"ALL THINGS FRONT OF HOUSE"

by ASH DHINDSA

So we’ve been a bit on the quiet side in terms of the blogging and after numerous talks, ‘ums and ahh’s’ here’s truly what you can expect from FOH for Summer 2012. 

Let’s start with the new night that will solely be launched as a ‘Front of House Event’ come September as promised. We will be revealing the venue in due course which we are all buzzing about & we hope you’ll be as up for it as us. If you’ve been keeping tabs on the social networks (I.E. Facebook/ Twitter) you’ll see the website is set for construction with sort of a change in our branding to come. Don’t you worry though, all things FOH in terms of sound will be exactly the same.

We’ve promised you a string of regular resident mixes and if you pop over to the Mixcloud page by hitting the little icon on our homepage you’ll see we’ve launched with a couple just as a make up for going away over the last few weeks. Or here it is below for those of you that need to listen right now and sticking to the whole no more than two clicks away yardy yar....

FOH001 by Sam Spence on Mixcloud

Snowbombing was pretty mental. Sam & Will have just about recovered from that after smashing there B2B daytime set up on the Mountain Stage along with Smak Pony & Dutch Settlers. Vibes very similar to what you’ll hear above as Sam & Will have switched The Hoff for The Midlands with their latest flow of sounds. Ash is working on the next one for you all & Asa’s uploaded a ‘blast from the past’ with his progressive ‘Aeroplane Synths’ to get you through your flight.

The biggest party we’re hitting this Summer we can safely say is Hideout with under two weeks to go now the excitement is fully kicking in. Some others to look out for include those thrown by Wolfstock, Eastern Electronic Festival, Global Gathering, Face & 2:31 Summer Sessions, Gibb Street ‘presents’ & many more which I would love to name. Just a quick reminder of what we’ve done so far this year there’s our official meeting with The Cellar Door over at Face and of course our biggest appearance to date in Austria for Snowbombing. Our residents have also been doing the rounds individually playing a few other nights as well such as down at Looped & other nights. Flying the FOH flag.

So there’s a lot to digest & many nuggets of FOH information condensed into one blog. Have a listen and keep an eye on the Mixcloud. They’ll be another blog soon & expect a Hideout review from myself or Asa. As per follow or like us or do whatever’s necessary to stay in the know!

MEET ANDY GUY (LOOPED) @ BIRMINGHAM SHOWCASE FESTIVAL 8.10.11

by ASH DHINDSA

Hi Andy, how’s it going? So you’re gonna be playing for Front of House on October 8^th, obviously you’re new to the line-up, tell us what you’re most looking forward to?

I’m all good thanks, the thing I’m most looking forward to is crowd reaction, there really is nothing like an electric reaction when you drop in a big tune or sample in bass lines and you see people moving like crazy to your chosen beats.

How much do you know about The Rainbow Venues? And (if any) what are your expectations about the place?

Personally I don’t know a great deal about the Rainbow venues, however I always hear good things when I’ve asked people how they got on. By looking at the line-ups though you can tell that they know what they’re doing and there definitely sticking to their guns and keeping the underground music scene, so going by that I’m expecting big things.

If you could highlight anything, what should the people be expecting from your set?

Hypnotic melody’s and fat bass-lines fitting in nicely with the Cellar.

What’s your favourite thing to do right now?

Favourite thing at the moment is experimenting in the production side of house music, it takes an age to get where you want but when you start to see a track come together you know it’s worth it!  

And worst?

Getting up early…

What’s your first memory of wanting to become a DJ?

I’ve always loved electronic music from a young age, owning my first pair of turntables at 13, but after a few years I gave up being a bedroom DJ. However a trip to the White isle in 2010 soon re-kindled the love for House music and the underground scene altogether so I upgraded to some CDJ’s and well, here I am.

Best thing about being a DJ?

The best thing is when you see people moving to your choice of tracks, complimented by your mixing skills, you know you’ve done a good job when everyone is still moving.

Tell us a bit more about your ongoing project, Looped?

Looped is a night that me and two other DJ’s set up and co-run in Cambridge. We’ve been very fortunate to play a few venues we could only have dreamed of, such as Ministry of Sound and Egg Club, London. We still play monthly in various spots in the hometown, inviting guests down to come play. Also getting on the festival scene Looped made its debut at the electronic festival ‘Field Fest’ in July this year, so all in all Looped is looking very promising.

What’s unique about the underground house scene in Cambridge? And what are you expecting in Brum?

Cambridge’s underground scene comprises of a few music projects that are around, so it didn’t take long to become a part of it. What is unique though is that it is growing, people are slowly moving away from the main stream and getting their teeth into the underground scene where they can appreciate the different sound. Having already experienced Birmingham’s underground scene, I know for sure that the 8^th is gonna go off big time!

Front of House... Looped, Collaboration on the cards?

Without a doubt, we love meeting new people inviting guest DJ’s down to play at our Looped nights, so a collaboration is a definite one for the diary!

Where’s the best venue you’ve played in your career so far? And for what reasons?

