Brand new night will be kicking off in September at the club so stay tuned, all will be revealed shortly 

Plus stay tuned for Big Back to Basics line ups coming soon????  

Football on the Terrace

Group matches in June (Free entry)

12/06-  England v U.S.A 

18/6-  England v Algeria Kick off 20.30 (doors open 19.00)

COME ON ENGLAND!!!!

Keep checkin in for next showing games........

Saturday 27th March saw a packed night at Stinky's Peephouse as stalwart night Back to Basics celebrated the relaunch of their seminal  'Back to Basics Recordings'.  The label's first release 'Kitch N Sync' by residents Buckley and Woodall has been getting spanked by top jocks around the world.  The party saw Buckely and Woodall joined by the legendary Chris Duckenfield from Swag records, whose remix of the track as Half Inch Jack is also getting some sterling reviews.  It was a quality night with a wicked atmosphere and many people saying it was one of their best Basics' yet!
 
Prior to the craziness we managed to steal ten minutes with Basics resident and Kitch N Sync producer Buckely....
 
What does it mean to you to be on the first release of the relaunched 'Back to Basics Recordings' label?
 
To have the first release on the the relaunch of the Basics label is very important to me on lots of levels.  In the past the label was known for quaility music with lots of legends like Chez Damier, Josh Wink and Ron Trent releasing on the label.  Then on a more personal level there is the connection with the the club, so to have mine and Jon's track as the first release is pretty special!

How did 'Kitch N Sync' and the collaboration with Jon Woodall come about and what do you like about working with him?
 
The collaboration came about through me and Jon just talking it over really.  I had the main hook and the stabs and the idea for the hats, we met a guy who neither of us had worked with before so we went and checked him out and the result was Kitch n Sync.  
 
It's good to work with Jon, we both have different ideas about patterns and arangements but we work them out and meet somewhere in the middle and it seems to work with what we do!!! I think we will see more great things from Woodall in the future.

You look to set have a busy and exciting year ahead, what else have you got in store?
 
It looks like a busy year for me production wise.  My remix of 'Bushes' is finally getting a release through 'Classic'/'Southern Fried' and I have a remix that I did with Denney coming out on '2020 Vision Recordings.' Also two of my own tracks, 'Catch a Taste' and 'The Shift' will be coming out on Birmingham based label 'One Recordings' which is run by Adam Shelton and Subb-an from 'Below', plus I have some other tracks that are already finished but I havent sent them out yet.

You played regularly at the legendary Hacienda back in the halcyon days of acid house.  What do you feel when you look back on that period of time and what does it mean to you to have been a part of it?
 
I look back on those days fondly and still sometimes look towards that period for inspiration in what I do, be it the way I put my sets together or in the music I make.  I know how lucky I was to be part of that whole era and resident at what was the best and most important house club the UK ever had to offer...that was the birth of acid house to the UK and if I hadn't have been involved with it then and been resident there, I'm pretty sure my story would have been a different one!

A lot of people within the scene feel that a return to the underground ethos of those earlier days is taking place at the moment and is being reflected musically too.   What do you think as someone who has experienced both?  What are you seeing yourself at the moment?
 
I think we first experienced the whole scene going underground again 10 years ago at the turn of the millenium.  The 90's had killed clubbing with the whole superstar DJ thing and your 'super clubs', then the millenium out priced itself and really brought it all to a head.  What that did though was send it back underground and for a couple of years it looked like it wasn't happening and could have gone either way but eventually new nights with new DJs,new labels and new promoters started to apear and I think the scene is still snowballing from that whole period really.

Who else's productions are pushing your buttons at the moment?
 
So many people are making good music really that its hard to just pinpoint a few.  Subb-an is making some really exciting music at the mo and two of my favourite tracks of the last twelve months have been produced by him.  On a more varied tip, 'Session Victim' have done some amazing tracks, what 'The Revenge' are doing is pretty  cool too.  I don't tend to just follow a label or a certain producer though as things change so quickly in house music and there is just too much out there to only stay with a certain few.

How much unreleased good music is there out there at the moment and is Back to Basics Recordings label going to support this sort of talent do you think?
 
Well for example, I did aDJ mix which I put on line in January and only 2 out of the 18 tracks on the mix are released, so that just shows the volume of music that isn't released. 'Basics' are all ears when it comes to finding the next new thing or track or producer so we will have to wait and see what the future holds!
 
Who are your musical inspirations/heroes?
 
My musical inspirations are right across the board including old 60's Tamala Motown, Miles Davis for the jazzy stuff and George Clinton for the funk. On more of a dance tip it has to be  Larry Levan and West End Recordings for the early introduction into disco, electro funk and early house.  I love listening to old Ron Hardy sets too from the early 80's at the 'Music Box' in Chicago, they are truly inspirational the way he blended the earliest of house along side rock, funk, disco and early acid..those sets, mixing backwards and with reel to reel and sound affects poking through tracks everywhere, to listen to those sets is similar to listening to Larry Levan, they are history in the making.

I don't really have heroes as such but other people who fall into that bracket of being inspirational would have to be a guy called Bashar for bringing enlightenment to the masses and I would recommend anybody to You Tube him and also the author Eckhart Tolle I would recommend anyone to check him out too either on You Tube or through his books, 'A New Earth' and the 'Power of Now' and of course Basics never fails to inspire me!

Where else do you enjoy playing and why?
 
I do and have done lots of gigs that i enjoy playing, 'Panorama Bar' in Berlin is one of my favourite clubs to have played at, 'Just Jack' in Bristol where I've been resident for the last 3 or 4 years host some amazing partys.  My residency at 'Space' in ibiza saw some special gigs, two as i closed the new terrace and playing alongside all my peers like Carl Craig, Jeff Mills and Danny Tenaglia and getting to play after them.  Below in Birmingham is a really good gig too which I love to play at and also over the last couple of summers ive played at the Zoo Project in Ibiza and they have been really good fun.

You've been a Basics resident for some time and it seems to be going as strong as ever.  Why is Basics the longest running club night in the UK?
 
Wow, where do I start?!  First off 'Basics' is a familly, always has been and always will be and when you go to any other club, be it in the UK or anywhere else in the world, if it doesn't have that I think at times you notice it.  We also have pretty much the best residents in the world. I don't know another club in the world that has residents like Basics with the kind of CVs we have between us and the experience we have collectively.  Most of us have been doing this for the best part of the last 20 years apart from Burnski who's the baby of the family but equally as talented!
 
But on top of all this it's the crowd at Basics that make it all worth while, they are so switched on and dedicated that without them we couldnt do what we do, its a two way thing so thank you all for still making this possible after 18 years....lets go! x

'Kitch n Sync' will be available on Back to Basics Recordings from 12 April 2010 from all good record stores plus Beatport etc available 2 weeks after....

Thanks Buckley!

By Lisa Chadderton, March 2010.

This Saturday 27th March looks set to be an extra special one for Stinky's most legendary club night -  'Back to Basics'. Basics is celebrating the re-launch of their seminal record label 'Back to Basics Recordings'.  Arguably it was one of house music's most innovative and notorious record labels of the nineties, having released recordings and mixes from Josh Wink, Derrick Carter, Ralph Lawson, Andrew Wetherall and Herbert plus many more, all of which characterised a whole generation of house music. The club's founder and label boss Dave Beer feels that now is the right time for the label to return and the forthcoming party is to promote the release of their first E.P, the belting 'Kitch n Sync'.  Produced by club residents Buckley and Jon Woodall and with remixes from Chris Duckenfield and Jamie Jones to boot the E.P's is a tasty treat indeed and has already been receiving sterling reviews from a diverse range of the worlds top jocks, including Luke Slater, Groove Armada, Justin Robertson, Heidi, Funk D'Void, Slam, Deetron and many more.
 
Ahead of the weekend mayhem, we caught up with Jon Woodall, Basics resident and co-producer of the labels first release....
 
What does it mean to you to be on the first release of the relaunched Back to Basics Recordings label?
 
It means a lot; I moved to Leeds in 2004 and have been at Basics pretty much every weekend I’ve been in the area... When I first went to Basics it blew my knackers off and if someone had said to me then that in the future I’d be releasing the first track on the re-launched label I’d probably have fallen over!
 
'Kitch n Sync' has been an unreleased bomb for a while and has been receiving amazing reviews from some of the worlds top DJs.  How did the track and the collaboration with fellow resident Buckley come about?
 
Well I think the expression he used when we spoke about making a track together was "we're definitely shitting from the same tree"... We've pretty much always seen eye to eye when it comes to opinions on music (as eye to eye as you can with something as personal as music) so it was just natural for us to give a collaboration a go.
 
Have you done other tracks together, if so what are they and will we see more of them coming out on the label in the future?
 
Yeah we've made a few now, the most recent being one of my favourites. There's been quite a bit of interest in that track from a few labels but we're taking our time and waiting for the right opportunity to present itself, there's no rush, Kitch N Sync is nearly 2 years old now!!
 
It's good to see the Basics residents collaborating together and generally you all seem supportive of each other, from those who have been there for 18 years to younger recruits like yourself.  What are your thoughts on that?  Who at the club has inspired and supported you?
 
It’s a great bunch of people at Basics, especially when it comes to encouragement. Everyone at Basics has at some point helped and inspired I, from Tristan helping me find tunes I'd heard in the club in the first few visits, to Buckley hooking me up with tracks that came out before my time that I would otherwise have missed out on! When it comes to inspiration every single one of the residents past and present has inspired me at some point depending on where I've been at music wise myself at the time.
 
We normally see you bouncing around in the jockey box at Basics anyway but on Saturday you will be playing the main room.  You must be looking forward it?  Do you get nervous even though you are always in that booth anyway?!!!!  What is special about playing Basics?
 
I can’t wait!! This will be the 4th time I’ve done the main room in 6/7 months and I couldn’t be more buzzing about it! The first time I went to Basics, the minute I walked through the door I said to myself, I have to play here!! It’s such a special club night and it’s the crowd that make it so special. I've still never played to a better crowd! To be honest I never get nervous when I play, the closest I’ve been is when I finished off for the first time in October (the closing set at Basics has always been the one that pushed my buttons most) but I wouldn’t call it nerves, just excitement I think.
 
You are also involved in the official Basics after party 'Whalebow' alongside James Barnsley - how is that going at the moment?
 
Really good, it’s a totally different feeling to how it was when we first started the night at Mint Club in 2007 I think. When it was up at the Mint club it was amazing but there was a lot more work involved in that. Now it’s in the Black Box its a lot less stressful trying to get people up the stairs rather than to the other side of town! Apart form the ease of it all, I really love that room, the sound system is great for a room that size and the atmosphere you get in there is incredible. Don’t get me wrong I’ll never forget the big nights we had up at Mint, some of those were really special! But the Black Box feel's like home and you can play a lot deeper in there and it will still have a great atmosphere.
 
Where else do you like playing and why?
 
The first place that springs to mind is Just Jack in Bristol, they have a really good crowd down there which in many ways is similar to the Basics following, just loads of really sound people who know how to have a right old knee's up! Apart from that I have a residency with Future in Middlesbrough and really enjoy going back there (it’s where I’m from). Most recently they did an event at Tall Trees where I actually used to work as a glass collector at 15!! That was an amazing party in what I still say is a fantastic club if you have the right people playing!
 
Who else's productions are pushing your buttons at the moment?
 
Loads!! There's so much amazing music out there at the moment! Daniel Stefanik has been one of my favourite producers for years now and his new record is pretty special, Kink is absolutely on fire at the moment, Tony Lioni has been wicked over the past couple of years, Iron Curtis always does the business and then there's people closer to home like Burnski, Rob James and James Barnsley who's tracks are sounding wicked!
 
What inspired you to get into music/DJing/production or when did you realise it was what you wanted to do and why?
 
I got into dance music when I was about 13, not in a big way, just your usual compilation CD's and always preferred it to anything else. When I left school I got that job at Tall Tree's working as a glass collector while it was the summer holidays. When I was there something just clicked, I loved everything about it (music and clubbing, not the job!) That made me pick up a copy of Mixmag which had a Roger Sanchez CD on the cover. That mix absolutely blew me away and still does when ever I listen to it now! From there on I saved all my money, bought some decks and that was it!!
 
Who are your musical inspirations?
 
So many different DJ's and producers have inspired me. I like DJ's that have direction in there sets, who warm up well, build pressure at the right times and release it at the right times, for me that's the most important thing, you can really make a night special when you play the right records at the right times. I think the residents at Basics are experts in that but the others that spring to mind are Matthais Tanzmann, Luciano, Paul Woolford, Cassy, Doc Martin and Raresh. With Producers it's a lot harder, sometimes I might not like a record but hear a hi hat pattern which will trigger of an idea, it can be anything and everything!!  
 
What else have you got coming up in the future?
 
Well I'm slaving away day after day at the moment, working on new tracks all the time, I made a promise to myself that this year would be a big one so I want as much music done that I can be proud of as possible. Apart from that I’ve got more gigs at Tall Tree's for Future where I am a resident, the next one being with Dubfire, Nic Fanciulli and Joris Voorn, sounds rubbish doesn’t it!?
 
Like you, many of your co-residents and friends seem to have an exciting year ahead and hard work is paying off for many....is there something in the water at the moment?  What's going on do you think?
 
I know what you mean, there are so many good tracks and mixes coming out of our circle of friends at the moment and it was always going to happen! With a club like Back to Basics on your doorstep as well as so many other clubs (Louche, System, Mono_cult) you're never going to go short on inspiration! The other factor is hard work, a lot of people have really knuckled down recently (which is the catch 22 of having so much on your doorstep) and the results are starting to show!
 
Obviously you and Buckley produce together but do you get to see his sets and what do you like about him as a DJ?
 
It’s the approach to his DJing that I like, I know how much time and effort he puts into his sets and it really shows when you hear him play. That and the fact he plays ace tunes!!
 
Why is Basics the longest running club night in Europe?
 
The people that run Basics, the residents and the crowd, there's something really personal about Basics, whether you work there or you party there, whether you've been going for 18 years or 18 weeks... people can feel that. And again, because they play ace tunes!!
 
Well thanks Jon, and on that last note what more encouragement do you need...you can catch Jon playing at Back to Basics this Saturday between 11pm and 1am and he'll be joined by Buckley and Chris Duckenfield...bring it on!

'Kitch n Sync' will be available on Back to Basics Recordings from 12 April 2010 from all good record stores plus Beatport etc available 2 weeks after....

By Lisa Chadderton, March 2010.

Last year Stinky's Peephouse (then obviously known as My House) made it to number 42 in the DJ Mag top 100 clubs poll, and was voted the number 1 small club in the UK! Quite a feat considering we never ask anyone to vote for us!

Last Years Review

On Monday its the last chance to vote, and have you noticed yet again we havn't asked you?! We feel we don't need to, we are proud of our club, the poeple in it and the fact we can make such an impression without having to ask you to vote for us.

So place your bets, do you think we will chart higher than last year? I reckon possibly so... considering the club is on fire at the minute, has never looked so good and of course we are now once again Stinky's Peephouse.

Watch out for the results in next months DJ Mag...... and please vote! BUT only if you want too!

Stinky's xxxx

In general, two kinds of mammal can be identified in the exotic eco-system of club land. One breed, from the offset, love to hurtle themselves headlong into the centre of the action, gleefully stomping their way through days of excess without even stopping for breath. These resilient revellers (usually found gyrating wildly at the front, throwing ninja shapes till the wee hours and grinning like Cheshire cats who’ve just cained an ounce of ‘nip) are driven purely by adrenaline and live for the beat. The second, more reserved species (tending to be more restrained and chameleonic in nature) prefer to stand back and observe the scenery. Grazing quietly at the bar these few ease themselves into an evening letting an experience unfold gradually whilst their sensibilities slowly loosen. Studying the décor, visuals and local wildlife for amusement they take their time to ease in and warm up. Whatever floats your boats it seems obvious that both these varieties of reveller require differing and specific stimulation to rouse their rowdy sides; rarely do you find a club night that caters specifically for both…..Even more rarely is this done well….

illumiNaughty has found this balance perfectly. Over 3years it’s transformed from a quirky club night at The Zoo (Manc) to a full-on theatrical explosion of dance, debauchery and delight. Currently residing at the notorious Ritz Ballroom (as well as moonlighting to The Chapel and Pangaea) illumiNaughty has become the brightest of the Northern scenes lights, its reputation spreading globally. A mind-boggling multi-media spectacle merging playfulness and unpredictability it’s heady cocktail of music, art and performance attracts a huge cross section of people, providing a massive alternative social platform and artistic arena for a mischievous and open-minded community. illumiNaughty’s dance-fuelled Digital Theatre runs riot at any given opportunity!

Nobody in the UK (nay Europe!!) could have missed the grinning Goblin tag plastered everywhere on lamp posts, street signs, posters (even the odd geriatric) by a tireless tribe of street-stalking devotees. The Goblins have been spotted up and down Oxford road and all around Manchester city centre, even doing a spot of Guerilla filming in the Printworks, Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens last year for a pre-filmed piece of video art screened during an event against capitalism to Adam Freeland’s “We Want Your Soul”. The Goblin Gang, appearing on each flyer reeking havoc and hilarity, are the fantastically fictitious life force of the event. Their imaginary escapades shape the theme of each night which usually begins creative development 6 months before the event and does not end until each scrap of décor and all evidence of the experience has been magically removed from the scene of the crime. Each idea is explored, expanded and then actualised with every element tailored and tweaked to support the theme. From music to production to décor to performance, everything is carefully crafted, choreographed and co-ordinated and executed for one night only.

Crazy, creative and chaotic the Green Beings behind the scenes are constantly plotting new schemes and scribbling away, adding fresh twists to the plot of the illumiNaughty epic. Past chapters have included “The Summoning” “The Experiment” and “The Inferno” (to name a few) we’ve been packed to the rafters with wandering wizards, hyper hula-hoopists, grinding gorilla’s, prancing pixies, carnivorous plants, jugglers, capieora dancers and jungle drummers (that’s not even mentioning the crowd!!) Cloaked processions, interactive performers, live sax, drums and guitars, pyrotechnics, walk about characters and live digital art all add to an unpredictable environment where anything can and will happen. All characters, preferences and persuasions from the weird to the wonderful are welcomed lovingly into the hallowed haven of an illumiNaughty where the rules of regularity are forcibly removed at the door.

Hosting numerous live album launch parties and UK debuts, the team fuse the World’s most reputed psytrance artists with the latest talent. We’ve welcomed Rinkadink (Alchemy Records, South Africa), Dino Psaras (Boa Group, UK),  Perplex (Spun Records, Israel), Bamboo Forest (Neurobiotic Records, France), Krome Angels (Boa Group, Ibiza) DNA (Phonokol Records, Israel), Dejavoo (Transient Records, Gibralter/Italy), Sabretooth (Sabretooth Records, UK), Tikal (Planet B.E.N. Records, France), Talamasca (Mind Control Records, France), Vibe Tribe (Com:Pact Records) and Menog (3D Vision, France) to the stage over the past four yrs!

High energy performance, live drumming, circus, cabaret and comedy skits, pyrotechnics, walk-about characters, balcony views, stilt walking creatures and various stalls also provide an unique interactive social space with a full-on festival feel; all squeezed lovingly into one blinding experience. illumiNaughty is a night that makes feet stamp, spirits surge and imaginations soar! It’s refreshing to stumble across a club night that has just as much heart as it does hype and illumiNaughty has an abundance of both. It’s hard core and high energy attitude reverberates off the walls and embeds itself in attendees with an insanely addictive effect.

SO …….Come down on the 19th March to Stinky’s Peephouse (MY HOUSE, Brick Lane, LEEDS) to get your fix of fun ‘Naughty style, proudly appearing for the first time EVER in a new city. This will be an almighty collaboration with our partners in creative crime Planet Zogg!! Shaping up to be one EPIC EVENT your choice is simple; DANCE or DIE!!!!!
 

Friday 19th February saw Twaddle play host at Stinky’s Peephouse nightclub with legendary house DJ, Sneak, taking centre stage. This was a date that had occupied my diary for a while and I wasn’t alone with the countdown to the big evening – some people taking to updating their Facebook status daily– advent calendar style!

11pm and the venue was completely packed when I arrived, with more people outside, queuing either side of the door. DJ Sneak was due to play a 3hr set at 2am so Neil McDermott then BrotherBull & Skipper started proceedings – nicely warming up the throbbing crowd.

I was lucky enough to be able to secure an interview with the big man himself which was to take place after his set. After dancing non-stop throughout his incredible set, I took myself to behind the DJ box with my mobile phone in-hand and began my interview.

Emma: What made you decide to come to Leeds to play at Twaddle?

Sneak: I used to play here a lot when I used to play for Back to Basics. It’s been 3 years since I last played in Leeds so I decided it was time to come back.

E: Last year you name was down to play at Mint but you never showed, what happened there?

S: That was actually booked but then my work visa didn’t come through and I don’t like to come here without a work visa.

E: Are you in England for a while?

S: I’m going to be working in the studio with a friend and also play Manchester and that’s it for Europe.

E: Are you then going to go to the Miami Winter Music Conference?

S: I’m ready, I’m ready for that.

E: I really wanted to go to that.

S: It’s easy for me as I only live 3hrs away.

E: So is it worth going there?

S: For me it is. Everyone wants to hear me play again.

E: Which cities/countries have been the best for you to play at the moment?

S: Lately I’ve been going a lot to Romania and Italy has been coming back round to the house scene. Romania and Italy right now. Bucharest in Romania is amazing.

E: What about other DJs, have you got your eyes on any or being listening to any.

S: You know I try there’s so much information coming all the time, I really try. I don’t have anyone in mind but whenever I hear someone I really like I just stick around and give them my ears you know.

E: When was the last time you went to a club and you wasn’t playing?

S: [laughs] That was a while ago. I don’t like to club anymore.

E: What else have you got planned for 2010?

S: I’m doing my releases on ‘Magnetic Recordings’ which is my label and following on from last year, I did a lot of remixes with people. I’m doing a lot of collaborations with a lot of younger generation producers who inspire me and want to work, so I’m opening the doors to them. So besides production and remixing and DJ’ing that’s all I do.

E: How do you feel about the death of Teddy Pendergrass?

S: You know the old track that I did, I felt like it needed to be re-released so I did it, it’s doing really well and I’m happy about it. I’m sad that Teddy’s died you know, I went and watched some old videos with him in, he was such an amazing artist.

E: Finally, what’s the last sneaky thing you did, bit of a cheesy question there? [laughs]

S: Sneaky? I’m not sneaky anymore, I’m older, I’m married - the only sneaking I do now is on the decks.

E: Good answer. What was the sneaky little track you played at the end of your set.

S: I can’t remember [laughs]

E: Well thank you for your time.

Sneak posed for a couple of pictures and gave my friend a shout out on the Dictaphone, ending with ‘Sneak is in the house’ and with that he was gone. I was left buzzing at chatting to such a nice guy who played an amazing set which I will remember for some time to come.

Emma Halliday Feb 2010
 

Stinky’s Peephouse has had a busy 2010 so far with our various nights holding spectacular events and Spank’d is no different. Friday 5th March sees Spank’d playing host and opening Stinky’s Peephouse doors to DJ ‘Kid Massive’.

“MASSIVE by name MASSIVE by sound” says Spank’d

Kid Massive aka Benjamin Pedersen has been quite literally destined for big things, since perfecting his skills and developing a unique style in the years spent in his native country Denmark. Now based in the UK, his productions have gone from strength to strength with some big releases, including a cover of the seminal classic “Touch Me (In The Morning)”, “Music Is The Answer” and a re-release of “Get Busy”, putting him at the forefront of producers on the house scene today. This year, keep an ear out for collaborations with vocalists MC Flipside, Peyton, Julie Thompson, Trix and fellow producers Paul Gardner (Soul Avengerz), Michael Gray & Paul Harris, Bass Kleph and Benny Royal.

By the sounds of it club goers are in for a treat as Kid Massive takes to the decks showing off his great production and sharing his uplifting music with the crowd. Kid Massive has earned support from Dj`s like Roger Sanchez, Fedde Le Grand, Steve Lawler and Axwell and this evening will have Simon Frost Phil White & Tim H, supporting him!

Doors open at 10pm and Spank’d DJ’s will be spinning tracks until 5am giving you plenty of time to sample the funky, dirty, uplifting, electro, house that will be occupying the venue. There is a limited guestlist available on the night so if you would like to be added to that go to the Facebook page and send them a message.

The next Spank’d will be on Friday 2nd April and then continue the 1st Friday of every month from then on. Hope to see you down the front.

 

Basics has been busy of late with epic nights to add to their portfolio and it was showing no signs of slowing down as Claude Von Stroke had been booked to help beat away clubbers January blues! Having had a successful month already with the Basic’s residents taking turns to feed the masses it was expected that this night would be a perfect conclusion to wrap up a thriving January.
 
On the Back to Basics books this weekend was Ralph Lawson whose task was to kick of the evening before making way for Claude Von Stroke who would be delivering a 4hr set promoting the release of his new album. The Blackbox was all about DJ variety with Whalebow playing hosts: residents Jon Woodall & James Barnsley as well as; Tim Weeks, James Denney and Neil McDermott each taking it in turns to spin tunes to those not so intent on spending too much time with the big man downstairs.  
 
The run up to the event had been expertly handled with constant online communication with members of the Back to Basics Facebook group –including details of the 200 early bird ticket release, which sold at record speed. The Facebook group was awash with constant messages from the excited folk who were looking to fully engage in this spectacular evening, cramming their names onto the guestlist. Warning emails came thick and fast about getting to the club as early as possible, confirming the early midnight guestlist closure etc. Giving us an insight to how the night was going to pan out – in a word: another blinding success.    
 
Hordes of people snaked in treble figures either side of Stinky’s Peephouse entrance with the guestlist queue hot on the tail of the standard one which had now started to crawl further around the corner. Patient faces braved the cold Leeds evening hoping to get involved in the ‘must attend’ night of the month – I felt for some folk as I wasn’t too sure that their wish would be granted. Inside, the club resembled the hectic night’s I had just encountered with New Year’s and the 18th Birthday. Although judging by the people still wanting in I felt that tonight would smash the head count of those previous nights.
 
Ralph Lawson teased the throbbing crowd with a taste of deep belting sounds which soon had everyone’s arms thrust to the ceiling in unison. He was warming the room up in more ways than one as heaving bodies pushed to the front to get a glance of the long term resident. Always knowing how to command attention, the room consistently went wild when he weaved tune after tune and delved into nu disco beats.
 
Due to the demand for entrance into the club the top floor was also open with DJ’s from the Blackbox taking it in turns to deliver tunes to a packed room who wanted to get away from the intensity of the main room. Tim Weeks was behind the decks playing disco and old house tracks that fitted in perfectly with the 70’s inspired disco room which was happily buzzing with plenty of people taking refuge in there, the brightly coloured dance floor filling up with dancing feet.
 
People were also slowly starting to occupy the space in the Blackbox, Woodall started the night off with gusto the rest continued to follow suit, banging Whalebow Tech and Acid House vibes to the room. Neil McDermott was newly welcomed into the Whalebow fold and did not disappoint, pleasing folk with his set, with wicked jumping beats bringing a nice combination of the old and the new .The party mode on the middle floor continued even when Claude Von Stroke came on. The regular Basics atmosphere was definitely flowing, people in high spirits were flocking in and out of the 3 rooms, knowing that once again Back to Basics was spoiling them with a wealth of musical choices.   
 
By the time Claude Von Stroke took to his position the club was in more than full swing and he didn’t disappoint the hundreds of excited fans that were ready to lap up his set. Claude is known for his keenness to stay on the decks after delivering an immense set so Basics catered for this by giving him the entire 2nd half of the evening, this will no doubt have pleased him and the crowd. The unmistakeable dirty-bird sound made a mark in the room as Claude treated eager ears to tracks from his newly awaited album. Electronic beats danced with the spectacular light show as sweaty bodies became binge drinkers to the music. The attitude from the clubbers remained consistently high and once again Back to Basics proved that they know how to throw the best parties and invite the best guests.
 
“Von Stroke was immense” I heard one clubber mutter, their friend enthusiastically agreed, adding “That was one of the best Basics I have been to”. The night was definitely all about Claude Von Stroke in terms of numbers and for those people who are not really a fan of the DJ they may have found the main room overpoweringly full but they were well catered for with 2 other rooms where it wasn’t as intense but the atmosphere just as energetic. I saw a lot of new faces in Stinky’s Peephouse this weekend and I think due to spectacular evening a lot of them will be back again – the appeal of Basics just keeps on spreading!

