Thursday 25 October 2012

Reading's Venue Scarcity

I just wanted to remind you all of the existence of Free House Project.



I suspect many of the readers of this will understand my frustration with regards to the lack of suitable venues in Reading.  I was quite impressed with the set-up at Sub89 when I DJ'd there a couple of weeks ago but there is no way Free House Project is ready to fill a 500 people venue!

One day maybe!  One can dream.

After thinking about the options (or anti-options), I do have somewhere in mind though.  And it will overcome the issues some had about the previous venue.

There is no point in giving up at the first hurdle.  There is a greater picture and a mission to achieve.

Hopefully there will be some news before the end of 2012.

I doubt there will be a party before the end of 2012...but you never know.  Pencil in January...but maybe see you in December?

Please feel free to share and spread the word.  And add to your interest lists on Facebook (the button next to where it says 'liked' on the page) - it will ensure you see all the news instead of a paltry Farcebook 10%.

And remember, if you want to get involved, drop us a line.  It can only be a success with you.

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Cancelled.

It is with regret that Free House Project at Milk has been cancelled.

It is not appropriate to elaborate on the reasons why over the internet, but if anyone would like to know then feel free to contact me directly.

Is it actually impossible to bring a good underground house music party to Reading on a regular basis?

Or was this just the first step on the path towards bigger and better parties, at a venue perhaps more suitable (ie with a dancefloor, a much later license, air conditioning or even an outdoors area perhaps?!).

Time to reflect and decide if, when and how to move on.

Nobody said it would be easy.

James

L

Monday 3 September 2012

Free House Project Part 2 - Self-Review!


Last week I was asking myself, “why am I doing this?”.  Bearing in mind that I was organising a party to happen a week before I was moving house, so I was really questioning why I was organising and promoting a party too, concerned that nobody would turn up and that all my efforts (and those of others too whom I will thank later) would be in vain.

Well, those questions were well and truly answered by the smiles on people’s faces, the dancers, the randoms that so enthusiastically thanked me and most importantly the amazing friends that turned up and really enjoyed themselves.


Not to mention the fact that I had a brilliant time too.

I had been thinking since the first party in June as to which DJs to book.  There are a good amount of really good local DJs, all with slightly differing styles and with 8 hours to play with, I wanted a variety of house music that I would enjoy, and hence given my unbeatable taste should equally entertain my guests (well I like my taste in music anyway).  When myself and Samantha met to discuss a while back, there was no debate.

First up on Saturday at the leisurely hour of 4pm was the co-curator of Free House Project, Samantha Bond.  The first set is probably the most difficult in any night, but she has tons of experience and played a beautiful set of melodic house and deep house, good afternoon vibes to kick us off.

I do get asked why we start so early at 4pm given that most people don’t go out until the evening.  Firstly, if we started at 8pm then nobody would arrive until 10pm!  Secondly the bar is only open until midnight and 8 hours gives us more options with regards to music and DJs and allows for more of a “journey”.  And finally, nobody partied during the day in London years ago, so dearest darling disco dancers you just need to learn to change your habits ;-)

Next up was KingPinn, who truly excelled and exceeded my already high expectations.  A DJ with such a wealth of knowledge about house music playing a variety of styles from soulful to disco to more techy underground house.  I loved it as did everyone else who was there.

Then I played.  Well, erm, I spent about 2 hours beforehand trying to work out what to play as my first track and decided about 3 minutes before, I messed up many of my mixes at first and was a bit all over the place, but eventually I got into my groove.  I played mostly at 121bpm which is a speed I love at the moment, played lots of deep basslines, going a little dark and seedy at times, and I had a lot of compliments about my music, enough to surprise me.

Then came Sebastian Klone, who played some fantastic underground music, took over from me with more of a house sound than I was previously used to from him though I had a feeling this would be the case, he then played some more techy stuff and deeper stuff, another brilliant set.

Then I played a few more, and also thanks to Edd for spinning a few tunes in the last hour too (sorry I played Party Non Stop which you told me you were going to as I had cued it up…I didn’t know and someone had asked me for it so blame the young lady who asked me!).

Yes, I had two requests – one I played as above, and one that I hadn’t heard of but I was honoured to have received my first ever DJ request note, so thanks for that if you are reading, I was touched!  It's quite a nice track too though I don't know how I would fit it in to my DJ set...never say never though.