Best venue would have to be Ministry of Sound, London for obvious reasons really it’s Ministry! Me and the Looped guys actually headlined the Loft room that night, which did concern us at first as at the same time we were playing the main headliner ‘Fedde Le grand’ was playing to. But as soon as we graced the decks the Loft room was packed out, the energy was crazy, clubbers went mad for the tracks we were laying down, a definite one to remember!

Finally, if there’s anything interesting you would want people to know about yourself, what would it be?

Bit random but I used to be a fire-fighter.

www.soundcloud.com/andyguy 

"A WEEKEND IN DARESBURY" - Creamfields Review

by ASH DHINDSA

So yeah, some people forgot to take wellies...

It’s safe to say Creamfields did not disappoint as it took to the stage once again this year to deliver what can only be described as a banging bank holiday weekend. Here’s how we partied... or rolled around in the mud!

Whether you just love festivals in general, lovely music or both (which is certainly us) Cheshire was the place to be for August bank holiday 2011. You know it’s been a memorable one when you lay your head down at the end & just want to be back in that same place. For me, upon arrival it’s all about the crowd and the general feel good atmosphere which you are taken to immediately. It’s just something you don’t get to be a part of everyday. 50,000 people all up for it, with nothing to worry about except where the best vibes are... Heaven!

You go in with a plan of djs you want to see & more than likely its going to break down, which is the beauty of it in a way. We managed to catch the likes of Tiesto, Calvin Harris, Afrojack, Joris Voorn & Swedish House Mafia but to us it was more about going where you enjoyed it most whether it was the busiest or not. Personally, I found myself pumping the night away in many of the smaller tents including Residents Igloo.

Even the great British weather couldn’t stop us, and it’s moments like when you find yourself dancing away in the pouring rain without a care in the world that you’ll never forget. Or dancing through ankle deep mud surrounded by smiles, as you make your way to the next stage. Or the anticipation of the crowd when Swedish took the stage, you really can’t put it into words; you just have to try it. It’s that simple. And it’s exactly the kind of thing that inspired us in the creating of Front of House, you can never be afraid to try new things!

There were many moments where I just thought to myself; where else would you do this? Ok... more than likely in the same place next year but you get the point! Memories are everything. I hope I’ve managed to capture the moments in words for those of you who missed it (you know who you are), and until next year... it’s goodbye!     


Front of House Events                                        

"OUR GUIDE TO IBIZA"

by ASH DHINDSA / ASA HOPE

We’re back with another cheeky little hit for you (it’s actually quite long) and this time it’s all things Ibiza!

Whether or not you’ve been lucky enough to make your way to the party island of Ibiza this Year for some Balearic hedonism, we’ll do our best to give you your Ibiza fix for the summer & our take on the places to be hitting.. time to dream!

San Antonio, on the North West coast of the island, is rightly considered to be the heart of Ibiza’s nightlife; Hosting the infamous West End Strip, Sunset Bars and Nightclubs.. Eden & Es Paradise. Most party goer’s find themselves residents of San Antonio in respect of its cheap, cheerful and (mostly) clean accommodation. Don’t be silly & save as much money to party from sun set till rise is basically what we mean! Speaking of the Sunset on this side of the island, there’s little better way to capture it than at the legendary Café Del Mar and Café Mambo. A nightly swarm of both residents and clubbers young & old litter the coast to take in the spectacle. I know, I know it all sounds too dreamy but we did prepare you for it. You’ll see what all the fuss is about we’re sure of that!

There’s certainly no place for lies in this guide, and as some of you probably know the clubs in Ibiza are notorious for their extremely high drinks prices. So if you’re going on a budget you’ll be glad to know there’s an array of bars to get you pumping before making your way to the BIG clubs. What’s that thing you get up to at Uni... oh, predrinking. Yeah, do that!

 Within a stone’s throw of Eden and Es paradise you’ll find a handful of great bars which are packed most nights, amongst are Ibiza Rocks Bar, Lineker’s & Itaca. These bars are also ideally located adjacent to the dedicated bus stops for clubs, Privilege & Amnesia, which are in the very centre of the island and almost directly opposite each other. Informative huh? In all seriousness though, as we go through the endless things to do it’s impossible not to dream! Can’t blame a boy for dreaming...

This year Eden has been home to Judgement Sundays, hosted by Judge Jules and the Island’s premier RnB night, TwiceasNice. Es paradise proudly presents it’s twice weekly water parties and Clubland events.  Privilege is the highest capacity club in the world at a mammoth 17,000 people, famous for it’s weekly residency of Tiesto every Monday. Amnesia has seen the likes of Deadmau5, Annie Mac & Eric Prydz already this year and being arguably the best club on the island. Imagine that. Or don’t, just book it & go (Peter Kay esc)!

On the otherside of the island you’ll find Eivissa Town (Ibiza’s Capital), home to Pacha and Space. Pacha’s worldwide reputation speaks for itself, and Space Ibiza is no exception. Set across multiple floors and even having a roof terrace which looks over the city, expect Swedish House Mafia weekly and some very special guests. 

