Scotland Clubbing Highlights – February 2014

February brings forth wonders in the form of dubstep originator Shackleton, NYC deep house crew Mister Saturday Night, and bona fide hip-hop phenomenon Just Blaze

Preview by Ronan Martin | 04 Feb 2014

Glasgow up first and, after a successful opening night last month, The Art School is determined to make its presence known again after a long absence from the city’s club flyers. An early highlight this month comes in the shape of Shackleton, a producer who can claim the rare feat of having been at both the respectable end of things during the early dubstep explosion, as well as remaining reputable in the aftermath of that scene’s peak. From his early work at the deepest, darkest core of bass music, to his more recent productions on his current label, Woe To The Septic Heart!, Shackleton has remained equal parts experimental and engaging. Last month he released Freezing Opening Thawing, an EP said to progress his rhythmic sound with a "psychedelic edge." He is joined on the night by former Skull Disco co-owner Appleblim, while the Vic Bar is taken over by party promoters and label heads Huntleys and Palmers (7 Feb, £12-15).  

On the same night, Offbeat continue their impressive form with a night showcasing the ever-exciting Tabernacle Records. The label which developed from club night Slabs of the Tabernacle has continually impressed since its inception in 2010, with strong releases from the likes of Mark Du Mosch, Fancy & Spook and Trackmaster Lou of Scan 7. Headlining the night is Liverpudlian producer and long time Tabernacle collaborator John Heckle. Having made his name with sterling releases on Mathematics Recordings, Heckle has cemented his reputation for producing house and techno of the most engaging kind with the release of his Desolate Figures album on Tabernacle last year. He is joined by Mark Forshaw and label co-founder, Andrew Ingram (La Cheetah, first 50 people get in free, £6 thereafter).

On Saturday 8 Feb, The Drake hosts NYC pairing Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin AKA Mister Saturday Night, who’ve steadily built a name for themselves since they first started to throw parties in and around Brooklyn from 2008 onwards. Now boasting a celebrated label, graced by releases from the likes of Anthony Naples and Alex Burkat, Mister Saturday Night tend to delve into the funkier threads of deep house, soul and disco, with smatterings of techno and experimental sounds thrown in along the way. Also appearing at The Drake is Martin McKay, a Glasgow stalwart of Rubadub and Club 69 fame, and Bobby Cleaver of the formidable Numbers crew (£11 adv).

On Friday 21 Feb, Numbers themselves pop up in the Sub Club to welcome two acts making their debut for the Glaswegian promoters. First up is Midland who made his mark with releases on the likes of AUS and Phonica before starting his own label, Graded, last year. Joining Midland on the bill is one of the revelations of last year – Galcher Lustwerk. Having released just one EP, the slickly minimal yet deeply funky Tape 22 on White Material, the Brooklyn-based producer has made most impact thus far through last year’s 100% Galcher mix. Voted mix of 2013 by the users of Resident Advisor, this is definitely the one to check out if you are considering a jaunt down to the subbie (£10).

In Edinburgh, an early tip comes in the form of Floating Points, who visits The Caves to play all night long for Notsosilent. Sam Shepherd is a bit of a jack of all trades, in more ways than one. With an esteemed production career, seeing him release stunning records on the likes of Eglo and Planet Mu, and with his classical training put to good use with the Floating Points Ensemble, you would think he would have no room left for other ventures. Yet, he also finds the time to study for a PHD in neuroscience and, perhaps most importantly, travel the globe as one of the most respected DJs around. With an effortless knack for combining techno, house, disco and everything in between, Floating Points is the ideal choice to man the booth for an all night session. He’s in town to play Notsosilent’s Dimensions Festival party, of which the promoters are an official partner. This one should be special (7 Feb, £10-14).

Our next recommendation for clubbers in the capital, and the last highlight we can squeeze in this month, is the Nu Fire night at Sneaky Pete’s which will host one of the most respected and influential hip-hop producers around. Just Blaze has put his name to tracks by the likes of Jay Z, Eminem and Kanye West, and more recently cemented his reputation as a skilled touring DJ, while also collaborating on the viral hit Harlem Shake, with Baauer – you may have caught a variation on YouTube, perhaps (24 Feb, £7.50 early bird). We literally can’t cram anything else in, but that lot should leave you with something to ponder, at least. Get in amongst it!