 I was absolutely delighted with all the DJs, even with myself in the end all things taken into account and hopefully you will be seeing them all back again for future parties.

Yes, there will be future parties without a doubt. Still subject to confirmation but there should be one more this year and maybe even monthly next year, once we are in the swing of things J

A big thanks most importantly to those who turned up, had a good time and the dancers – you made my night and I trust you all had a good time too.

Apologies for the lack of dance floor space, several people asked me about it - I did want to move the furniture but it isn’t my venue!  And yes I know it gets rather warm in there when it is sunny and warm outside, but trust me, it is warmer Djing or behind the bar.  All I can say is – wear less clothes.

Anyway, enough rambling, another huge thank you to those who came, those who DJ’d and those who loved it, and those who wished us well.

Please spread the word as the house music revolution of Reading has only just begun, but it needs you as much as us or the DJs.

Much love

James, FHP xxx

Don't forget to like us on Facebook to keep up to date with what is happening.
There are mixes from Samantha and a previous guest, Tim, on our Mixcloud page.
My mixes are on here, Samantha's are here, Sebastian Klone can be heard on Hoxton FM every Wednesday 8-10pm, and you can listen to some of his productions here, and finally Edd who played a few tracks in the last hour also appears as a guest DJ on Passion FM every other Thursday for Keshava Chandratheva's show.

We will be back.

Thursday 30 August 2012

Latest News - 2 Days To Go

So who knew that you cannot message your guest list on Facebook now?  Facebook pisses me off more and more every week.

On the bright side, Facebook reckons we have 50 people attending!

However, as I just re-learnt, trust Facebook at your peril.

Anyway, we have an announcement and an opportunity...of sorts.

Firstly Samantha and James are swapping their DJ sets around so the line-up is now:


16:00 - 17:30 Samantha Bond
17:30 - 19:30 KingPinn
19:30 - 21:00 James Winfield
21:00 - 23:00 Sebastian Klone
23:00 - Midnight - James & ???

Secondly James will probably be too ruined to play the last hour by himself (I can say this because I am James) and Samantha cannot be there for the closing hour or two, so we thought it would be nice to open up the opportunity to anyone who fancies playing a couple of tunes.

Two rules:

NO ELECTRO-HOUSE
NO DUBSTEP

Wait a minute, make it three rules - NO RIHANNA.

Actually make it a lucky seven rules - NO GUETTA, NO DRUM'N'BASS, NO HARD HOUSE, NOTHING THAT WOULD BE PLAYED ON FRIAR STREET.

So anyone who fancies playing a couple of tracks, bring a cd or two, or a record or two and make yourself known.

We are not sure what the demand will be so if you want to be guaranteed your 10-15 minutes of Free House Project fame then please ask in advance of Saturday.

Oh and you won't be getting the last two tracks of the evening.

And finally, our third party will be on Saturday 3rd November.  And yes we are looking for DJs.

Tuesday 28 August 2012

Interview With Sebastian Klone

Just 5 days until the next Free House Project and I am delighted to bring you an interview with the second guest, Sebastian Klone, who will be playing 9pm to 11pm.

So, what music are we likely to hear you play?
House and tech along many spectrums. Melodic, deep, groovy. I like to change it up, throw a few curve balls here and there!
Who are your favourite DJs at the moment?
I'd say Pan-Pot, Liebing and Steve Bug would be my top 3 right now!
And your favourite producers?
Dusky, Tom Budden, Re.you and Andrea Oliva are doing it for me!
What was the first track to get you into house music?
I loved the funky house sound back in the late 90's and early 00's. Nothing really in particular to be honest, far too many!
Do you have any embarrassing records in your collection?
Probably some old trance and hard house tracks which are just awful listening back to them!
What has been your most calamitous DJing moment?
Most probably pressing stop on the wrong cdj! Its happened to the best of us!
And the highlight of your DJ career? Warming up Demi in Calgary last year, great party, great vibe and a great crowd!
Can you cook? What is your signature dish in the kitchen? I cannot cook very well, hence, no signature dish!
Do you like partying?
I do, but rarely do these days as I have a real lack of time unfortunately.
What is the best ever party you have been to in your life?
Cocoon, 2008 in Amnesia. I danced for a good straight 6 hours, which for me is a rarity!
Where were you born?
In the UAE.
Do you have a favourite hidden gem of Reading?
Not any more, Mango used to be my old haunt!
What can you recommend about Slough?
The M4 leading out of there!
Anything else you would like to tell us about? 
You can catch my show on Hoxton FM every Weds from 8-10pm from Trafik Bar in Hoxton Sq.
All my tunes can be found on Beatport too and my sound cloud page!
***

5 days to go!

