Your guide to London parties that aren't dead.

It seems everyone and their nan wants to throw parties these days. It’s great to see such an increased interest in joining the industry, but let’s be real, half the time you leave thinking, was that actually worth leaving my yard for?

There’s so much more to throwing parties than booking the hottest DJ at the coolest venue. Parties would be nothing without community behind them! So, here’s my personal favourites when it comes to nights in London, ran by organisers who have community at the core of what they do :

SINGULARITY

 (Darkside, jungle, Baseline)

Images by @ameliavalentiner

Known for their high-energy sets, love for the underground, old-school flavour and dynamic artwork. In my opinion, one of the best London crews in finding and spotlighting new talent.

A night for those who love dark and fast bangers. Incredible artists & producers such as Silva Snipa, Cheetah, Janaway & Guido YZ all have close links to the brand.

As well as tearing up the UK, Singularity has been smashing international bookings. With their Amsterdam sessions V3 just announced, in collaboration with Percy Mingle & Pete Cannon's label N4 records. Hosted in a comune just outside of Amsterdam city centre, this will definitely be an experience for sure.You can also catch the Singularity crew with a 4 hour takeover in sunny Croatia this summer for Outlook festival.

If you are looking for high energy & nothing but unique tunes; head to Demolition squad’s soundcloud, run by Singularity co-owner ‘The Bass Injector’. The label has been smashing the releases recently. With ‘’Real Lo - Guido YZ & 4AM KRU” absolutely tearing up dance floors in recent months.

DECISIVE SOUNDS

( Melodic House, Techno, Garage)

Images by @Camby__ 

Decisive Sounds have recently moved away from the higher tempos, refining their sound and honing more into melodic house, techno during their nights. Even though they've only been on the scene for a short while, what sets them apart is the family-like atmosphere they bring to their parties. You can feel the genuine love they have for the venues, artists & tunes.

Not just that, but their social media game is also on par with their parties. I’m a sucker for a cohesive online presence, and they’ve done just that. With in-house photographer @Camby__,shooting solely on film, & owner Kai smashing out the minimal but impactful graphics, they really push that family, get-together feel. I highly suggest you check them out.

NLDC

(Dubstep & Grime )

Images by @garmsandsets & @malideakinsmith

No more dull midweek nights in, because the 'North London Dub Club' is about to be your new favourite dubstep night. Run purely for the love of the music, NLDC is all about music and community. And… guess what? Entry won't cost you a penny – just throw some dosh  into the donation paypal and you're good to groove. These nights have seen selectors such as Rizla Teef, Fearless Dread, Fixate, Cimm & SP:MC walk through the door, so you know you're in for a treat every time. 

Having recently found its new home at Dalston Den, these 100-cap basement nights are simply run by mates that love dubstep, for mates that love dubstep. Owner Josh, who goes by ‘Cueist,’ has done an exceptional job at creating a rave that feels like you've crashed your coolest mates house party (but with way better tunes, and no smoking inside ( unless your Rizla Teef.. ). 

NLDC has officially skyrocketed to the top of my list of favourite events. I've dragged all my mates along, and every single one of them has the same question: ‘When’s the next one?. Josh, take a bow mate, you’ve really created something special.  

MOTIVE HUNTER 

(Jungle, Hardcore, Footwork)

Images by @lws.lws.lws , @photobenphoto

With tunes flying left right and centre, London-based Jungle label Motive Hunter have had no rest this year. With releases featuring Tim Reaper, Nectax & Dwarde, they are firmly cementing themselves as a respected part of the UK Jungle scene. All while continuing to push fresh talent such as Arykn, Syntax, Worsleyy, and Bruk.

Their parties are no different, if you love a bit of jungle in intimate venues, Motive Hunter is the one for you. Another party with a family vibe: that’s only if your family are sluts for an amen break! 

With their most recent party seeing them take over north London warehouse venue, Unit 58, with art installation geniuses, In Situ. The night consisted of heavy jungle paired with a beautiful array of lights and projection art. What more could you want?

Percy Mingle

(Multi Genres)

Images by @shotby.natalia

Having been in the game a while, you can always rely on Percy Mingle for a good party. They are consistently showcasing the best in UK dance music, curating multi-genre lineups others could just dream of.

As of recent, their grime & dubstep influenced lineups have caught my eye in particular, with big names like: Slimzee, Riko Dan, Oneman, Oblig, Prez-T, Coki, Novelist, Kode-9, to name a few. As well as smashing through their London events, they will be shelling it down over in Croatia this summer, for Outlook festival, with artists: Sully, Oneman, Jay Carder and a B2B set from Papa Nugs b2b A for Alpha.

Outlook is looking like a BIG one this year.

I'm constantly on the lookout for new exciting London raves, so look forward to updating this list as my search continues. But for now I hope to see you some of at the parties listed above.