'Four walls and a dancefloor': that's how Plastic People ironically describes itself. Running since 1994, it has been much more than a simple nightclub, making underground music history and becoming a cult venue. This is where UK Dubstep took its first steps, SBTRKT began his career, Four Tet got inspired for his first dancefloor-oriented album and is where up-and-comers always showcase fresh material pushing the basement's flawless sound system.
London producers James Young (Darkstar) and Kode9 during a live set at Plastic People.
Venue
Located in the heart of Shoreditch, Plastic People is a small, intimate underground club sank into 'active darkness'. Once you come down from the stairs, a bar and a dance floor is all you can find here and this is actually what you really need! Its 200 people capacity, low ceilings and feeble lights combined with a top musical programming, made Plastic People one of the most popular clubs in London.
Dubstep-heads enjoying the infamous FWD night: the future sound of the underground.
Due to its size, it fills up very quickly, going down early is highly recommended if you don't want to miss out on the night. The bar only serves standard club drinks (so don't come here for a cocktail) for an under-average price and has recently been slightly separated from the dance floor to give your ears a break while ordering a drink.
Music and Atmosphere
The quality of club events and sound definition is all Plastic People really cares about, aiming to maintain the underground culture and prolific rather than offering a dull clubbing experience. Thanks to its soundproofed structure with very low ceilings and Funktion One rigs, the club boasts one of the best sound systems in London: music is loud, but it won't hurt your ears and you will still be able to talk with your friends.
A proof of how close you can get to DJs - I took this picture of Floating Points unique mixer!
Here's a list of popular events at Plastic People:
• FWD (Forward): Every Thursday night, bringing the best dubstep and bass music
• Horse Meat Disco: disco and house night
• CDR: 2nd Sunday of the month, free entry - producers can submit their tracks and enjoy Funktion One rigs
100% Vinyl is usually a DJ attitude here - this was taken from a night with Thom Yorke b2b Four Tet
The atmosphere here depends on the night: you’ll find dubsteppers, house-heads but no randoms or mainstream kids. Everyone is down here for the music's sake, to enjoy and discover new sounds.
Summary
As its story can confirm, Plastic People is definitely one of the nightclubs in London more than worth a visit. It's where you can find artists who well versed in performing in front of thousands of people in a friendly and intimate atmosphere, where they feel free to play what they really want to, without the 'big event' pressure. Most of the time, these nights include all the features of a perfect habitat for new trends and music innovation.
Kieran Hebden aka Four Tet's Plastic People track dedicated to the club