 

Every now and again we will be suffering the delights of our resident Stinky's Lord and speaker Roger Faversham, this is the first of many installments to come, so please enjoy and feel free to comment in the Stinky's forum..

'With only a little thought and no research whatsoever I have come to the inescapable conclusion that what we call things, people, objects etc. is important.

The word ’text’, hitherto given as a noun,has been hijacked and put to use as a verb. I’m fairly sure that it’s not because we have too many nouns in the English language, it’s just that it’s easier to say,”I texted you”, instead of,”I sent you a text”...apparently.
Through common usage the word ‘text’ will enlist as a verb and officially desert it’s fellow nouns and although I’m sure the transition will be effortless how stupid do you feel when you employ the past participle and say, “I texted” ?. Answer honestly.

The imminent re-launch of our cherished little venue was prompted partly by the need to change the name. A recent poll posted on the internet site, ‘My Tube-Space-Twit.com’ , posed the question, ‘ My House or Stinky’s Peephouse – what do you think ?’. There was a huge response and, to use a boxing metaphor, “Stinky’s Peephouse’  versus  ‘My House’ was a total mismatch. The clue was in the question I suppose?....'

 

New Year, new start is what is bandied by many folk this time of year and here we are no different. After going out to a public vote we asked whether we should stick to been called MyHouse or change our name back to Stinky’s Peephouse, the decision was unanimous as many people were still calling us the latter – the change would be made – welcome back Stinky’s Peephouse! Keeping with change we decided a new, all improved website was needed, and some more club nights. We have been busy – you are a lucky bunch!

So what’s new on the Stinky’s agenda? Step forward ‘Blank’, a bi-monthly club night which launches on 26th February 2010. So what can you expect from Blank? Well the name derived from not wanting to categorise their style of music, the DJs play a variety of music genres, so no club night will be the same. They will at times be throwing around progressive and deep house beats then may be wowing the crowds with techno and slickly delivering tech house. The 4 residents are made up of Marc Cruickshank, Nathan Parker, Mark Naylor and Andy Croson – whose DJ profiles will be gracing the pages of this website shortly, together they bring a wealth of experience and musical styles.

The launch night brings 3 special guests into Blanks midst. The headliner ‘Fergie’ will be playing an exclusive 3hr innovative set where he’ll strive to bring new music to the crowd. A big DJ on the international stage, he plays the music he wants, breaking down barriers showing why he’s a good representative for electronic music. Also playing on the night are DJs/producers Filthy Rich and Paul Maddox the local Leeds duo who form Spektre. They make “music that is cool but is highly fun and danceable.” says James Zabiela, clearly a fan. The duo bring a dark sinister sound with haunting vocals and are constantly working together to push boundaries. Zabiela thinks “These guys are just going to get bigger.” Definitely ones to watch then! Finalising the 3 acts is Reset Robot (Dave Robertson), who has made his mark by releasing some well received tracks on various key labels and has more in the pipeline.

If that isn’t enough to make your mouth water, we managed to track down Blank founder and resident; Marc Cruickshank to ask him more about the club night, its origins and their hopes and thoughts for the future.

How did you come up with Blank and how long have you been around?

The night originally started in York with a friend about 5 years ago, was a small night, and the reason behind the name was because there was no real music policy, we all played different music!

Now, were based in Leeds and the name still applies as we still have no music policy, but we mainly book artists in the tech house / techno / progressive house / deep house genre.

Our slogan is... MusicIsNonCategorised.

This gives us the freedom to book whoever we see fit, as well as moving with the times and popularity.

Hope that makes sense!

It makes perfect sense. So how did the residents get together?

I am the founder of Blank, and I collected the residents as the night progressed. As we were a small night originally I had DJs play for free, the residents came together from basically impressing me when they played.

Why did you decide on Stinky’s Peephouse as a venue?

We hosted room 2 for Digital Society for about a year, then when we came to the decision to take the event further, Stinky’s was our first choice as we had a good relationship with the club, and felt it was the perfect choice for our brand.

Where did Blank play before securing Stinky's?

A couple of bars in York, Viva nightclub in Wakefield and Coco Bar, Mission, Kerbcrawler & Stinky’s in Leeds.

What can we expect to hear from the DJs?

Residents all have their own style...

Me - Techno, Progressive House & Tech House
Nathan Parker - Tech House & Deep House
Mark Naylor - Progressive & Techno
Andy Croson - Techno & Electronica

When booking guest DJs what do you look for?

Artists we book fall under the Techno &Tech House mainly. We look for popularity, appeal, technical ability etc.

What are your expectations for the launch night?

It’s already looking good, and nobody else is doing what we are doing. We are up against Faithless, but this is a completely different crowd, so does not worry us!

We are putting more & more promotion into this event, and feel the launch will really be a great night!

What are Blanks new years resolutions for 2010?

The best is yet to come from our night, the launch is a great starting point, with a massive line up, but this will not dip like most nights do, the 2nd and third event are even bigger!

Thanks for your time Marc. I’ll look forward to reviewing the launch night.

Now if that hasn’t whet your appetite, I’m not sure what will – with bigger and better events in the pipeline these guys are not messing about and clearly want to make a positive dent to the Stinky’s Peephouse family and make a lasting impression to the people of Leeds. Make sure you keep coming back to the website to follow their progress and future events.

 

• Stinky's Peephouse -  formally known as ‘My House’
  
• Has 3 rooms on 3 floors and an additional garden
  
• The first club in leeds to have a Funktion One sound system, ‘the Rolls Royce of club sound systems’
  
• Is an eccentric night club with its own personality, each night attracts its own individual type of clubber
  
• An average of 1410 records / CD’s are played each week
  
• Has Leeds’s biggest smoking area with a bar outside
  
• We have 5 bars stocked out with some fine beers and refreshments to assist you on your night out!
  
• In 2004 Laurent Garnier wouldn’t play anywhere in the UK other than at My House, due to its friendly crowd and atmosphere
  
• Was bombed in WWII by a doodlebug, the only one to hit Leeds.
  
• An average of 624 pairs of DJ hands worked their magic on the dance floor of the main room of the club in one year
  
• An average of 75,400 pairs of feet have danced on the dance floors of Stinky's Peephouse last year
  
• Two plonkers got stuck in the lift for 2 hours between the bottom two floors before anyone realised they where stuck
  
• The first floor used to be a betting shop
  
• The top two floors used to be a gym
  
• A pair of Gucci underpants were once found in the sump pump of the club toilets causing them to flood
  
• The strangest thing ever to be found abandoned in the club was a washing machine
  
  

The weekend of January 28^th, 29^th and 30^th will see the official launch of the all new Stinky’s Peephouse, which will incorporate 3 events hosted by our regular club nights, Back to Basics, Rave On! and Back2Mine. These events will be extra special celebrating return of this iconic brand name to the venue. Friday will see Rave On! Hosting the club with special guests including Andy Whitby, Andy Farley b2b Base Graffiti, Tecknikal, and Tidy DJ’s. Then Saturday of course it’s no other than the legendary BacktoBasics with very special guest Claude von Stroke and renowned resident Ralph Lawson. Sunday of course it’s another weekly instalment of Back2Mine with D&G all day long.

Stinky’s Peephouse is cemented in clubbing history as one of those great underground venues on the verge’s of a UK city that houses some legendary clubbing brands and has played host to some legendary nights.  After changing alias to My House back in 2003 with the arrival of the infamous Leeds institution Back to Basics, the venue has gone from strength to strength. However with a little bit of family history and an overwhelming vote of public opinion, Stinky’s Peephouse is back!

Known universally as ‘Stinky’s, the venue never really changed it’s name as far as the public is concerned, you can ask any DJ who has played at the venue, any taxi driver in Leeds or any educated clubber and they will always call it Stinky’s Peephouse. So after not much deliberation we will officially return to our original name in January 2009.

With the re-launch come some changes to the club. There is a new dance floor, the best club garden in Leeds and other renovation works being undertaken to the venue. Alongside this work the club is developing a clubbing community led web-site and has introduced some great new nights to the Calendar.

As a close net family and a family run club there has always been an overwhelming sense of community at the Peephouse. Guy Quilliam, the founder of Stinky’s Peephouse, who has now sadly passed away was responsible for the name and was a close friend and also the brother of one of the clubs current managers. The reinstatement of the name Stinkys Peephouse is not only a testament to the clubbers opinion but also to the clubs original founder. Dave Beer, creator of BacktoBasics said “Stinky’s has felt like home since I first got involved in the club and I love the name. It was initially designed to keep away straight people, being a gay venue. However quite ironically it kept away many gay people too! When we took Back to Basics to the club we thought it would be a great idea to change the name as the venue was moving away from its original gay market. But the club has always been affectionately known at ‘Stinky’s’ and the name My House has now served it purpose, it’s time to go back to the original name. Basics has hosted many venues over our 18 year history, but ‘Stinky’s’ really feels like home”

‘Rave On!’ Launched on the 30^th October as the first of our new nights at the club. This was a massive success and will now be a bi-monthly affair starting from January 09. Sam Townend one half of the Tidy DJ’s and promoter of ‘Rave On!’ said “Stinky's is one of the best venues in the UK from both a DJ and clubbers point of view. Its unique lay out helps creates the best party atmospheres, with great sound and light to get the intimate venue rocking all night long! On top of all that 'Stinkys Peephouse' is probably the best name for a club ever!”

We welcome a new Trance night called Blank in February which has Fergie headlining alongside Spektre Live!, Rest Robot and Blank residents which will run alongside ‘Rave On!’ on bi-monthly basis, adding yet more oomph to the Peephouse calendar of events.

Digital Society, Back to Basics and Back2Mine are already nationally renowned clubbing brands and alongside these nights, the re-launch of Stinkys Peephouse is set to be a big affair for Leeds and of course for the venue.