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INTRODUCTION

AFTERHOURS TEAM

Well it’s almost that time of year again folks. Yes, Creamfields will be upon us quicker than you can say ‘long weekend’ and here at After Hours we’ve been following every announcement with interest, in anticipation of one of the biggest events in the dance music calendar. Just to build the anticipation ever so sightly, we caught up with Creamfields legend Eddie Halliwell this month and we get the inside info on what Eddie has planned for the festival on page 16.

The Liverpool nightlife scene continues to change shape and we have, as ever, been there to document it. There have been a few fabulous new nightspots crop up since the last edition, so we take a peek inside The Attic and Chalet Bar, as well as getting our first glimpse of city favourite Modo since its massive refurb, all from page 6.

Maybe its an indication that we really need a holiday but our international section is bigger than ever this month, with opening party previews from Ibiza (p10) and an exclusive report from Miami Winter Music Conference (p13) that will make you ‘well jel’ of our jet setting reported Chris Wright. Thinking outside the ‘standard party destination’ box we’ll also put our cases forward for why you should be heading to a a Croatian festival this year (p15) and why you don’t necessarily need Ibiza to have a Balearic party break (p12).

We also welcome party princess Joe-Ann Randles (p26) and the king of bloggers Jaiden Micheal (p24) as After Hours newest columnists... all this and more amongst our pages this edition guys. Enjoy!

Gill TorresEditor

DIRECTORS:Paul Burgessemail: paul@afterhoursmag.co.uktwitter: @PaulAfterHours Mark Grice email: mark@afterhoursmag.co.uktwitter: @MarkAfterHours EDITOR:Gill Torresemail: gill@diddid.co.uk

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CONTRIBUTORS:Hannah Robinson / Deliciously Sorted Ibiza / Chris WrightLarissa Wignall / Jimmy Coultas / U Groove TVJaiden Micheal / Matt Fisher / Joe-Ann Randles

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06 FEATURE: AFTER HOURS IN THE ATTIC The relaunch of a legendary Parr Street bar

07 CHALET BAR LAUNCHES Liverpool’s only après ski bar

08 MODO, BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT The Concert Square favourite gets a facelift

09 PERFECT PAMPER DAY Columnist Hannah Robinson chills out for the day

10 DELICIOUSLY SORTED IBIZA Columnists Deliciously Sorted Ibiza pick the opening parties to go to this

year

12 SPOTLIGHT: BCM MALLORCA Proving you don’t need Ibiza to party this summer

13 EXCLUSIVE REPORT: CHRIS WRIGHT PARTIES IN MIAMI... … and comes home to tell us about it.

15 AFTER HOURS GLOBAL: FESTIVAL REPORT Going crazy for Croatia

16 EXCLUSIVE: EDDIE HALLIWELL COMES HOME TO CREAMFIELDS

We talk to Eddie about his favourite international party destinations and returning to host an arena at Cream!elds

19 U GROOVE TV MEETS: PHIL WEEKS Interview with one of the most recognised players in raw, underground

house music – French DJ and producer Phil Weeks

23 U GROOVE TV Columnists U Groove TV give us the hottest video picks and downloads

of the month

24 INTRODUCING: DIARY OF A ‘Z’ LIST Jaiden Micheal joins the After Hours Team

25 SOCIAL ROUND UP: PAPARAZZI EVENTS Social butter"y Matt Fisher provides a snapshot of his month in parties

26 OUT AND ABOUT The photodiary of After Hours party girl Joe-Ann Randles. Have you

been snapped?

28 CLUB LISTINGS

29 AFTER HOURS PICK OF THE GIGS

30 WWW. A selection of the sites improving our social lives at the moment

03 EDITOR’S LETTER

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CONTENTS

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I was a little apprehensive as I climbed the stairs to The Attic back in March, to take a peek just a few days before it opened its doors to the public. 3345, the bar’s previous persona, had been a regular haunt of mine – a unique venue with soul and a quirky, artistic personality that I hoped the renovation had been able to preserve. I need not have worried. It’s all still there and more.

What strikes me as I enter is the extent to which this much loved bar has bene!ted from from its restoration. It’s brighter, it looks bigger – just as comfortably inviting but with a bit of added polish. A chat with General Manager James Cooney makes me even more excited about its launch. “This building is famous,” begins James. “It’s a part of the city’s heritage. Adele did an open mic in this bar before she

was famous. Chris Martin did a DJ set here. There are already around 10,000 card holding members and we want to keep them. I loved 3345. I want to preserve the legacy.”

The legacy is indeed alive, with the old logo staring back at you as you walk up the stairs, built into the new, stylish entrance. But The Attic has breathed new life into the space. It has an increased capacity – they discovered an unused room and knocked through so there are 2 private rooms, perfect for functions. It is now ‘a beer emporium’ serving over 25 beers from around the world. There is also a cocktail menu, as well as a menu offering contemporary bar food served day and evening. Entertainment includes an acoustic night on a Wednesday and DJ’s at the weekends. With more choice of where to go than ever before, The Attic is well equipped to compete with anywhere else that Liverpool has to offer.

When we called back to take photos, we found that opening weekend was testament to a job well done. “We opened the door and the place was full,” James told us “It was a nice crowd – a great mix of people,” and we couldn’t be happier to report it.

The Attic, Parr Street Studios, 33-45 Parr Street www.theatticliverpool.com

AFTERHOURS IN THE ATTICBy Gill Torres

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SCHALET BAR LAUNCHESThe alpine style Chalet Bar opened its doors to an intrigued and expectant public on Saturday 31st March. Situated on the world famous Matthew Street, it was one of the last bars in the city to be granted an alcohol license under the new regulations (what will we at After Hours write about now?).

As an ‘aprés ski’ bar it offers something unique to the Liverpool scene – no mean feat given that we’re hardly thin on the ground in terms of night spots - with rustic, authentic ‘ski-lodge chic’ décor and serving everything from steins of beer to jagermeister infused coffees.

The bar was recently taken over by 22-year-old Arran Campolucci-Bordi who oversaw the complete modernisation of what was previously Old Skool 90’s Bar. Admirably, Arran has created a number of jobs for young people in the city, with all the staff at Chalet Bar being under the age of 25.

By Gill Torres

Move over Starbucks, from here on in we will be in Chalet, watching the world go by with our jager coffees in hand!

Chalet Bar, Matthew Street (next to Mo’niques, opposite Revolution)

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It’s that time of year again when our minds are turning to Modo. Concert Square’s !nest has long been one of the best places in the Liverpool to while away a sunny evening, with just about the most impressive outdoor space that you’ll !nd in the city centre and a range of cocktails to rival any menu in town. Now, thanks to a substantial £100,000 investment and the launch of some exciting new nights, this After Hours favourite has taken things to a

whole new level. Believe us when we say, you are going to be impressed.

Modo has always been a sleek and glamorous venue, with its wood panelling, it’s intimate booths in the bar area and it’s (genius) second bar that opens up directly onto the square for easy access to after work al fresco beers. The recent investment has gone into a major revamp of the basement area. Take a trip down there now to see big changes including 2 LED walls, leather boothed seating and new décor throughout based on, in their own words, ‘the glamour and show of Las Vegas’. Add to these impressive interiors a new, top-of-the-range DJ booth and sound system, which now showcases a host of the regions top DJ talent every week, including Anton Powers, Ian Longo and many more. With VIP booth packages from as little as £20pp, we suggest you go and sample the delights!

Modo, Concert Square www.modoliverpool.co.uk Check out our club listings on page 28 for details of Modo’s new nights.

MODO, BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW ITBy Gill Torres

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Every once and a while, me and the girls like to take a day to get away from work, our mobiles and men. We like to get pampered, spoiling ourselves without a care in the world. Who doesn’t? Oh and, of course, we also use this time to have a general moan about anything and everything…aaahhh its nice to get things off your chest! Anyway this is how our ‘pamper days’ tend to go.