Love FHP x

Wednesday 22 August 2012

Interview With KingPinn

With just 10 days to go, it is about time to introduce you (or for some of the more regular Reading party-goers, re-introduce you) to KingPinn, who is playing 530-730pm on Saturday 1st September.

So, what music are we likely to hear you play? 
Good House music spanning the genres, much depends on what the weather is doing, who is there etc. Feeling quite a bit of the deep house that's about at the mo, no doubt there will be some soulful beats, lots of disco influences and perhaps a few surprises thrown in for good measure.
Who are your favourite DJs at the moment?
Karizma, Spen (not Sven), Mr V, Grant Nelson, Joey Negro, Andy Ward and Dimitri from Paris all still hit the spot for me.
And your favourite producers?
Dennis Ferrer, Kerri Chandler What was the first track to get you into house music?  I am sure there were others but Jungle Brothers- I'll House You (1988) is a stand out track for me.
Do you have any embarrassing records in your collection?
Plenty :-) But lots more I cherish!
What has been your most calamitous DJing moment?
Oh there have been a few of those but probably the classic of being lost in mix in the headphones and then you realise the silence coming out the speakers....ooopsie!
And the highlight of your DJ career?
Midnight sets on NYE or the sunset set I played in Ibiza....proper goose bumps.

Can you cook? What is your signature dish in the kitchen?
lol nope definitely not.
Do you like partying?
Is that really a question :-)
What is the best ever party you have been to in your life?
Easy Southport Weekender.  An Absolute must do for anyone who knows and loves their house music!
Where were you born?
UK, but spent 5 years living close to Chicago in the early 90s.
Did you move to Chicago just because of house music?!
Nope I had a Tennis Scholarship to a University in Indianapolis  (when I say close it was 3 hours drive away but we still did it quite a few road trip weekends).
What was it like living there?
Indiana was quite conservative although had a great arts district with house and industrial music filtering down from Chicago.
Did it influence your music tastes whilst you lived there?
Certainly did in many ways, people in the local record shop used to give me stuff to preview and review, not always house but I remember vividly an 808 state cassette they gave me which I had on repeat for months in my car
Did you visit any clubs whilst you were out there?  If so, which was the best?
In Indianapolis there was somewhere to go almost everyday of the week but we also did road trips to Chicago quite regularly. The best place I went to there was a place called Shelter (I don't think  it was linked to the one in New York) but proper house music all night and absolutely packed. The queues were the worst thing, that wind coming off the great lakes is absolutely freezing in winter but was always worth the wait once inside.
Do you have a favourite hidden gem of Reading?
Sadly Reading has changed. Probably Milk, or Sahara for a nice cocktail.
 
Many thanks for Kevin for taking the time to respond to the interview.
 
There will be another interview with our other guest, Sebastian Klone, to come, and perhaps we might even have a new mix to warm your ears up before Saturday 1st September.

Wednesday 1 August 2012

DJ Announcement For Free House Project 2

Free House Project are delighted to announce the two guest DJs for our next party on Saturday 1st September 2012 (though if you are particularly observant you may have worked it out already).

Firstly playing the 530pm-730pm slot, is Kingpinn.  You may recognise him, or know him, from the TNT house parties from the mid-2000’s in Reading at such venues as the Warwick Arms, Fez Club or latterly, Mango (before it went shit).  Known for playing a mixture of good quality house – if you expect music along the lines of Dennis Ferrer, you shouldn’t go far wrong.  Other priorities in life such as his wonderful young family mean it is a rare treat to hear him out and about behind the decks, that and a lack of venues willing to play good house music.  We hope you approve.

The second guest, is Sebastian Klone, who has recently returned fresh from a spell in Canada, and unlike our previous guest DJ, he can regularly be found playing in and around Reading, and also some warm-up slots in London clubs, along with his weekly radio show on Hoxton FM.  Also well-known for being part of the excellent Lunar parties at Mango a few years back. A slightly more deep, progressive and perhaps at times tech-house kind of style is what he is more known for, and given a 2 hour slot between 9pm and 11pm, will be sure to bring the party to the next level.  He has promised to ditch the laptop and play CDs which is what we like to hear (and the only thing we ask, apart from excellent music).

