hustle

What’s the funniest inaccuracy you’ve ever read about yourself?

That I was married to Skin from Skunk Anansie.

You’ve said in the past you found it easier to stand out when you were first starting out as there were only about 4 female DJs in the UK… now that there are a considerable amount more, what does a girl have to do to get noticed?

I guess it is the DJs that treat themselves like a brand that make it now. You have to have an agent, a manager, PR, your own record label, a club night, lots of tracks out. Maybe even your own merchandise. This is not something that I think makes a good DJ but it seems these days you have to have a team behind you to really stand out and make it.

You’ve recently been releasing on Hannah Holland’s Native City label- how did that come about?

I have know Hannah for years, she is a good mate, when she said she was starting a label I jumped at the chance, keep it in the family and all that!

What are your three favourite tracks for dancing to? And not necessarily ones that you’d play out…

The Emotions – Best of My Love

Blackstreet – No Diggity

Soft Cell – Tainted Love

Join Smokin Jo at Sister Pantychrist on Easter Sunday 31st March at Dalston Superstore from 7pm – 4:30am