NEWS
EVENTS
Eastern Electrics 2015: The underground goes countryside
House | Wednesday 5th August 2015 | Christina
For the second year at Hatfield House, some of the biggest underground house and techno DJs descended on Hertfordshire for Eastern Electrics.
Set in the grounds of the historic Hatfield House was a relatively small site, as EE is a relatively small festival, especially when compared to the capital’s day offerings. This definitely had its benefits though – it was easy to get around and find people, phone signal actually worked and queuing was kept to a minimum. This year EE introduced RFID wristbands, which require a cash top-up before you can purchase any food or drink on site. We’re always a bit skeptical of these, as this system has completely failed at other festivals (Download, we’re looking at you), but it actually worked well on the day – we didn’t queue for longer than five minutes, leaving us more time to enjoy the music.
The music policy is always spot on, with stages hosted by Black Butter, Sankeys and XOYO, Eastern Electrics have also asked some of the brightest names in the industry to bring their mates along to pleasure the EE faithful. The strong line-up and considered scheduling meant that big names were playing across all stages – for example Cassy was taking charge of the main stage while Santé was spinning in the Sankeys tent. This did split the crowd up across the site, leaving no one area too packed, although it didn’t seem to affect the vibe too much. Joris Voorn followed Cassy, dropping some furious tunes, and sneaking a peek from the side of the stage, everybody was loving it.
Whilst backstage we caught up with our old friend, Sante. and discussed some of the practicalities of being a tour DJ, how not to burn yourself out whilst constantly having to be on the road and his night in Ibiza, "Don't sleep". An amazing down to earth guy, who wants to spread his signature style with his fellow sidekicks, Sidney Charles and Darius Syrrossen.
Miguel Campbell kindly told us about his new music, what’s happening out in Ibiza and and his recent festivals jaunts, all whilst maintaining that he leads a very clear and cut lifestyle with his current vice currently being The Simpsons on his laptop whist waiting in various airport lounges and hotels rooms.
Over at Black Butter stage, we conversed with Tommy from My Nu Leng to discuss what’s been making him go wild this summer and the new release out on Chase and Status imprint, MTA records.
Another blast from our past was in attendance, and not only attending, also vocally hosting the main stage was the larger than life, impulsive and outspoken Normski. Now some of the younger folk in attendance that day might not recognize the overly excited gentleman who came along and kept the crowd hyped throughout the afternoon, but rest assured his been a prominent figure in the party scene from the beginning. Normski is definitely one who would keep you entertained, whether he be hosting, or just reciting old stories of the legendary Metalheadz sessions at the Bluenote, Hoxtox Square back in the nineties.
Moving away from the main stage we dipped into the Skreamizm tent to catch one of our faves Richy Ahmed doing his thing. He’s one of the most consistent DJs we’ve seen, always bringing the party whether he’s playing a warehouse in Amsterdam or a field in the country.
His delightful blend of acid infused beats with his distinctive deep house sound and techno funk inspired beats, Richy always seems to let you know why his at the pinnacle of the house scene, as he constantly redefines the boundaries of house whilst being the driving force behind some of the biggest UK exports within house and techno genre today.
Before the headline sets began, we explored a bit more of the site, heading over to the Switchyard, hosted by tINI and the Gang, where Delano Smith was warming up for the main lady with his signature techno.With tINI, DJ EZ, Skream and Jamie Jones all playing at the same time, choosing between the headliners was not easy. We settled for a mixture of Skream and Jamie Jones, helped by the fact that their stages were very close together.
Completely as expected, Jamie bossed the main stage, bringing that Paradise flavor to England, making it really feel like summer. Skream played a harder, techier set but anyone who’s seen him play or even watched his Boiler Room’s, knows that he can turn his hand to anything.
Although the festival proper finished at an early 10pm (even earlier if you were EZ at the Black Butter Stage), the EE crew had laid on two big after parties, one in Hatfield and one in London, ensuring that the party continued well into the morning.
Eastern Electrics knows exactly what it’s about and who it's for. They’ve delivered yet again.
Photo Credits: Gemma Parker