And of course you still have the two residents, James Winfield and Samantha Bond, playing 4pm to 530pm, and 730pm to 9pm, respectively, and then a back-to-back for the last hour until midnight.

We hope you can join us and help establish Free House Project as a regular house music party, and feel free to add yourself to the list of attendees on Facebook.

Love, FHP x

Tuesday 17 July 2012

Exciting Free House Project Announcement!


In the first of a series of exciting Free House Project announcements to come over the next few days, I am delighted to announce that Samantha Bond had not only agreed to be resident, but also a full partner, director and curator in Free House Project.

Samantha brings not only a wealth of experience of DJing, she has valuable promotional experience too and a fantastic amount of creativity to bring to the party.  And perhaps even more importantly, believes in the ethos of the Free House Project and I fully welcome her on board.

We probably have the DJs lined up for the next party, subject to confirmation, however we are always interested in hearing from DJs who feel they may have something to offer so if you think you do please send a link to a mix to us.  Remember – cds and vinyl only, and the party is generally a house music party (though we are persuadable!).  One final tip – if you mix contains tracks that David Guetta or Swedish House Mafia play, you might want to think again...

More to come soon on our guest DJs for the September party - and don't forget the Mixcloud page.

FHP x

Friday 22 June 2012

A Few Words From The Curator & Creator of Free House Project, James Winfield

I'm a little bit excited.  You know I like to talk a lot.  But I love music even more.


So, why am I doing the Free House Project?

Well, it sounds kind of bullshitty, but I was in Ibiza back in 2009, going through a bit of a rough patch in my life and I was on the beach in Ibiza, reading an interview with my hero, Sven Vath, and it was at that point that he connected with me telepathically to instruct me that I needed to start DJing and putting my own nights on in my local area.  Honestly, he did.

How did I come up with the concept?

Well, me and a friend came up with the idea one drunken Sunday afternoon in early 2010, watching the world go by, of a free party of us playing whatever we loved though mostly based around house music, and we came up with the name too at the same time, a slight rip-off of the Warehouse Project perhaps but I think more in homage and being 200 miles away I think they can be safe that we are not competition!

But that was 2010…

We had logistic issues such as a lack of equipment, lack of suitbable venue and lack of spare funds to be able to start something up.  Oh and the small matter of me not being able to DJ.  And then through either co-incidence or inspiration, somebody else came up with the same basic idea, slightly different music policy, with my co-conspirator on board leaving me to only have to do what I do best – attend parties and have a great time.

Then what happened?

I went back to Ibiza after a year’s hiatus, having just been made redundant and becoming unemployed for the first time this century, and had a conversation over a few beers in the sunshine and agreed to purchase some top-notch CDJs and mixer.  The nightlife in Reading for me was nearly dead apart from the irregular parties thrown by aforementioned friends so I had to learn, I had to get it out of me.

And finally, with Milk Bar, there is a venue with enough credibility and an open-ness to something different that I can throw the party of my dreams.

I do want to revolutionise the nightlife in Reading – there is no reason why if for example Southampton can attract some world-class underground house DJs that Reading cannot.  All it needs is a dream, a vision and a plan and I have all of that.  Oh and some willing party-goers and some excellent local DJs.  But one has to start somewhere, it won’t come overnight.

There are two main reasons why I am finally doing the Free House Project.  One is self-centred I guess, to give myself a chance to play out some of the music I love.  I guess organising an event is good for my CV and a real test of skills I would like to have.  And I want to improve my DJing as I am not that good yet, I need to be playing out to improve more.

But the other, more important reason is that I do care about the world and society, and especially my local area and the people that mean a lot to me - I am perhaps limited in the ways that I can change the world for the better, but I thoroughly believe in the power of house music to be able to spread love and this happy, positive energy to and between people, and by taking money out of the equation then I can give anyone, rich or poor, busy or bored, white or black, straight or gay, old or young, or whatever identity they associate themselves with a cost-free opportunity to try it out.  If you don't like it - you haven't lost anything.  But if I and my DJs, and my friends have anything to do with it, then I am certain that it will be a night to remember.

Taking money out of the concept is an important part of it.  It means I am not financially profiting out of it and neither are the DJs.  Sure, the bar will be, we live in a capitalist society and it has to be in the interest of whoever runs the bar to take the night on and give that precious opportunity - that is why it would only work at the right venue - Free House Project is not really suited to some corporate hell-hole with dumb middle managers working from a centralised textbook made in an office in Solihull which is handed down to all 126 establishments all with the same name and the same design.

