A break; a rest; a hiatus. Three terms that mean exactly the same thing. Yet, in the case of an abandoned printing factory, this six month long pause has felt like an absolute eternity. But for those of you whose feet have been fervently itching to get back inside, hope is at hand, for Printworks will be reopening it’s doors on October 7th. We know that’s old news, but the recent announcement of the December lineups has left us frothing at the mouth, so here’s our rundown of the hottest events to hit at Printworks’ Issue 02.
October
The starter, the beginner, the initiator. Come the 7th of October, the former printing factory will be opening its doors to a number of techno royalties. Maceo Plex fronts the bill, with Rodhad, Daniel Avery, and Belgian Charlotte de Witte all making an appearance. Think darkness, think lasers, and the unmistakable sound of the snare drum vibrating around cold, industrial settings. Oosh, safe to say this one will be an absolute peach.
In and out, two weeks off, then bang straight back into the antics. On the 21st, London’s revered and respected clubbing imprint The Hydra will be taking control of Printworks, bringing with them a tastefully selected array of DJs from one of the UK’s most established independent music labels: Ninja Tune. This time round sees Phonox mainstay Helena Hauff start proceedings, as well as former XOYO residents – and all round Belfast legends – Bicep take the floor. On top of that Innervisions front-men Âme will be bringing their tasty house and techno cuts to the room one corridor, whilst German duo Modeselektor will also be attending.
Another week, a few winks of sleep, then back to the Press Halls for 25 Years of RAM Records on the 22nd of October. If any of you attended the UKF takeover in Issue 02, then you know this is going to be a big’un. Announced so far is RAM front man Andy C, alongside Calyx & Teebee, Camo & Krooked, Rene La Vice and a huge triple b2b of Loadstar, DC Breaks and Mind. If drum and bass is your scene, then this one’s for you.
November
Come November and kicking things off on the 4th of November are Tale of Us, bringing their own imprint Afterlife to the old printing factory. Joining them for the showcase will be Patrice Baumel, Mano Le Tough and Recondite, all of whom have worked with the German duo previously. Expect heavy techno, melodic techno and just about everything in between.
Next up the Relentless crew will be taking over things, providing a heavyweight house lineup on the 11th. Gorgon City, Secondcity, Hannah Wants, Shadow Child and Friend Within will all be in attendance. There’ll plenty of chunky house basslines, and some tasty tech to keep everyone happy.
The Hydra will be making another appearance the weekend after, this time collaborating with a UK techno label that’s been pushing the sound of the underground for a while now: Blueprint. James Ruskin’s imprint will be showcasing the sounds of Marcel Dettmann, 65D Mavericks and the label boss himself will also be playing.
Come the end of November, well the 25th anyway, and one of the White Isle’s most revered house parties will be docking at Printworks: Paradise. Head honcho Jamie Jones will be leading proceedings, joined by fellow Hot Creations affiliate wAFF, Desolat runner Loco Dice and one of Greece’s finest exports Detlef. For the tech house verging on techno gang, this one’s right up your street.
December
Two days into the month of Christmas and the UK’s famous Bugged Out party will be bringing The Chemical Brothers to the printing halls, for an evening session of antics from 6pm -2am. With more names to be announced, there’s much to stay excited about.
A week later Paul Kalkbrenner will be playing live, as the German powerhouse performs his usual array of magic. Reassembling parts of his own songs in the midst of his sets, there’s a reason why he’s released seven studio albums. If you’re not familiar, then it’s time to get to know.
As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. And on the 10th of December, the closing ceremony of Printworks Issue 02 will be upon us, but, alas, things will be going out in true techno style. Now then this really is a lineup of epic proportions, one that features some of the most established heabyweights in the scene. Chris Liebing, Nicole Moudaber, Luciano and Richie Hawtin, alongside the respected likes of Etapp Kyle and Fabio Florido. Now that’s another peach.
And there it is – our rundown of all the shows in Printworks Issue 02. The versatility is unparalleled, with lineups spread over three months that cater for electronic music fans from all backgrounds. But all of them share a common theme: they reflect the sound of the underground. Don’t sleep on tickets gang, these shows definitely aren’t to be missed.
Printworks Issue 02 starts October 7th. Tickets for all shows here.