THE PERFECT PAMPER DAYBy Hannah Robinson

Chilling in Republik Your post-pamper night out probably won’t be a wild one. I love going somewhere where you order cocktails, have a little dance if you fancy one or just have a good old catch up. Republik is a fantastic bar for these kind of nights because it can be whatever you want it to be. I have spent many a night busting out some shapes in there but equally it’s the perfect place to order a booth, order a couple of drinks and just have a giggle with the girls. www.republikliverpool.co.uk

Pamper at Chill Out Spa I love a good spa day – a massage, pedicure and manicure all under one roof without having to put on a stitch of make up or climb out of your dressing gown all day. Chill Out Spa in Knowsley is heaven, with its aromatic scents and relaxing music you instantly feel like you leave your stresses at the door. The full day treatment includes a massage, exfoliation, mani /pedi, facial and not to forget some quality time spent in the hot tub and tranquillity lounge. It’s like a Herbal Essence advert “ooohhh”. Packages start from as little as £65. What a great present.... to yourself of course. www.chilloutspa.co.uk

Pearl BoutiqueOnce we are suitably invigorated from all that pampering, a little light shopping is a ‘must’ – especially since most of us have ‘absolutely nothing to wear’ for our next night out! Pearl Boutique on Aigburth Road is a little gem of a boutique, with amazing pieces you can’t !nd in just any Liverpool shop. Mummy Pearl is fabulous, she makes you feel welcome and will help you pick out out!ts for any occasion. Becoming a ‘Pearl Girl’ won’t break the bank but you will never walk away empty handed from this place, nor will you have that high-street worry that every girl in Liverpool is buying the same out!t!www.pearl-boutique.com

Living Room (No, Not My Own)After a ‘busy’ morning’s pampering we like to enjoy a long, lovely lunch in style, as we ladies do! The Living Room on Victoria Street is the place to while away an afternoon chilling with a glass of rose or a belleni, with a gormet sandwich or a home cooked lasagne and chips. It’s fantastic, the service is great and the food is amazing... in my humble opinion! Stuff your face in style why don’t you?www.thelivingroom.co.uk

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Last month we could feel the Spring coming on here in Ibiza. We are now in full swing of the opening parties and we wanted to keep you updated on which ones not to miss!

The International Music Summit returns once again on the 23rd-25th of May for its annual electronic music industry conference. It has been running for !ve years and this one is set to be the largest to date. The speakers for this year have been announced and include industry professionals from Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, Vice, Foursquare, Cream!elds, Metropolis, PRS and Vue Cinemas.

Apart from the conference, we are looking forward to the IMS Grand Finale Festival. This is guaranteed to be one of the biggest parties of the year and always kick-starts the summer with a bang. The line up is star !lled with artists like Carl Cox, Loco Dice, Pete Tong, Seth Troxler and a live performance by Azari & III. Set in the heart of Ibiza Town in the UNESCO world heritage site in Dalt Vila, this is one of the parties that you do not want to miss. (Pictured: top right)

If you are looking for something a little bit different from the everyday party, come visit Ibiza during the second weekend of May. Dalt Vila is host to the annual Medieval Festival during this weekend. Step inside the walled city to see the world transformed with noblemen, knights in shining armour, !re eaters, snake dancers and street performers. Be entertained by the actors, comedians, and artists that !ll the maze of streets. (Pictured: middle right)

We are super excited about Cipriani opening at the Grand Hotel this May! (Pictured: bottom right) Cipriani started as Harry’s Bar in Venice in 1931. This bar quickly became a sought after place of luxury because all guests were treated as VIPs. Since then

the brand has grown and today it has restaurants in places such as New York, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Miami, Porto Cervo, Venice, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul and Monte Carlo. This summer, this legendary brand is coming to Ibiza! We’ll be sure to keep you updated on their success! Until next month…

www.deliciouslysortedibiza.com

IBIZA PARTIES NOT TO BE MISSED

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The NightclubUshuaia: The Ultimate Pool PartyUsing the ‘nightclub’ term lightly, this party is based around their huge pool area in front of one of the biggest stages in Ibiza. Ushuaia kicks off at around 8pm and goes on until midnight, with some of the biggest DJs playing such as Luciano, David Guetta and Sasha. (Opening Party 26th-27th May - Fatboy Slim)

The RestaurantNagai: Fusion Food FantasticOne of our favourite restaurants on the island is set on the road from Ibiza Town to San Juan. This road is infamously known as the restaurant road and along it you’ll !nd several hidden places to enjoy dinner. Nagai offers clients a unique taste of Asian Fusion. Their menu includes delish dishes such as grilled chicken teriyaki, tuna steaks in sesame crust, salmon and avocado tartar, our favourite yellow tail in almond crust, rosemary scented and all types of Sushi imaginable. (Open all year)

The HotelThe One Hotel: Coming SoonPacha has recently bought the One Hotel located at the end of Talamanca beach. They are planning on renovating the hotel, which is set in a prime location on the island, in front of crystal clear waters and with views to Dalt Vila. Construction and remodelling work is currently underway, and even though an opening date has not been set yet, we cannot wait to see the !nished product. (Watch this space!)

The Beach ClubYemanja: Lunch on the beachEven though it is situated in one of the most popular corners of Ibiza and is a favourite with the locals, tourists often overlook this beach restaurant. We highly recommend that you stop by and try their seafood. Their prawns are rumoured to be some of the best on the island! Enjoy a late afternoon lunch with your feet in the sand, and a glass of their delicious cava sangria in your hand. (Open all year)

Pictured from top left clockwise:Ushuaia, The One Hotel, Yemanja, Nagai.

DELICIOUSLY SORTED’S HOT PICKS SUMMER 2012

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BCM MALLORCA: SUMMER PLANS 2012We do bang on a bit about The White Isle here in After Hours but elsewhere in the Balerics, BCM is proving you don’t need Ibiza to have a great time in the summer. Now one of the top ten clubs in the world according to DJ Mag, BCM Mallorca smashed it last year with thousands of happy clubbers heading out and having the time of their lives. With initial line-ups recently announced, summer 2012 at BCM is set to be bigger, brighter and bolder.

Cream returns for its summer residency, taking control of Monday’s and Wednesday’s and featuring an array

of performances from the likes of Calvin Harris, Paul van Dyk, Above & Beyond and Skrillex to name a few.

Mallorca Live will be the party every Tuesday in the new Open Air Plaza BCM Square behind the club, as well as every Sunday in the club itself, with resident spinners Andi Durrant (Capital FM) and Scott Page (Friday Night Posse) plus a massive line up of Arena Headliners like chart toppers Dizzee Rascal, Example, Wretch 32, Professor Green, Rev Run (Run DMC), Dappy, Rizzle Kicks and plenty more, as though that wasn’t enough.

So too will Judge Jules take command of the whole massive club on a regular basis, with guests including Eddie Halliwell, Ferry Corsten, Micky Slim and more.

Aside from this, you’ll !nd a !ne selection of Italian spinners like Benny Benassi, Alex Guadino, DJ Spankox, Sergio Mauri and Helen Brown, plus local Spanish heroes like DJ Sammy and Supermartxe.

There will be more from us on BCM as the summer progresses, so keep an eye on www.afterhoursmag.co.uk for updates, and make sure you check out http://www.facebook.com/bcmplanetdance

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AFTERHOURS GLOBAL:

Last month I was out in Miami as all the big, international DJs headed to the party capital of America for Winter Music Conference. It ran from 16th - 25th March - 10 days of non-stop partying in the most amazing venues - and I managed to experience the whole 10! Here is my inside coverage on some of the hottest parties.

If you visit Miami you have to experience an infamous Miami pool party. I managed to do two, including Roger Sanchez and Steve Angello’s. Most of these events take place in hotels on South Beach. I was lucky enough to be staying at the best venue - The Fontain Bleu – and can con!rm it was non-stop partying every day. Steve Angello’s record label ‘’Size Matters’’ throws the biggest pool party every year during WMC - this year it was held in the Fontain Bleu. I managed to get a hold of him for a quick chat, about the WMC Miami.

I asked Steve what are the highlights of the 10 days. He told me ‘’The Swedish House Masquerade Motel’’ was his favourite of all the events. After experiencing it myself I would de!antly recommend the event to anyone who loves the Swedish House Ma!a. They

played an amazing set, playing all their own tracks including Leave the World Behind You as well as showcasing some of their new music. Special guest DJ Calvin Harris warmed up a sold out crowd, in the middle of Central Park, Downtown Miami. One word - AMAZING!