I want the best in terms of hospitality for my guests - I've had some amazing nights at some of the very best venues with some of the very best DJs in the world - and I cannot offer that (I have no ice cannons...yet) but I will endeavour to do my best to capture the spirit and what I believe goes into creating the best nights as you don't actually need to book a superstar DJ or be at the coolest club in London or Ibiza to have a great time - you can do it in your local town.

This is why concepts that I find important to me, I will be trying to apply; such as booking DJs with a true love for music that is right for Free House Project, a venue that cares, a sound-system of good quality as opposed to loud but crap and damaging your ears, one where you can have a conversation without shouting, and perhaps most controversially - no laptops.  Sorry!  Oh and I am not booking DJs just because they can bring a crowd.

I'm not saying you cannot have a good party by doing those things, but I am doing what I believe in from my reasonable extensive experience of partying.

Where do I want to take Free House Project?

I have dreams but it really does depend on how the first party goes.  If it is a flop, then I guess it might just be a one-off and I might forget about it.  I don't see it being a flop, even England miraculously managed to finish top of their group just so I can have a football-free party, and it is even not going to pour with rain.  So I doubt it will flop.  But who knows.  It needs me on good form, it needs the DJs on good form but most importantly it needs the crowd - it needs you.  You can have the best DJs in the world but no party people = no party.

I always want to stick to my roots, and I will look after those who look after me.  I would never see me not doing parties.  I dream of being able to do something outdoors somewhere (with louder music and sunshine, he he!), or a dirty all-night party in an empty office block, but would have to be legal, I'm not going to be throwing illegal raves, sorry.  Maybe I will do a party on a bus or a street, one day.  But how I would be able to do them for free, I don't know.  It's one for the future and nothing is likely to happen until I have had a few small parties and the Free House Project has a bit of a reputation.

Also, I would love to book some of the people that inspire me from outside of Reading, like Maya Jane Coles, Subb-an, Heidi, Seth Troxler, Nina Kraviz, Maceo Plex, Huxley - there are probably about 500 DJs I would love to book.  I might dream but I am realistic - none of them are likely to want to play in Reading for free.  And it is unlikely their agents would let them.

But perhaps I could offer some kind of structured ticketing - like first 100 tickets free, next 100 £5, the rest £10 - something like that.  But this is a long way in the future and of course it would need a larger suitable venue.  And as long as the lovely Milk Bar wants the Free House Project then I would always want to do parties there no matter what else was going on - never forget those who give you the initial opportunity.

Anyway, those are just ideas in my head at the moment and a light-year away from fruition.

For now, it is all about Saturday 23rd June 2012.  I hope you can make it.  And if you cannot, feel free to spread the word. And I hope you enjoy it as much as I will.

Much love - and don't forget the other interviews on the blog and the mixes.

Oh and if anyone has the ability to video record a few minutes of the party, that would be amazing.  Doesn't have to be anything professional, just enough, a few minutes, to put on a Youtube page for a little memory or two.

James
x

Interview With Samantha Bond

And the final interview with a Free House Project DJ just in time for the launch party on Saturday 23rd June - I hope you enjoy the read:


So, what music are we likely to hear you play?
Deep melodic house in simple terms but I like to jazz it up with other genres and styles if I can and I love a good deep rolling baseline!

Who are your favourite DJs at the moment?
I like to watch the likes of Laura Jones, SubAn, and Hernan Cattaneo & Sven Vath will always be favourites to see, but my tastes vary so the DJs vary with my taste change.

And your favourite producers?
 I enjoy the work of Alex Arnout, Crazy P, AndID,  Lee Jones, mihai popoviciu (but to name a few) which all vary from quite pumping house to very melodic.

What was the first track to get you into house music?
What got me into house music was Agoria (sky is clear) which I brought on vinyl.. I was starting to come out of my nose bleed techno era.

Do you have any embarrassing records in your collection?
Plenty! ha I think I have quite a few "party" vinyl like Body Rox "Yeah Yeah" which I still havent parted with.. back then this record was underground as electro had just hit the dance scene (before it got trashed in the mainstream and I couldnt stand it)

What has been your most calamitous DJing moment?
Playing the same 8 minute track twice... that will waste an hours set time.

