Red Bull Music Academy 12X12
11.03.2010 / The Scala, London
A celebration of the history and backbone of London’s club culture. 12 seminal anthems. Performed by their 12 heavyweight producers. Playing for 12 minutes each and celebrating those 12 inches of pure black gold that have changed dance music forever. Kelly Smyth went to the Scala in London and brought home a written report.
The 12X12 experience
If you were lucky enough to nab yourself a ticket to this one off event, you were witness to the talents of the most sought after producers in music history. 12 musical legends gathered at THE SCALA in the heart of Kings Cross to play to a crowd of eagerly awaiting fans.
With what was a night of musical debauchery, 12X12 lived up to its name. 12 prestigious producers came together to play 12 minutes each of non stop seminal anthems in a celebration of what has been and is London’s club culture.
In aid of a good cause, the night was not only good for the mind but also for the soul, with funds raised going to War Child.
Amongst a mass of people, with what promised to be a special night, the goods were certainly delivered. Spitting out a series of classic anthems, the likes of Shy FX, Peter Hook and Roni Size dropped some serious tunes.
The producers stood almost God like, with only wooden shelves piled high with vinyl standing between them and the swarms of people.
United under one roof, Jazzie B and MC Chickaboo kicked off the musical homage with some Soul II Soul, whilst A Guy Called Gerald spat out Voodoo Ray. Tearing up the dance floor MJ Cole’s interpretation of his seminal garage anthem Sincere went down a storm.
The electronica extraordinaire Martyn Ware brought out the vocals to sing along with his hit Temptation, while the sheer brilliance of Shades of Rhythm was resurrected with the rhythmic melodies of Sweet Sensation and The Sound Of Eden.
Playing to a wave of euphoria Roni Size pulled out Brown Paper Bag, the timeless classic demonstrating the innovative sounds that made him the musical mastermind he is today.
Taking inspiration from each musical genius, the DJs seamlessly handed over the controls. Donning his usual cap, Shy FX brought back one of jungles most notable anthems, with his legendary Original Nuttah bringing roars from the crowd as Stamina MC took to the mic.
Arthur Baker truly went old school with his twist on the classic Planet Rock beat, while X-Press 2 played an insane mix of Muxik Express to demolish the dance floor.
A special appearance from Ms Dynamite, who took to the stage to join Zinc and Dynamite MC in what was a mighty collab of Wile Out, sent the crowd nuts and a sea of hands were thrown in the air.
Topping of what was a 12X12 love fest, Peter Hook put the cherry on the cake, wrapping up the night by playing four of his favourite dance mixes of Blue Monday. Courtesy of Ninja Tune’s Hextatic, each musical concoction was brought to life, being accompanied by a backdrop of visual interpretations.
Each 12 minute slot seemed to end before they began, with every mix exceeding expectations. The unique mix of jungle, garage, dubstep, and dance not only demonstrated just how diverse London’s club culture is but also the community that united to revel in what was truly a special night.
There was no doubt that the bash did justice to those who paved the way in the last thirty years of the12-inch club culture, with Red Bull Music Academy yet again pulling another whooper of an event out of the bag.
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