Each week we get behind the decks with the very best resident DJs from across the Manchester club scene, chatting about the newest releases, the best clubs and the picks of the month.
The winter months are known for attracting the biggest DJs to the UK, with no festivals and holiday destinations to compete with, they're left with places like Manchester as musical playgrounds, in which they can showcase there talents whilst sipping pints instead of Pina Coladas. We rely therefore on the booking prowess and DJ savvy promoters and resident DJs to bring to us innovative, creative and downright off the scale, party procuring maniacs that are relentless in their quest to make us dance. On Friday at Gorilla, two of Manchester's most loved club nights, Triangular and Gold Teeth, bring to us a DJ and producer that is held in such high regard his nickname is 'THE GOD'. Todd 'The God' Edwards comes to Gorilla on Friday, (you can buy your ticket right here at DesignMyNight) a genius booking that is almost guaranteed to be one of the highlights of the year. We took some time out to sit down with not one but two resident DJs that will be up there supporting Todd Edwards on Friday. We got behind the decks with Rory Colgan and New Division from Triangular to talk rum and reggae, their picks of the month and why they love clubbing in Manchester.
Name: Rory Colgan & New Division (real name James Oliver)
Age: 28 & 20
Club Night:
Triangular
What do you love most about the clubbing scene in Manchester?
Rory: The variety and constancy of the events. There's always something good happening, and the majority of the venues are located within walking distance, you have the opportunity to check several events in the space of one evening, not many cities can offer that option.
New Division: The quality of the residents here is insane, if you look at Hoya:Hoya or Meandyou, the residents alone would make a quality line-up. And like Rory says, everything being so close together makes life a little easier.
What makes Manchester so important to the UK club scene?
New Division: Other than its historical pedigree, there are a lot of progressive nights here. Even outside of house and techno, the stuff which is happening here is so forward looking. Some of the bookings that are student run are getting to show such a depth and appreciation for music. I think it's that attitude which pushes producers and promoters here to strive for something more. Or perhaps it's just that everyone likes to get mashed on a weekend.
Rory: Pretty much what James said. Though well defined, the scenes themselves all intertwine quite nicely. Which creates a really exciting sound and a great mix of people.
What’s one of the best club nights you have ever been to in Manchester?
Rory: Ten years of Hospitality at Sankeys Soap, great times had, before both brands completely changed their direction.
New Division: It pains me to say it, but I had some great times in 5th Ave. For musical selection though, it would have to be the Workshop showcase at Meandyou. Kassem Mosse’s set was probably one of the finest I have ever seen, it was storytelling at its finest and I say this as a completely sober person in a club at 3am.
Favourite place to party in Manchester?
New Division: For those spur of the moment Frosty Jacks and Chicken King nights it has to be Red Rum. I live two minutes away though, I certainly wouldn’t bother travelling for it.
Rory: As a regular night where I party I would have to say Murkage; crazy scenes guaranteed week in, week out. However, venue wise I would say the Soup Kitchen, hands down. Great space, fantastic sound system, always a good crowd.
Favourite Manchester bar for pre-club drinks?
Rory: Liars Club, the perfect marriage of Rum and Reggae. The foundations for many an eventful night out.
New Division: Sinclair’s Oyster Bar in Shambles Square, right next to Arndale. It’s pretty much an old man pub, but the drinks are ridiculously cheap and it's always live on a Friday and Saturday night.
What's your favourite tune of all time to hear in a club?
New Division: Hmmm, personally I have always got an amazing reaction and had a great time playing out Vogue by Madonna. I think for when I’m actually parting though, it may have to be KiNK - E79. Just when it drops into the breakdown, just such a wow moment. Nothing really compares.
Rory: This is a tough one, so many great tracks from different phases of my time spent in clubs, for overall crowd unification I'd say something with a lot of funk, something like Rick James – Give It To Me Baby. However for my own personal satisfaction, Conflict – Messiah.
If you could throw a club night with any two DJs going back to back in your own living room for 20 of your mates, who would you choose?
Rory: Kenny Ken back to back with Kenny Ken. On a serious note though, I would feel inclined to try and recreate some scenes I would have missed from before I was old enough to go clubbing; Goldie back to back with John B doing a classics set, that would be pretty special.
New Division: Kenny Ken back to back Kenny Ken. Ha! Probably Jon K and Ben UFO. Just the diversity of music they would play would be insane. I think they would really work well off each other as well.
Picks of the month?
New Division: Obviously Todd ‘The God’ at Gorilla and probably the latest Numbers release, Walk On In by Doc Daneeka. First heard it in the The Warehouse Project and been in love with it ever since. Definitely won’t be leaving my bag for time.
Rory: Club Night, I’d have to say Triangular & Gold Teeth Present; Todd ‘The God’ Edwards. A master in his field, a true tastemaker, not many have defined scenes and inspired future generations of producers to the point where you can hear such a direct influence from his signature sounds. One of my favourite tracks to play out at the moment is New York Transit Authority – Swarm.
Finally, if you could choose one club in the world to go to for the rest of your life, which would it be?
New Division: Not even sure I can answer this one. There are clubs I have been to loads, but it's very rare that the venue itself makes the night. Who I’m with, who I’m seeing and the general vibe make it for me. A cool space is a cool space, but not a lot more without everything else.
Rory: I couldn’t agree more with James on this one, there are so many contributing factors to the experiences to be had in venues, and I haven’t visited anywhere near enough clubs around the world to give this question an answer which isn’t geographically biased towards my current location.
Triangular and Gold Teeth present Todd 'The God' Edwards on Friday 6th December at Gorilla. Buy your ticket right here at DesignMyNight.
