All Stories (RSS)
Nice Up! 5th Birthday Party
Conceived and promoted by resident DJ Shepdog, NICE UP! has been throwing some of the funkiest parties to hit London for 5 years now, after starting life at 93 Feet East in 2003, and it continues to book the finest in crowd rocking DJ's from around the globe. Whilst everyone and his dog are chasing their tales of the most current or 'happening' musical movement, the NICE UP! music ethic is simple - "righteous party vibes". We talk to top dog, Shep to get the lowdown on the plans for the 5th birthday Party at The Big Chill House on Saturday 24th of May...So, 5 years on - how has Nice Up! changed since the early days?
Well, its certainly more organised - the first few were a bit of a shambles - designing my own flyers and all the usual things you do for your own night. Once we moved to a bigger venue we had to step our game up a bit - book some bigger names, hire a designer, etc. The nights at The End really taught us a lot about programming the night too.
Essentially it's exactly the same night as the first one, same music policy, same vibe, I've just learned to delegate a bit more and not run around all night like a nutter. There's also the label which is doing really well and has helped establish the name around the world.
What's been your fave Nice Up! event so far?
Hmmm, tough one! Personally, I'd probably say the night we had DJ Format & Mr Thing on 4 decks. Amazing to see such great DJs working together so smoothly. Unfortunately it was the saturday before Xmas so there was almost no-one there to see it, which is a real shame but that's the breaks! Another highlight was Kraak & Smaak's debut UK gig at The End never seen the place go off lie that before!
What's happening at the birthday party?
Well, I'm gonna be wearing my birthday suit for starters so that should be worth a look, haha. We're really chuffed to have got the good Dr Rubberfunk back, who played at maybe the 2nd ever gig I put on, so that should be a treat - he always kills it for us. Also, flying in from Australia is DJ Regal - who used to be one half of The Wiseguys - an absolutely amazing DJ who really should get a lot more credit than he does (although don't ask him to play Ooh La La!). Upstairs we've got the Shakedown crew down from Hull, who are some of the best soul and funk DJ's I've seen, which along with the usual mischief and high jinks should be a brilliant night. I'm also celebrating my own birthday, so I'll be bang up for it!
What flavour will the birthday cake be and will it have those candles that relight themselves?
Hopefully! Or maybe dynamite. Flavour wise I think you've got to stick to the classic sponge and cream, with plenty of icing. Don't mess with a winning formula eh?
What should I bring as a birthday present for Nice Up!?
A troupe of breakdancing chimps, a bottle of coca cola and some mentos, a smile, oh and if you can get me that Maggie Thrett 7" I've been after for a while. We don't ask for much.
Money no object - artists living or dead - who would you book?
Wow, another tough one. This would probably change every few hours, but for today:
Sly and The Family Stone (not the Lovebox tribute band)
King Tubby
A Tribe Called Quest
Horace Andy
Biz Markie
Michigan and Smil
Ian Dury and The Blockheads
Busta Rhymes
Alborosie
BDP
What are your top 5 tunes from the last 5 years?
1. Nice Up (Yam Who remix) - Rodney P (had to be really didn't it?)
2. Live In The Mix - Flow Dynamics
3. No Diggedy - Jstar
4. Oh Jah - Black Grass
5. Turn Off The Lights - Benny Page
The Nice Up! 5th Birthday Special takes place on Saturday 24th May, at The Big Chill House. Entry is free before 10pm, and £5 after.
www.myspace.com/niceup
Written: 13th May, 08
Read: 468 times
