Leeds dancefloors are back in full swing as January concludes with a mix of new talent, classic selectors on local heroes across the city centre, featuring sets from Hessle Audio, David Rodigan, and Detroit Swindle.
Detonate present Ramjam - Canal Mills, Brandon Street, Friday, £18
It’s a good job the aging walls of Canal Mills have been built to such dense specification, as this weekend’s Ramjam event, presented by veteran promoters Detonate, is certain to give them a proper shaking. Scene leader and sincere living legend David Rodigan leads the charge on the decks and on the mic, fresh from his Red Bull Sound Clash win and set to deliver both exclusive dubplates and the odd contextual history lesson. Joining him are scene regulars and innovators Shy FX, Preditah and Hazard, with a full bill of local talent to boot.
Hessle Audio - Wire, Call Lane, Friday, £12
It was only last month that Ben UFO visited The Faversham for an extended set, but he’s already back, and absolutely nobody in their right mind should be complaining. A versatile and inventive DJ as any other, he’s joined by Pearson Sound and Pangea, co-founders of Hessle Audio, the prodigious and boundary pushing electronic label founded on Leeds’ own Hessle Avenue. Something of a homecoming, then, that will surely showcase the trio at their almost psychically connected best, ripping through seven hours of some of the finest forward thinking and classic dance music available, as well as through their own stunning back catalogue. Get down very early to ensure you can make it in for this one.
Circular - Mint Club, Harrison Street, Saturday, £15
Detroit Swindle (actually hailing from Rotterdam, rather than the Midwest), have released their soulful and hip-hop inspired brand of house music on labels far and wide, building an enviable back catalogue along the way, as well as a reputation for far reaching and thrilling DJ sets. They’ll be previewing new releases and picking favourites, alongside a set from Point G, better know as cult deep house maestro DJ Gregory in his live alias.