One of the main events that people "ock to Miami for is Ultra Music Festival, a 3 day festival with 160,000 party goers and 200 DJ’s. This year’s line up exceeded expectations, with every established electronic DJ/producer playing the festival, including Tiesto, David Guetta, Deadmau5 and Carl Cox to name a few. A highlight was the headlining act, the man himself Avicci did an exclusive set with an amazing special guest.... Madonna,who did a surprise appearance after having released a new track for her MDNA album (one her tracks was produced by Avicii).

So, I hope you have enjoyed that little slice of Miami WMC. Read my page next time for inside scoop on the biggest events in Ibiza. Also there will be some amazing competitions including free tickets for Pacha, Space, Ushuaia, SIN Sundays Bora Bora & the Pukka Up Boat parties.

CHRIS WRIGHT PARTIES IN MIAMI... AND COMES HOME TO TELL US ABOUT IT

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AFTERHOURS GLOBAL: FESTIVAL REPORTWe’ve gone a little Croatia crazy this month but trust us when we say, it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth to have a party.

HIDEOUT FESTIVAL By Larissa WignallHideout Festival is an upcoming, electronic, exultant festival set on Zrce Beach, the Island of Pag, in Croatia. It takes place from 29th June to 1st July. The next obtainable town to the festival is Novaljia, close to all local amenities including bars and restaurants. With tickets starting from £99 for the three day extravaganza, this is one seasonal commemoration not to be missed.

Events begin the week prior, from 26th June, and continue right past the festival and on to the 2nd July! These include indoor and outdoor nightspots, boat parties by day, a main festival site in the evening and secret location parties, hosted by Cross Town Rebels, Drop the Mustard and Mulletover.

The line-up pays homage to some of the most favoured DJ’s and Producers today, embracing Ricardo Villalobos, Loco Dice, Jamie Jones, Seth Toxler, Claude Von Stroke, Maya Jane Coles, Art Department and Damian Lazarus, amongst others. Being involved in the techy, electronic beats is a must for all of you devoted music fans.www.hideoutfestival.com Hideout Festival pictured above: Photo by Gary Brown

THE GARDEN FESTIVAL By Jimmy CoultasThe Garden Festival is the jewel in the crown of the glittering Adriatic coastline, and was the very !rst to introduce the idea of a sun-kissed festival and holiday combined in Croatia. Originally based in Petrcane just outside Zadar, it’s now relocated to the achingly beautiful town of Tisno and offers a complete antidote to the huge capacity ‘tents and mud’ formula of our home-grown festivals, with an intimate crowd of like-minded people dancing under the sun and stars.

There are !ve festivals taking place there this summer; Electric Elephant, Soundwave, Suncebeat, Stop Making Sense and the original Garden Festival which kicks off proceedings for a full week between the 4thand 11th July. Among the guests at The Garden Festival are 2020 Soundsystem, Tiger and Woods live and Kenny Dope, with an armada of boat parties hosted by the likes of Resident Advisor, Futuredisco and the maiden voyage of Ibizan institution We Love. www.thegardenfestival.eu

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Eddie Halliwell, several times DJ of the year, Cream legend and one of the hardest working guys in the industry is back at Cream!elds this year. We can’t wait. His boundless energy brings the crowd alive and previous Cream!elds appearances have gone down in festival history. We caught up with him during a rare moment back in the UK. He’d just "own in after touring Asia, he was about to "y out to tour the US and Canada and when we chatted at 9am he’d already been to the gym – so I guess that energy abounds even off stage.

How was Asia?Great. I played Future Music Festival in Kuala Lumpur – I’ve played the festival in Australia before but this was their !rst in Kuala Lumpur and it was built around the Formula 1 circuit there – wicked. Then I went on to Jakarta, which was amazing, except that it’s been chucking it down for the whole trip while it’s been sunny at home – gutted.

It’s fair to say you’ve done quite a bit of international touring over the years. Where’s the best place in the world to party?I’d always say Brazil and Ibiza. Ibiza has such a history with dance music, you can feel it, and Brazil always has great parties. The West Coast of America has a great vibe too. It’s full of people travelling up and down. You meet so many people there and they’re always travelling. It’s a great clubbing community.

Let’s move onto Cream. With your Ibiza residency and Cream!elds appearances you have quite a history with the brand. What are the stand out moments?The !rst time I played for them in Ibiza stands out. I had the opportunity to play for Cream on their Essential Mix. A lot of nights blur into one when you do this but I remember everything about that one –

who I was with, how the night went. It was great to be able to do that with Cream and Radio 1 at Amnesia where I’d been as a clubber.

The !rst time I played Cream!elds is another one. I was asked to play a hard dance arena but I like to keep an open mind with music, I don’t want to be genre speci!c, so they let me play the main arena as well. It was great to be able to do that, to be able to express yourself in two different ways at the start of your career.

What are you looking forward to about this year’s Cream!elds?Hosting our own arena. Each year I’ve been in the main arena but this year we’ve got out own Fire It Up arena featuring Sander Van Doorn, Mark Knight, Funkagenda, Michael Woods, Thomas Gold, Kryder and D.O.D.

What can we expect from you at Cream!elds?Plenty of up-for-it music and energy. I’m really looking forward to enjoying it with the other DJ’s. Often you do a set somewhere then you’re shooting off. This year I’ll be there, enjoying mixing with the other guys.

You’re a Northwest boy. What do you like about playing to a home crowd?The energy. They’re always up for it. If I play Cream at Nation or Cream!elds there are so many friends that come out too. I like it when you can see people letting themselves go. My enjoyment comes from their enjoyment. Scottish and Irish crowds are the same.

You’ve been DJ of the Year more than once and have been nominated in the Mixmag ‘Greatest DJ of All Time’ poll. What do these awards and nominations mean to you?It’s great to see people’s support for what you do. Mixmag has been a great support. It’s just really good to see that people are enjoying what you’re doing. It also helps internationally, to open doors and take you into new territories.

At this point there can’t be many ‘new territories’ left that you haven’t toured! So tell us what’s next for you?My most recent compilation with Toolroom - Toolroom Knights - is out 23rd April. There are a couple of exclusive tracks on there – a remix of Tiesto and Mark Knight’s Beautiful World, as well as my own single Rock This Place. Then of course there’s Cream!elds. I’ve also got a residency with Fire It Up in Croatia this summer at Papaya - playing outdoors in the sunshine, through the day, which I absolutely love. Then there’s the Ibiza residency. It’s going to be a good summer.

Catch Eddie at Cream!elds – 24th. 25th and 26th August 2012. Tickets and info at www.cream!elds.com / www.eddiehalliwell.com

EDDIE HALLIWELL COMES HOME TO CREAMFIELDSBy Gill Torres

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House music purist Phil Weeks, started his career 10 years ago and soon became a major player in the house music scene. After starting up his own record company, Robsoul Recordings, in 2001 his early releases were quickly recognised as ‘classics’. Today his producing is so !ne, he saves the best work for his label while releasing other tracks under monikers like PW. With the label now claiming some of the world’s best such as, Derrick Carter, DJ Sneak, Chris Carrier and No Assembly Firm to it’s roster, it’s become one of the most renowned and respected house music platforms. It doesn’t stop there for this house music hound, with appearances at nights like Back to Basics, Sankeys Soap, Circus and Ministry of Sound. He’s also recently !nished putting together a new

U GROOVE TV MEETS: PHIL WEEKS

album Raw Instrumental and we welcome him to U Groove TV as we catch up with the musical maestro.

Hello Mr King of Beats. Thanks for taking time out for us. So, can you tell us who exactly#Phil Weeks is? Where are you from and what do you do? I was born in the mid seventies in the suburbs of Paris. I’m now living in another very close city. I do beats, videos, run the label Robsoul Recordings & I rock clubs worldwide on the weekends.

You are one of the most recognised players in raw, underground house music. How did your !rst big break both as a producer and a DJ come about? I can’t really point to a particular a day or time but I think it was more about the constancy of my music. I’ve been living from my music & travelling the world since 2001. But if I had to pick up a track that made people start to talk about me, it would be It Put Me >

Last Month U Groove TV introduced us to Underground Chronicles, the new U Groove Channel by one of the most recognised players in raw, underground house music – French DJ and producer Phil Weeks. This month we meet the man himself.

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Well. That was the !rst track with my voice. I was pretty much telling someone of my day & it was funny.

Your new album#Raw Instrumental has just hit and is nothing short of mind blowing. Can you tell us about where you draw inspiration from for your tracks? The concept of this album is in his title Raw Instrumental. Everything has been done using samples, not too much post production to keep the sound as much original & warm as possible.

I add some classic movies ambient that match with the songs to create something really nice to listen at home or in your car. It’s like a story that everybody can take the way he wants. All my movies, music & cultural inspirations are inside this album. From Disco to Techno through Hip Hop & Soul. From the movie Friday to the classic Godfather… I almost forgot to say that some Dance!oor Killer tracks are also included inside the album. I’m very proud of this project.

You recently launched your own channel on#UGroove.TV.#We know your videos aim to take viewers behind the scenes but what exactly can we expect to see in each episode of Phil Weeks Presents Underground Chronicles (cool name)? Yes I thought so it was a cool name, thanks! I always try to do a ‘Production Tips’ part where I give some of my (or friends producers) tricks in the studio. Then also a ‘Peep Game’ part that is more about fashion or whatever pimpin’. Then I add whatever cool is happening in my life around music. It can be a festival backstage, a travel experience in a cool country or some party reports. And I always try to make sure it’s

entertaining and funny enough to keep the show cool to watch.

The music industry is a tough one to keep up with since we are constantly bombarded with new tracks.# What have you been listening to lately besides promos? I have to agree that we are bombarded with promos. I listen to a very little part of what I receive or I wouldn’t be able to do anything else besides that. I love to listen to music in my car, I feel like I’m going to a concert when I bring a new exciting CD in my car. At home, I like to listen to music on YouTube. Right now, besides some classic hip hop & Live House Set, I’m listening to the discography of Willie Hutch & David Matthews…Some very sick samples.

The raw, underground house music scene is still growing. Where do you see yourself and the scene in the next !ve years? Very difficult to predict anything since the music scene is changing so much and so fast. I hope I will be at the top to keep pushing and representing our music & our way of life. We The Brand! Raw Instrumental is available now from Robsoul Recordings.

And !nally Phil Weeks, please complete this sentence - my top 5 tracks of the last year were.... J.Paul Getto – Imma Let You Know DJ W!LD feat. Hector Moralez – Take A Trip John Jastszebski – La Toureille Phil Weeks – Jack To My Groove DJ Sneak – Boogie Allright

www.ugroove.tv/philweeks

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Summer is almost here! Yep, it’s very nearly that blissful time of year again. The smell of summer brings that welcomed nostalgia of summer partying back to you, putting the memories of last year’s amazing summer infused parties back to the forefront of your mind. It’s time to start planning your holiday, booking festival weekends and getting ready to dance the sun down. Rooftop parties, are you ready for us? Cos we’re damn well ready for you. We’ve just gotten back from Miami where we !lmed a whole host of parties and talent, including an interview with Tanner Ross...in a trolley…this was WMC, after all. Follow us on Facebook and head to the site for updates on new video’s.

UGroove TV March Groovecast | M A N I K M A N I K is a young New York City born and bred artist that has made more than an impression on the scene in the past year. His youthful looks belie the serious and sophisticated musical talent that lies beneath. He is one of underground’s few true musicians. The M A N I K discography boasts music releases on the worlds best underground imprints like Josh Wink’s Ovum, L.A based Culprit, Steve Bug’s highly praised Poker Flat and the almighty Hot Creations run by Lee Foss and Jamie Jones. You could throw around any number of “genre-locking terms” - House, Funk, Deep House, Disco,

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U GROOVE TVAcid, Electronica; however, you’d still fail to get to the meaning of M A N I K who has taken over the UGroove TV soundwaves to produce the 2O12 WMC Edition entitled, Spring.

