FLY Open Air Returns: What's In Store

After a hugely successful inaugural event back in September that featured Booka Shade, Detroit Swindle, Motor City Drum Ensemble and Theo Kottis, FLY Open Air is back this month with another banging line-up. We spoke to event organiser Tom Ketley to find out exactly what to expect from the second edition of the festival, which will take place on Saturday 20 May at Hopetoun House, an 18th-century country manor located about an hour outside of Edinburgh.   

The Skinny: How did you come up with the concept for FLY Open Air?

TK: It was actually my pal Paddy Gearns – we met at Edinburgh Uni and were as thick as thieves running student nights in various clubs across town. Paddy orchestrated a few meetings with the parks folk and we came very close to doing an outdoor garden party for the students as an end of term thing. It's really sad but Paddy actually passed away during the Christmas period of 2012 after being hit by a car in New York. If you look above the stage at FLY Open Air there is a photo of Paddy. 

The event adds something different to Edinburgh's clubbing calendar. I want to bring good music for good people in great locations. Hopetoun House and Edinburgh Castle are certainly two of the best venue spots going. There is something special about being outdoors and listening to uplifting disco and house records with your friends – drinking good quality drinks, bespoke cocktails and eating some of the best street food in Scotland. It all adds to the experience of seeing some of the world's best electronic acts.

In clubs it can be a busy sweaty environment, one which takes ages to get served drinks, go to the toilet, etc. Lots of folk who don't even smoke go outside just to take a break. FLY Open Air is the opposite of this and we try to ensure everyone's experience is upheld to a standard we'd want for a day or night out. 

What was your favourite moment from the first FLY Open Air event last September?

I'd have to say seeing my pal and local laddie Theo Kottis playing in front of 2,500 people. Lots of folk say he stole the show which is great as Theo and I started off with Paddy back when we were [around] nineteen or twenty.

How did you go about curating the upcoming event and selecting the line-up?

In truth, we just pick acts that we like. Acts that fit our sound and impress us musically. FLY resident La La used to always blast Hunee's Dekmantel Boiler Room set, so she has to take credit for that one. 

Is there a particular act you think people should watch out for?

Sulta is god, but I think Hunee will be really special in the sunshine. The afterparty of Artwork b2b [with] Midland could be the winner. Hard to pick one as headliners Bicep will be special too... so basically, go all day!

What can you tell us about the new venue, and the decision to change venues after the first FLY Open Air event in September?

We'll be back at Princes Street Gardens on 23 September this year and will announce that line-up at FLY Open Air Hopetoun [this month]. The decision to move to Hopetoun in May is one we're relishing. It's Scotland's finest stately home and an absolutely stunning location so we're honoured to have FLY Open Air there. At Hopetoun it can grow arms and legs with lots of room for expansion to have other stages for different sounds.

The reason why we're moving to Hopetoun this May is a long story and one that caused many sleepless nights. We had actually booked into the gardens, but a double booking caused us to have to find a new venue. We were even close to cancelling at one point but luckily we met Hopetoun and we've never worked with a venue so helpful and committed as them – they're great. 

Where do you see the future of clubbing in Edinburgh heading?

I don't see many cities of our size having as many events as we do on a weekly basis, so currently I think the scene in Edinburgh is great. I actually think more happens here now than it does in Glasgow. I'm Glaswegian and of course there are the Glaswegian naysayers who feel their scene is bigger and better, but for a smaller city we've got a great deal on nowadays.