Stop lying to yourself saying that New Years is always a dead night. There are, in fact, too many events this year to choose from, with a plethora of artists coming out of the woodwork since Covid, so much so that we at Culture Calling are narrowing it down to just five. As if that makes it any easier to choose, since each of these selected nights offer special delights. Funk, Soul, House, Techno, Afrobeat, Samba, anything you want to get you moving into 2023 in style. Here are our Top 5 picks for events in London this New Years:
New Years Eve: Chaos In The CBD, A for Alpha, YAM Records - at Phonox
Phonox - 418 Brixton Road Brixton London SW9 7AY
A double header for the hard-hearted, this twin event at Phonox will have you investing in a better set of earplugs. With the Rhythm Section stalwarts Chaos in the CBD playing New Years Eve, A for Alpha playing New Year’s Day, and modern house giant Midland playing New Years Night, this mammoth of a weekend is not for everyone. Don’t worry, no ones expecting you to do both nights, as it’s NYE that will back the big guns. Chaos in the CBD always promise a massive soundsystem with intelligent, crowd-conscious mixes, masters of chill house though they are.
If you wanted to make the most of the Bank Holiday Weekend (which, as NYD falls on a Sunday, extends to Monday the 2nd), then you’d be making the right choice with Midland. His leading track ‘Final Credits’ has become a regular spin on many a house mix, and with a catalogue full of floor-fillers, Midland always promises a great set, especially with the brain-rattling set up at Phonox. If I was forced to pick a No.1 recommendation for NYE 2022, well, this would be up there and no mistaken.
Tickets and info available here:
Percolate '10 Years Young' NYE - at E1
E1 - 110 Pennington Street, Wapping, London E1W 2BB
Percolate have come through with some of the most exciting events after Covid and long before, so it only feels right to celebrate their 10th year at a big NYE blow out at the sprawling E1. With tree rooms, with tech-house hero Hunee headlining the Warehouse, along with the promise of two hitherto unnamed special guests, Percolate promise a “a smörgåsbord of delights”, representing the past and future sounds of the institution.
Main headliner Hunee impressed with their first release ‘Hunch Music’ back in 2015, with ‘Rare Happiness’ becoming something of a modern house classic. They’ve laid low since then, with no new releases since 2020, and since never hitting the heights of their first release. It's refreshing them to see them on a big bill, doing up NYE with Percolate, and many will be happy to see his face again after spending the last month or so travelling Europe. E1 might be a stretch for some, but it’s a highly rated club with many a raver singing its praises for its warehouse theme, DIY sensibilities, and the sheer size and scale of events it can host. Expect a big night in London’s East end.
Tickets and info available here:
The South London Soul Train NYE - at Peckham Levels
Peckham Levels - Peckham Town Centre Carpark, 95A Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST
On the site of a former multi-storey carpark in Peckham, this years South London Soul Train is, in its own words, a 2 floor, 3 room epic. For those seeking more than just DJ sets, this Soul Train features two live bands playing a roster of classic funk, soul, and disco tracks, including the Craig Charles-recommended The Allergies. On his 6Music show, Charles lauded The Allergies, who he praised as being “neck deep in the world of scratchy samples…This is truly funk and soul for the 21st century!” And that’s only one room.
In Room 2 (titled “The Funked Up Boogie Pit”) we have Perry Louis of Jazzcotech, Aitch B of Soul II Soul (both of whom will be mixing on vinyl!) and Sam Redmore & The Tropical Soundclash Allstars playing a live set. Among the elders, Redmore stands out as a new, exctiting, up-and-coming talent in dance, with his eclectic sonic mixture of afro-beat, samba, disco, funk, jazz, and high-life. Be sure to catch him this New Years before his eventual blow-up. Soul Train may be less hardcore, but who needs a blow out to have a good night? With three rooms of live music, of mixing on vinyl, of funk classics, you wouldn’t need a single intoxicant other than the funky stuff flowing through you; “funk not only moves, it can remove, ya dig?”.
Tickets and info available here
Rhythm Section does NYE 2022 - at Corsica Studios
Corsica Studios - 5 Farrell Court, Elephant & Castle, London SE17 1LB
We’re all about Rhythm Section. Their innovative body of work that blends house and jazz, their quirky and off-kilter events (such as a Christmas party serving free spiked eggnog), their iconic album covers, the selection of exciting artists on their roster, and the ever-lovable man behind the label, Bradley Zero, they are the gift that keeps on giving. Their event at Corsica last year was a peaceful riot; even losing my wallet did little to put a dampener on the night. Despite being world-famous for their chiller tracks, their live sets pack a punch; big thomping housey beats, spine-singing synths, and DJ’s that are having the time of their life. The crowd is all about the music, a friendly and personable bunch of audiophiles who share a love for the label. They only have to rules: 1) Be nice, 2) No photos on the dancefloor. “Take them outside before you get in”, they say. Bunch of jokers. A guaranteed belter of a night.
Tickets and info available here:
Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club: NYE Spectacular - at o2 Forum Kentish Town
o2 Forum Kentish Town - 9 Highgate Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 1JY
The funk and soul man Craig Charles, famous for his appearances in Red Dwarf and as the English commentator for Takeshi’s Castle, has in the last few decades reinvented himself as UK’s most popular funk and soul DJ, with a residency on BBC Radio 6 Music. Known for his study taste, his eclectic and obscure selections of forgotten classics, and his passion and humour as a DJ, he’s been making a living taking his radio mix to live audiences with much acclaim. Following him are a loyal group of funkheads, aspiring spinners, and devoted fans of Red Dwarf who’ve been introduced to the good life through Mr. Charles. Joining him on the night is a live performance from Alabama 3, and sets from Mr Bruce, and Sir Funk. Funk and soul abound, this eve in Kentish Town will surely be a festival of delights, a “care-free night of celebration, dancing & love”. Get tickets quick though, it’s a massively sought after event and prices are only going up. Surely you will not regret.
Tickets and info available here: