On Friday 26th July, Manifesto bring an excellent line up of Leeds diggers to The Imaginarium. We caught up with promoter, Kieran Black, ahead of the event…
Imaginarium: How did the idea for your party come about?
Kieran: There is a huge untapped resource of underrated DJs in leeds. A lot of them have their own parties to play at but this often means playing to compliment the headliner thats been booked. The idea of manifesto is to allow the DJs we book to lean into their own sounds and show off the highlights of their collections.
On a more selfish note, I enjoy hosting parties! In my opinion they exist to give like-minded people a space to connect and to allow communities to flourish. Plus who doesn’t love a boogie?
For this edition specifically we’ve paired DJs together that should play together more than they do. Hand picked for the complimentary and contrasting nature of their collections
Imaginarium: Tell us a bit about the DJs you’ve got playing at this event?
Kieran: Broadly speaking the DJs are all maestros in their own right. Experience runs right through the lineup. The order purely reflects the quirks of each pairing.
Starting off we have Roya Brehl and B6 – Roya needs little introduction in these parts with a residency for Imaginarium itself, Last Days of Rome and Creatures of the Night as well as a NARR radio show. B6’s party ‘Fifty’ is a particular favourite and he also holds a residency with manifestos dodgy mate ‘Wrong ‘uns’. They both have an eye for detailed beats with weighty bottom end and dreamy acid/rave-tinged melodies. This isn’t your average warm-up. This will be as wise as an old soul and full of childlike wonder – much like both DJs. An M&S warm-up, if you will.
Following on are two DJs that have a passion for mischief! Phil Warner is a veteran party starter and another one who needs little introduction on this platform, newly holding a residency at Pic ‘n’ Mix! Le Louche is one of the most passionate diggers in Leeds, recently demolishing dance floors at Gottwood, most of the clubs in Leeds, and even in Luxembourg last weekend! This a party central, everyone hands in the air but whats that smell? Nope its not armpits (hopefully), its the absolute stinkers these guys have in the locker! Wether its obscure 90s house whoppers , 00s tech face melters or freaky electro garage sizzlers these fellas have the absolute smelliest. Nose plugs available at the bar!
Closing out proceeding are A.L.C. and BP – these two are masters of the dark arts. ALC is one of the founders of Pic ‘n’ Mix which is one of leeds highest regarded parties. If you saw his set before Michelle last Friday then you know how serious this is likely to get. BP is another legendary digger and part of the Curbside crew. Curiosity and furiousity are aplenty here. Has to be seen to be believed!
Imaginarium: Why did you choose The Imaginarium as the venue to host this?
Kieran: Where else?
The Imaginarium has been a shining light in some dark days for leeds’ club scene. After attending it’s easy to see why. The basics are all done really well – Sound is incredible, DJs are comfortable playing in a well set up booth. The dancefloor is welcoming and vibrant. The bar staff and security are top tier. Sofa’s at the back have come in useful for the many occasions we’ve needed to put the socks back after they’ve been blow off
Imaginarium: You’re a DJ yourself – you’re not on the line up – are you planning to play at future events?
Kieran: For sure! This weekend is my birthday weekend though so I wanted nothing more than to ask 6 of my fave DJs to play for our friends – I don’t believe i could fill the boots of anyone I’ve asked to play and I’m sure I won’t want to leave the dancefloor all night!
Imaginarium: Any plans for the future you’d like to share with us?
Kieran: Lots of stuff in the works – next up is a few autumn ‘pub nights’!!***
Tickets for the party are available from Resident Advisor
For a taste of what you might hear, check out these mixes from some of the DJs on the line up: