Freakin

HISTORY

FREAKIN was first started in 1997 at the York arts center by the local DJ Rich Clark to open peoples ears to quality house music; featuring guests including Murray Richardson, Chris Duckenfield, James Holroyd, Toko Records and the Pulse sound system. At this time house music was a small part of York’s scene, with the arts center being very dedicated to techno; featuring nights such as Less Stress (set up by P-Funk) and Normal (Home to Rich and Leo Clayton) who pushed the techno sound of Detroit and Chicago. Over the years the arts center was a focal point of the local music scene and the residents of these different nights fused a close bond, partying and playing at each others events, this would be the roots of the future Freakin crew.

Following the demise of the arts center at the end of the nineties Freakin lay dormant for several years, making sporadic appearances at obscure parties. This was a period of struggle for the promoters in York as there were few venues available to them and late licences became rarer and rarer outside of the main corporate clubs with financial and political clout. Over this period York’s DJs could be seen more often around the country, in Edinburgh, Nottingham, Leeds, London and Hull than in their home town. Around the same time, Rich teamed up with the now legendary Tim Wright to form Melt Records and bring the sound of Freakin to vinyl, with Rich’s own project Fat Coda alongside Tim’s Moondog.

NEW BEGINNING

In early 2003 Freakin found a new home at the R.I. club, deciding not to do all of the work himself this time, Rich recruited fellow arts center residents Leo Clayton (who was running Pure Sheng, the underground vinyl store) and P-Funk. Also on board was Jax , the man behind record store Wildcat and a firm favourite at parties. Between them, the new Freakin collective, put in a great deal of hard work to promote and transform the venue into a home suitable for Freakin spawning the phrase Rave DIY. As with the original Freakin parties the music would be the main focus of these nights, fusing the house and techno sound, so top notch guests including: Inland Knights, Paul Woolford and Tim Wright Live would play alongside the Freakin residents. This House and Techno soundtrack ensured a classic party vibe to these events. The word was out that the Freakin vibe was back and this was enough to fill the venue every month.

Once again however, the curse of York struck Freakin and despite their huge success the boys were left homeless. Determined not to go dormant for another few years, Freakin looked to pastures new. After teaming up with Leeds techno dons Superconductor for a huge outdoor festival and playing at their night at Stinky’s Peephouse, it became apparent that this would be a great venue for a Freakin party. Once again supporting the abundant talent around them Freakin pulled in The Vector Lovers (Soma) and Tim Wright (Novamute) to provide the live aspect to their sound.

OLD NEWS

Following a year hosting more parties at the Junction in york Freakin moved to a new home at CERT18. Here they hosted monthly parties and presented world class DJ's Jimpster, Murray Richardson, Milton Jackson, Funky Transport, Ralph Lawson, Justin Harris and Chris Duckenfield during an 18 month spell. Cert18 closed at the end of December 2007 - We had a good time there but it was a real shit tip and the toilets were a fucking disgrace!

DID SOMEONE SAY ZIGGY'S?

From March 2008 freakin is back - Hosting proper underground house parties at Ziggy's in York. This is a proper club - so expect freakin to be taking things up a knotch or 2 - Watch this space housefreaks!!!

NEXT PARTY INFO:

SATURDAY APRIL 4th @ ZIGGYS with JIMPSTER