And the highlight of your DJ career?
PLaying to 6500 people at the infamous BCM in majorca with a HUGE funktion One system.

Can you cook?  What is your signature dish in the kitchen?
If I want to show off I will cook chicken stuffed with Boirson cheese and sun-dried tomatoes wrapped in parma ham and cooked with fresh thyme and on the vine cherry tomatoes

Do you like partying?
I have been partying since 17, started off as a podium dancer in a hard house nightclub which led onto my DJing passion.  Dont plan on stopping just yet ;)

What is the best ever party you have been to in your life?
There are 2 top parties in my life and one was my first cocoon experience at Amnesia in Ibiza, the other was in Barcelona 2011 at a Sonar off party being held by Mobilee on the rooftop of a hotel.. Panpot and company ROCKED the music til the sun went down and Ive never had the pleasure of such a nice crowd.

Where were you born?
In sunny old Fleet, Hampshire.

Do you have a favourite hidden gem of Reading?
Yes, I love Global Cafe... they play live Jazz (and all other sorts of weird and wonderful music) and have poetry slams and art installations.. it touches my creative side and they have local cider and GREAT Ethiopian food.

Anything else you would like to tell us about?
Mines a Jack and Coke ;)

What inspired your current wonderful hair-style and look?
I have a radical hair dresser who talks me into these haircuts.. I have input but its all his creations and I love his work on my hair for the last 12 yrs. The Andrea Zuccaro.


Is there anything special about Fleet?
Other than my hair dresser? it has a mediocre over priced service station?

Wednesday 20 June 2012

Interview With YEPIMNICK


Second in the series of DJ interviews in the run-up to the launch this Saturday 23rd June, is our guest coming all the way from the wonderful town of Dartford, YEPIMNICK:


So, what music are we likely to hear you play?
A bit of everything really, I like to bring in some stuff that makes people stop and ask themselves 'what the fuck is this!?' (in the best possible way) then like to bring it home with a track they are sure to know. So expect the unexpected!
Who are your favourite DJs at the moment?
DJ Sneak is doing it for me at the moment, it's funny to watch him rant on Twitter and it's a mystery to think of the stuff he must have in his box.
And your favourite producers?
Disclosure is definitely up there at the moment, loving Lee Foss at the moment and one of my all time favourites Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs has just brought out an album which I'm dead excited about.
What was the first track to get you into house music?
Probably 2 People by Jean Jacques Smoothie!  haha, poppy stuff I would hear off of my Mum. Would happily still drop that now, intact I might do for the Free House Project!
Do you have any embarrassing records in your collection?
I have Suzanne Vega- Tom's Diner in there. One day it will come in handy... One day.
What has been your most calamitous DJing moment?
I've had a few. Worst one would definitely be my 18th Birthday, I had a few DJ's in and I said to everyone I would do a set. But I was so smashed by the time I got to my set I could barely see, I fucked up every other tune, I was using the crossfader and for one of the transitions I accidentally pushed it back the wrong way and put it to the Channel I was cuing from. Eventually it got to the point where I said no more and handed over to the next guy. Absolute fucking disaster! Needless to say I won't be drinking that much again before playing.
And the highlight of your DJ career?
My highlight would probably be a recent set I did in the biggest club in our area. Was nice to see a home grown night absolutely blow up, we had about 600+ people in and for people that usually enjoyed chart music, they were absolutely loving it. That was pretty cool, but I'm hoping my highlight is yet to come!
Can you cook? What is your signature dish in the kitchen?
Not really, I wish'ed I could though. I come from a family of good cooks, so maybe one day it will hit me.  Beans on toast - say no more.
Do you like partying?
I LOVE PARTYING, I sometimes let that get in the way of DJ'ing. I always end up mashed after a set.
What is the best ever party you have been to in your life?
Best party ever would have to be a house party I went to when I was about 15 or 16. We bought a pallet of beers, like the ones you get straight from the warehouse. Turned up to this 3 floor b-e-auty of a house. Got there and it was kind of dull, then the girl who's house it was come and asked someone to sort the music out, so I went upstairs and used her computer, downloaded a couple of mixes. Went and whacked it on her sound system and it just went off for a whole night. Got so so messy, every floor you went up just got better and better. Ended when the police turned up at about 3-4ish. Best thing about it is the girl's mum was so pissed off with her about having the party she had her arrested!
Where were you born?
Gravesend, grew up in Dartford though.
What do you know about Reading?
Absolutely fuck all, looking forward to coming and having a look around though.
Tell us about Dartford.
I always thought Dartford had no scene! I'm fortunate enough to have bumped into a couple of people that are progressing it at the minute and I'm beginning to get involved more and more in bringing some Bass & some House in to Dartford. So slowly but surely the place is coming a bit more alive. But mostly, imagine that Jeremy Kyle had a reunion do, where he brought together all of his guests from the show. It would be held in Dartford.
Anything else you would like to tell us about?

