Screw shopping and coffee catch-ups with your gal pals! The original after-hours party monster Trade is back this weekend with a truly genre-busting Saturday afternoon session across four rooms, each with a distinct sound policy. Last week we previewed ‘Trade Modern’ and ‘Trade Lite’. This week, TheMenWhoFell2Earth in ‘Trade Disco’ and Gonzalo in ‘Trade Hard’…
THEMENWHOFELL2EARTH
TRADE DISCO – TRADE SPRING
What did TRADE mean to you at the beginning, and what does it mean to you now?
At the beginning it simply blew my mind. If I think about it now, it represents a time and a place where I made some absolutely fantastic, special and long lasting friendships. It’s also quite amazing – and very nerve wracking – to be contemplating actually playing at Trade!
How would you describe your most incredible night as a clubber at Trade?
For the sheer bewildering amazement, it has to be the first time. I’d been at Heavenly Social which was also at Turnmills on the Saturday night and persuaded Tom Fuller to let me slip in the side door as the venue was turning ‘round and becoming Trade. I’d been to Turnmills countless times, but once I saw it as Trade… well, I’d literally never seen anything like it.
Why do you think it has stood the test of time in the fickle world of club land?
In part because it’s never stopped evolving and adding contemporary elements whilst staying faithful to it’s history. But also because it inspires a level of devotion among some of its followers that I don’t think I’ve ever seen in any other disco.
Sum up Trade in 3 words…
Malcolm Bloody Duffy
Top 3 Trade Anthems
East Anglia – ‘Unmanageable’ (Sharp Raided Dub)
Build, build, build. Then ‘that’ drop. Then the instant insanity.
Hip Hoperation – ‘VIP’
Cos it’s Malcolm bloody Duffy, innit?
Ali Wilson – ‘Deep Space’
Deep, hard, driving main floor sound from Trade’s latter years that’s forever synonymous with that laser.
GONZALO
TRADE HARD – TRADE WINTER
What did Trade mean to you at the beginning and what does it mean to you now?
Trade meant for me everything any clubber, DJ and producer could ask for. It was the best club in the world for me as a clubber, so my dream came true when I became a resident. It was a way of life that inspired me and influenced me artistically for all these past years and even nowadays.
How would you describe your most incredible night as a clubber there?
There has been so many great unforgettable nights, but one that stands out was when I did the Test Lounge on May Bank Holiday circa ‘98. Also doing the Test Lounge on that night was Lisa German and Rob Sykes! So I got to dance all night as well as DJing the last set in the back room. I became a resident after that night, so it was very special.
Why do you think it has stood the test of time?
Probably because Trade is more than just a club. It was a way of life for many clubbers and a true pioneer for the Hard House and underground scene of the 90’s and the new millennium. That has been reflected in the personality and durability of the brand throughout the years.
Sum up Trade in 3 words…
Fierce Rulin’ Attitude
Top 3 Trade Anthems
99 Allstars – ‘Chemical Generation’ (Original Mix)
A set opener for Steve Thomas that became a ritual. A sign that things were going to get fast and hard.
Dyewitness – ‘What Would You Like To Hear Again?’ (Ian M Remix)
One of the records that represents best the sound that made Trade so big on the dance scene.
Tony de Vit – ‘Bring the Beat Back’ (Paul King Rmx)
I have to include a TDV track of course, nicely updated here by Mr Paul King.
• Trade is at Egg London (200 York Way, Kings Cross, N7 9AX) on Saturday afternoon 2nd November, midday-midnight… and maybe later!
