On the 9 February, Hospitality teamed up with London’s Printworks for an exclusive full spectrum drum and bass event. Partnering with Bristol’s Run who debuted their ‘Run In the Jungle’ brand in room two, the heavy line up showcased a versatile selection of pioneers across the two rooms.
Since opening its doors in January 2017, Printworks has gained worldwide acclaim, majorly impacting international rave culture. The 5,000-capacity main room is situated in the abandoned former Evening Standard press halls, its industrial architecture and sprawling layout lends itself perfectly to underground music events.
Room One - Hospitality
The main room was packed with Hospital Records and Med School household artists. Early on, the crowd were treated to the sounds of melodic liquid drum and bass from Bristol-based producers Keeno and Hugh Hardie. Their selection and smooth blends worked well for the opening sets, establishing the uplifting vibe Hospitality events are known for.
As the main room livened up, the music followed suit at the hands of Whiney, who’s recently released his Waystone album on Med School Music. Accompanied by the MC Inja, Whiney’s selection was versatile and kept the ravers guessing throughout. Next on stage was newcomer Unglued, who’s distinct and fresh sounds got the crowd moving. One of the highlight drops was his highly sought-after remix of High Contrast’s classic ‘If We Ever’.
Hospitality’s co-founder London Elektricity did not disappoint with his performance as he spun some of the best tracks from the Hospital Records catalogue, led by the talented MC and vocalist, Degs who was nominated for best MC in 2018’s Drum and Bass Arena awards. London Elektricity has had a successful career with the label, having released two live albums and six studio albums. The pair treated us to a memorable live performance of their track ‘Just One Second’.
S.P.Y originally from Sao Paulo in Brazil, played the signature dark and fluid rollers he is known for, opening with his highly popular track ‘Rock Da House’ which was featured on Forza Horizon 4. Following this was an electrifying set from Danny Byrd who drew for more jump up and dancefloor styles.
One of the stand out main room sets was a dazzling performance from the High Contrast Band, featuring High Contrast himself on the keys, a vocalist, a live drummer and guitarist. The setup was flawless, and each live rendition of High Contrast’s sensational liquid anthems was both watchable and danceable. This set was a testament to the band sharing a stage with an all-DJ lineup and credits are due to the sound engineers who had the instruments mixed perfectly to the venue’s rigs.
Closing the main room, was an explosive set from the Austrian duo Camo & Krooked, known for their tight and well-produced tracks. The ninety-minute set saw the pair unleashing heavier neurofunk and half-time tracks, to a packed-out hall which was still moving at the last minute.
Room Two - Run In The Jungle
One of Bristol’s biggest event brands Run, founded by D*Minds, took to room two with their new venture, Run In The Jungle, which focuses on jungle artists old and new. Room two saw a variety of jungle sets from main room artists as well as scene veterans including Bladerunner, Saxxon, and Nicky Blackmarket.
D*Minds are known for their events and hit records on reputable imprints such as Digital Soundboy, V Recordings and collaborating with DJ Hazard on the anthemic ‘Mr Happy’. They provided us with a fiery set, spinning hard-hitting jungle and jump up classics, showcasing some of the most influential tracks from the early 2000s era.
Later in the night, Upgrade, who's a highly versatile producer with releases on major labels from across the spectrum, including Ram, Serial Killaz and Low Down Deep, chose to draw for ragga drum and bass and rollers. It was refreshing to hear some of Serial Killaz and Benny Page’s classic reggae drum and bass tracks such as ‘Crying Out’, fitting in with Run’s jungle theme. Run In the Jungle worked well alongside Hospitality’s main room. The smaller space and lack of lights made for a darker and more intimate setting.
There was a consistent feel-good vibe across both rooms, with talented DJs and MCs representing the best of drum and bass culture. The crowds didn’t hold back in showing their appreciation and respect for the music with big reactions to the sets and sporting Hospitality merchandise. As expected, Hospitality put on a stellar show at Printworks, setting a new standard for London drum and bass events.
The next Hospitality event is the Summer BBQ, 4 May at Studio 338 London. The three-room takeover is guaranteed to provide 12 hours of drum and bass, street-food and fun.
Photos by Printworks
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