This Saturday – 13/04/24 – we welcome Space Between, an audio/visual experience from the mind of On Rotation’s Chris I’Anson…
In his own words:
“Space Between is a different kind of audio/visual experience from the mind behind On Rotation. We’ll be transforming the event space with a focus on the dancefloor experience and away from the DJ. Musically we’ll be pushing deeper, darker, swampier and more psychedelic tones across the deep techno, psy, ambient and shamanic spectrum.”
Ahead of the event, we caught up with Chris…
Imaginarium: You’re creating an immersive audio/visual experience that is going to transform the space. It’s a beautiful concept. What inspired you to make this happen?
Chris I’Anson: It’s an idea I’ve had in the works for about a decade. First inspired by festival experiences and seeing the circular layout of crowds at Arcadia stages. There was something special about dancing in a circle and seeing others on the other side looking and dancing back. The dancefloor felt more as one and less rigid and hostile to human interaction. The woodland theme is also about making things feel more natural and of a less man-made space.
Imaginarium: In your own words, the focus will be ‘on the dancefloor experience and away from the DJ.’ Do you think that, as a general rule, crowds facing the DJ takes away from what it should be about?
Chris I’Anson: I’m not one to say what something should or should not be about, but in this increasingly Boiler-Room-face-the-dj-world I think it’s important to remember that watching someone press play on someone else’s tunes surely can’t be the pinnacle of a club experience. Enjoyment of the music and the moment, the community building and escapism have much more to offer than a filmed hands in the air photo… Also the backs of people’s heads are not very interesting.
Imaginarium: I get irked by people having loud and lengthy conversations on dancefloors. How do you feel about this? Feel free to tell me I’m just a crank, by the way.
Chris I’Anson: *Nods because I can’t hear you speaking as I’m too close to the speaker*
Imaginarium: Are you deliberately aiming to promote the idea that the dancefloor experience is something enriching and vital?
Chris I’Anson: This is an experiment to see what other sorts of dancefloor paradigms are possible. It will be interesting to see how to crowd adapts to new ways of thinking about what a club night could be. Or maybe people will revert to trend, we’ll have to see!
Imaginarium: I’m honoured to have had a preview of some of your set design. Who are the people who have helped make your vision a reality?
Chris I’Anson: I’m lucky to have a variety of talented friends to turn to. My DIY skills usually ammas to glue and tape or some other bodge (The mirror in my bathroom hangs off a RCA cable). The large central decor piece was designed by Anastasia Mcgarel (Bazaar) & materialised by Liam Oades and the CNC machines at Duke Makes. To bring the room to life I’ve enlisted the help of Auratekh (Psion Systems) and his array of lighting equipment. Additional projections & the artwork have been created by Sophie Marschner (Luminal). A real team effort.
Imaginarium: It seems that a lot of thought and effort has gone into this event? Have you planned it as a one off, or is it something you’d like to do again?
Chris I’Anson: While initially this is a one-off, I’ve invested a lot into the materials and time to make this happen so adapting it for future events is a real possibility. For most On Rotation events, we focus on the music and the DJ that we’ve booked with simple lighting. This is a good outlet to taste the rainbow of what’s possible when going heavy on the decor.
Imaginarium: Would you like to see more nights in Leeds that focus on deeper music?
Chris I’Anson: Indeed, the likes of Portal seem to be a good addition to the city!
Imaginarium: Any other upcoming plans you’d like to share with us?
Chris I’Anson: As a label, we’ve just released our 6th record – Genetic Memories Vol. 2 with another LP coming soon!
Event wise:
5th May – On Rotation @ Imaginarium
15th June – On Rotation @ London
20th July – Dub Techno Day party @ The Fenton
5th October – On Rotation’s 10th Birthday @ The Imaginarium + more!
Tickets for Saturday’s event are available from Resident Advisor
Interview: Roya Brehl