I am always on the look to come and play new places! I love to play and I do not know I would do other wise. Getting involved in some local nights at the minute MASS for the House and Ruckus! for the Bass and you are welcome any time! Will also be playing Pacha at the end of July, tickets are available through myself so if you fancy a trip to London then let me know!

Also I've just started a new Facebook page, which is always hard at the beginning. I'm at about 57 likes at the minute, one of them being my Mum. So www.facebook.com/YEPIMNICK - come and get involved.

Thursday 14 June 2012

Interview With Tim Sharpe


As part of the build up to Free House Project on Saturday 23rd June, this is the first in the series of interviews for the guest DJs (assuming I get the others to agree, otherwise it might be the only interview!)


So, what music are we likely to hear you play?
I've been steering towards deep house recently, so i will be playing plenty of that. My biggest influence in this genre is a Dj/Producer Subb-an, so expect a few tracks by him and his style.
Who are your favourite DJs at the moment?
My Favourite Dj and biggest influence is a Spanish Dj, by the name of Bertech. He is the only Dj that I will listen to his mixes over an over again. His style and technical ability are beyound belief. Simply amazing!
And your favourite producers?
I wouldnt say I have a Favourite producer. I try and play tracks by producers who are not so well known. I think this makes you more unique as a dj. So that your set dose not compile of the same tunes as the guy before. Also means you have to pull your socks up when it come to crate digging.
What was the first track to get you into house music?
My progression to house music was a bit all over the place. A band called Ozric Tentacles was my first steer towards dance. From them to a phy trance duo called Eat Static. From that I then started going to techno free partys. I then jumped to Hard house and Hard Trance, which I played for 13 years up until I cought the Tech House Bug 5 years ago. I have always liked MARRS Pump Up The Volume, is that House????
Do you have any embarrassing records in your collection?
Coolio - Gangsters Paridise. Enough said
What has been your most calamitous DJing moment?
Luckly nothing too bad. Probably at plug and play years ago, bit drunk, chopping the mixer a little to hard and watching the volume button fly across the room.
And the highlight of your DJ career?
Getting phy Trance hippies to rave to Hard House/ Nu NRG at a rave I played at in South Africa, Bless em..
Can you cook? What is your signature dish in the kitchen?
I can cook. Would have to be Spag Bowl..
Do you like partying?
I do like partying very much. At the age of 35 I have done my fare share of raving!!! Although these days I preffer to to be behind the decks and in bed by 04:00
What is the best ever party you have been to in your life?
Best party hands down was haad rin beach thailand for the millenium. SAVAGE!!!! wicked music!!! luckily for me a DJ from Brixton "Guesty" was playing the main slot, an he played Hard Dance!!! Awesome!!!
Where were you born?
I was Born in Henley-On-Thames ya
Do you have a favourite hidden gem of Reading?
Hidden Gem of Reading for Me is Bar Iguana. Had some great nights there and met some fantastic people.
Tell us about Groovetech.
GrooveTech is my night. I've been going 3 years now, still gathering more followers. I have had the pleasure of Dj's all over the u.k wanting to come play. Even Italy.GT is stricktly an underground Tech House Techno night. I started it initialy so that I could play people the music I love. From that my music style has grown and matured. One of my Favourite night I did was New Years 2011. It was such a great feeling when people are having a great night and complementing on how its the best New Years they have had for a long time. Thats when you know your doing something right. I have also taken GrooveTech to other venues which have equally done well. Very Much looking forward to the next party on the 29th June, plug plug plug!!! Plenty more to come to. Can only get bigger and better!!!
Anything else you would like to tell us about?
I'm very much looking forward to playing F H P. This will be a great opportunity to play the Deeper stuff. Cant wait, bring it!!!!


Also check out his Deeper Groove mix, on our Mixcloud page.

Tuesday 5 June 2012

Free House Project News

Just a quick update.

Finally we have a fourth DJ, a young rising star from Dartford, more details to come soon.

The next party might not be until September, unless we can find an alternative venue between now and then, so if you have any suggestions let us know.  But it cannot just be held anywhere, the venue needs to have an ethos and general outlook on life similar to the Free House Project.  All being well, subject to success and stuff like that, it will become regular at Milk Bar.

And we have flyers - well actually we have leaflets.  After all the hard work designing with a lot of help from a very good friend, Martin, I managed at 7am rushing before I went to work to order the wrong types.  I had about 20 choices of gsm...what is gsm?  130gsm silk or 200gsm coated or 350gsm gloss, etc, etc.  What the heck is all that about?  I understand now, but only by making a mistake.

Oh well, we have leaflets which is better than nothing, and as I intend on doing things differently then maybe it will work out for the better.

Less than three weeks to go.

Free House Project - The Launch - Saturday 23rd June 2012 - 4pm to Midnight.



Thursday 24 May 2012

Less Than A Month To The Free House Project Launch


Well it’s less than a month to my party.  My first ever public party with DJs in a bar.

I’ve long wanted to do one, ever since I got back from my first trip to Ibiza back in 1998.  I’ll talk more about my inspiration and desire to throw a party in another blog post.

I want to talk about what goes through the mind of a first-time promoter (and very likely goes through the minds of most promoters, full stop).

Firstly there was the actual date.  The initial one clashed with another good party, oh and Henley Regatta, so a second date was agreed on, which thankfully gave me a bit more time to work on it.  But now I find out that it clashes with Yeovilton Air Day.  However I should be ok as that is £23 to get in and my party is free.  Free!  Perhaps slightly more importantly is that if England finish runner-up in their group in Euro 2012, then they will be playing that night.  But football is shit and nobody likes it any more.  I’m sure I can watch it on my phone.  Whilst DJing.  Might have to keep quiet about this football malarkey.

Then most importantly is deciding on DJs.  Not only deciding but persuading them to play for free, or maybe for a can of Red Stripe and a hug.  I did have the demonic thought of “would they bring a crowd” but I got that out of my head quickly and am trying my hardest to find DJs that most closely play the styles of music I love and want at my party.  And very importantly play it with a style that I want and have a too often over-looked presence behind the decks.

Thankfully I have two fantastic, perfect DJs booked.  Both different, and different to myself too.  I still would like one more.  It isn’t easy.  The other thing is, people send me links to their sets and they seem really nice friendly people – then I listen to it, love the first couple of tracks and then David Guetta comes on.  I like to think I am a nice person, I don’t like saying no to people but you have to in this game.  I don't think I am going to find a 4th DJ for this party.  I might be playing for 4 hours unless the others can extend.

Most painful has been designing a sodding flyer.  I have never done any design work.  Ever.  I am clueless.  I have painted a logo, I thought it looked great at the time but I was spannered.  I doubted it but kind of decided I had to live with it due to time and financial constraints, but I’ve had two compliments and not many people have seen it so it is a keeper.

And then I need to get some flyers printed.  Who?  Where?  How much?  I don't have the money but I want a flyer for my first party so when I am doing parties with Cocoon, I can remember my roots.

How about – every promoter’s true nightmare – what if nobody turns up?  I don’t see why that would be the case as I’m offering a cracking good party but if the first one falls flat then I’m unlikely to get a second or third date from the fantastic Mr Hooper.  And if I don’t get a regular free party going, then I don’t see how I would ever be able to do a sister party charging people to get in but with guest DJs (so many I would love to book and I think the people of Reading would be rather impressed)…that is the dream though, for after the summer.

And then I get drunk and worry about it becoming so popular that 500 people turn up – because 500 people cannot fit in that bar!  And I don’t think it would take too long for the residents in the flats nearby to complain.

All kinds of other things could go wrong too – how about the first severe thunderstorm in years?  Or my CDJs breaking?  Nuclear war?

Aaaarrrggh!

I am really enjoying organising it though and I thoroughly intend on it being one of the best parties in Reading for a hell of a long time.  I’ve decided to go back to some basic marketing theory – The 3 P’s.

Price.  Product.  Promotion.

Free.

Amazing music from the hottest DJs.

James Winfield is the promoter.


I cannot wait.  See you on the dancefloor.  Or at least please press "attending" so it looks popular.

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Hello, welcome to the Free House Project - the blog behind the house music events about to kick off in the lovely town of Reading, Berkshire.

More to come soon...