The London Scene
The London electronic music scene is vibrant and diverse, with clubs offering a range of genres including house, techno, drum and bass, electronica, funk, and soul. Some of the top clubs in the city are Ministry of Sound, EGG, Fabric, XOYO, and Cargo. These clubs are known for their unique atmospheres and are popular among both locals and international tourists. For example, Ministry of Sound is renowned for its focus on sound quality and American house music influences, while EGG offers 24-hour parties and a quirky venue with multiple floors and an outdoor terrace. Fabric is famous for its bass-loaded body sonic dance floor and its focus on underground music. XOYO is recognized for its aesthetic appeal and variety of music genres, and Cargo, situated in a disused railway yard, offers a vibrant atmosphere with top artists and DJs. Other notable venues include Studio 338, known for its terrace parties and focus on techno and house, and Phonox, which offers a blend of old and new beats with a single-room, single-DJ format.
DRUMSHEDS, Broadwick Live
The London club scene witnessed a significant change with the closing of Printworks in the spring of 2023, a well-known venue in the city's electronic music landscape. In response to this closure, Broadwick Live, the team behind Printworks, launched DRUMSHEDS, a new 15,000-capacity venue in North London, which opened in September 2023 in a former Ikea. DRUMSHEDS is situated in a large warehouse in the Meridian Water zone and spans an impressive 608,000 square feet. This makes it not only one of the largest cultural spaces in London but also a versatile venue that can be continuously reconfigured for a variety of events such as festivals, private parties, fashion shows, and exhibitions. DRUMSHEDS retains many of the original industrial features of the warehouse, including old lift shafts, loading bays, and machinery. This aspect of the design adds a raw, authentic feel to the venue, reflecting a similar industrial aesthetic that was a hallmark of Printworks. The venue's first season of events was announced with an impressive lineup, including prominent names like Gorgon City, Elrow, Andy C, Charlotte De Witte, and Jamie Jones, among others. These events are set to take place on Saturday nights from October to December, with the promise of epic production and lighting for each event.
In terms of genres, London's scene is marked by a strong presence of techno and house music, with clubs like Studio 338 and E1 being particularly noteworthy for their focus on these genres. The city's EDM clubs are also characterized by their range of costs, with entry fees and drink prices varying widely depending on the venue and event. For instance, entry fees can range from £5 to £30, and drinks can cost between £5-£12. Clubs like Ministry of Sound and Studio 338 tend to have a relaxed approach to attire, emphasizing comfort and style suited to the energy of the night.
London is known for hosting renowned artists and DJs from around the world such as Charlotte De Witt, Camelphat and Andy C, as well as emerging artists such Nimino, faux naïf and EG. Each contribute to a unique and evolving musical experience in the capital city. Additionally, the scene is supported by various record labels, such as Anjunabeats and Ninja Tunes, as well as promoters like Broadwick Live, supported by the likes of the BBC, further enriching the diversity and quality of the music offered.