At club closing in Eivissa there’s only one place to go and that’s to see the sunrise at Bora Bora beach, this bar on the beach is famous for it’s all day parties and world class guest DJ’s... yet another must see experience. I’d say we’ve done pretty well narrowing that all down for you, and if Ibiza isn’t on the cards this time then don’t forget to check back for next season... Bye for now!


Front of House Events

"WHERE WE'LL BE PARTYING IN THE UK THIS MONTH”

by ASH DHINDSA

Buzzing! These are just a pick of a whole bunch of parties that we’ll be hitting across the UK this summer and trust us you will not be disappointed! Two HUGE events not to be missed. Lavvly!

First, let’s start with yet another massive night from Face, (and may we add) with absolutely loads more to come this year from the UK’s third best club night in 2010 as voted by Mixmag. Taking place across The Rainbow Warehouse, Garden and one big street carnival Face meets Cream Ibiza Classics!

On Saturday 6^th August there’s something for everyone at The Rainbow Street Carnival from the king of house music Derrick Carter, Hot Natured’s Jamie Jones, Face’s very own continental resident Edu Imbernon and London based Tim Green is set to tear up the place with his unique sounds. There’s no time for fillers here, with a live P.A. from Angie Brown in the street bringing you a disco we know we aren’t going to forget in a hurry!

We could go on forever, but might we suggest you check it out yourselves at www.faceevent.co.uk. You’d be silly not to make this one, but they’ll be plenty more upcoming events from Face including the likes of Leon & Darius Syrossian (Viva Music), Face presents Hot Natured and many many more. Sweeeeet.

Moving swiftly on, and to yet another sell out from Creamfields, the world’s leading dance music festival. If you can’t find a name you love here then we’ll eat our hats! Packing the green of Daresbury, Cheshire will be 50,000+ dance lovers including us at FOH. So where will you find us partying away the hours? On Saturday 27^th August the pick of the bunch has to include Tiesto (recently voted ‘The Greatest DJ Of All Time by Mixmag), Mark Knight and Steve Angello. But, perhaps the stage we’re most excited about on the Saturday is ‘Pryda Friends’, with the likes of Jeremy Olander, Sebastien Leger, James Zabiela and Joris Voorn spinning! One word... Buzzing.

Sunday the 28^th sees the likes of Swedish House Mafia and David Guetta take to the stage, tough decision if you have to choose one. Above and Beyond feature on the ‘Cream’ stage and perhaps a stage we’ll most be around is ‘Mixmag Presents Cocoon’ being all cool and that. We like to think that’s a nice mixture we’ve picked for all you house heads.

Whatever your choice is, we’re all sure it’ll be a bank holiday weekend to be remembered and for more information concerning all things Creamfields go to www.creamfields.com. Catch ya soon!   

"SO NOW YOU'RE GETTING TO KNOW US"

by ASH DHINDSA

As you’re probably starting to realise now, at Front of House we like to keep things personal and be involved with you guys as much as possible. So here’s another step to building that relationship with you lovely people (Yes... I know we keep saying it, but we like to think we mean it).

So what’s this one about then? Basically it’s safe to say everyone’s enjoying a very busy summer at the moment and we just wanted to give you all an insight into the different things we’ve been delving into for both business and pleasure. So if you do bump into us around Birmingham or on our travels we want you guys to let us know the parties you’re hitting and what we’re missing out on... rather than us doing all the talking!

So let’s start with the eldest of the group Asa (be rude not to). Whilst we all enjoy time relaxing, Asa has recently jetted off to Thailand for four weeks all in aid of teaching the English language to young Thai children. Of course, being himself that’s not all he’s been up to on his travels, Asa’s also managed to find time to celebrate his birthday and see the sights without forgetting his responsibilities back home. By this we mean in the form of So//Co through adding to his collection of flowing sounds and banging house beats ready for our launch in September... lavvly!

Will has been hard at work preparing all things visual as normal for our big launch, but he’s of course as well found time to have a little travel. He’s done a bit of moving around the U.K, but more recently and exotically to his second home Chamonix Mont-Blanc in the French Alps. Will has once played live on New Year’s Eve of all times in his second town, and this time round plans to mix with the local djs and enjoy some time off. Will’s also been meeting up with industry professionals during this time as well as mixing alongisde the locals, making for yet more exciting plans. Of Course it goes without saying that we’ll all be partying at some top venues, but all shall be revealed in due course!

Ash will also be joining Will for a brief period over in Chamonix to relax, experience a new culture and find some new sounds. We can’t help but come up with more ideas even when we’re supposed to be relaxing if were honest! As well as working hard preparing all things for Front of House in September, being the younger one of the group, Ash has also found time to squeeze in a little trip to Cyprus to party the nights away, and I'm sure there'll be time for a mix in there somewhere. He tells us it’s all experience (we hope)

Finally, for resident DJ Squared or Sam it’s been mostly business as usual playing out various gigs around the London and South East areas. Sam Spence has also made an appearance back in Brum this Summer at Subway City for the new night Kute Birmingham, in preparation for Front of House Events. Expect Sam to be bringing plenty of fun and love to your parties throughout the summer and of course he’ll be joining in with the partying at some top venues with you guys. On it!     


Front of House Events