Top pick video | On Tour With Maceo Plex The next visual instalment to come from UGroove TV is of current dance"oor destroyer, Maceo Plex. Capturing his Midnight moment at Rainbow in Birmingham, set at top world club, Sankey’s in Manchester and !nalising at Hot Natured’s New Years Day party at Pulse in London we followed him over 24 hours, three gigs and three cities to gain unprecedented insight into life as a top DJ. Head over to www.ugroove.tv and joing the 40,000+ who have already had a look into a slice of Maceo life.#Ugroove TV Feature | We Are…Dirtybird With Claude Von StrokeWe are….is the exclusive UGroove TV feature created to give a moment to the labels we !nd and love, for those who’s music we enjoy and to those we feel deserve to be looked at in a little more detail. It’s always about the releases, the artists and rarely about the label itself or their trusty A&R’s stroke label managers who, let’s face it, make the labels exactly what they are so we thought we should show them a little love, put them in the spotlight and give them a moment to tell us what they are all about. We’ll be hearing from the unknown to the well known, as each have their unique stories! Second up in the series of the We are… label feature is the legendary Claude Von Stroke with his dirtybird imprint.

You can read the full feature on#www.ugroove.tv.

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INTRODUCING: DIARY OF A‘Z’ LISTOhhh look who it is! Britain’s most brutal blogger, that mouthy sod from Scousewives, that idiot off Twitter. Yep its me - Jaiden Micheal! I’m delighted to be on board as After Hours newest columnist. Each issue I’ll be giving you VIP entry into my social diary – telling you where I’ve partied, what I’ve been drinking, the states I’ve seen and the states I’ve been in myself! I will be telling you what’s had me dancing round like Gail Platt on Pro Plus :) and what’s had me wanting to whack myself in the face with Heather Trotts size 9 Ballet pump! :( Talking the best and worst in everything social...out!ts, drinks, club nights, music, blah blah blah.

By Jaiden Micheal

So unless you want naming and shaming in my column, make sure you look your best when you’re out and make sure you behave coz NOBODY is safe! Until next time! Traaa! xxx Coming up next issue; Jaiden talks Grand National, Marbella and Bank holidays.

AFTERHOURS

By Matt Fisher

SOCIAL ROUND UP: PAPARAZZI EVENTSWith the !rst signs of Spring in the air as the weather is warming up, the Liverpool nightlife scene seems to be buzzing at the moment. This bodes well for the season ahead and of course Paparazzi Events will continue to be at the heart of the action when it comes to capturing the party goers of Liverpool doing what they do best. This past month has seen numerous big nights in Liverpool, the highlight being the launch of ‘Prophecy’ at Kingdom Nightclub in late March. The night was extremely successful and included "ame throwers, celebrity appearances, a live snake and even a volcano shooting vodka from its centre! Watch out for this night in the months ahead for more surprises and themed nights. March also saw the launch of Club Couture at Reform with a glamorous fashion event showcasing Francesca Couture’s latest Spring collection. DJ Marc Armstrong will be on the decks each week, pleasing the growing number of revellers. With a growing reputation, Prestige Nights have now expanded to new venues, including Boutique and Sakora, and following the success of these nights, they also have plans in hand to launch in Marbella later this year!!! Finally, Studio 54 was back again this month with a fantastic night at Mosquito with the infamous DJs Billy Clements and Chris Wright continuing to put on a great show. Overall, the annual post New Year blues have eased and we look forward to joining you at some FABULOUS parties in the coming months. See you about!!!!

www.paparazzi-events.co.uk

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OUT AND ABOUT

Fabulous at Mo’niques Every Saturday night with resident Dj Danny LatimerScouse brows retouched, images restyled and bodies bronzed as the city’s fashionistas step onto the red carpet and into Liverpool’s most glamorous dance "oor at Mo’niques. The Welcome to Fabulous experience is something quite special, taking glamorous clubbing to a whole new level of sophistication, throwing some of the most talked about Saturday nights in Liverpool. With stunning features, booth seating, burlesque dancers and fabulous hostesses you couldn’t want for anything else! I certainly don’t and I’ll see you there soon! Get yourself down here – you might just spot a celeb!For booth booking or enquiries on the VIP experience call 0151 227 1131

Sounds of the Summer Miami Beach Party at Mosquito Monthly event with Djs Chris Wright Billie Clements & guest DJ Rob McPartlandWith sunglasses on, cocktail umbrellas in our hair and a pina colada in hand we were at Mosquito on Friday 9th March. This, now monthly, event makes you feel like your clubbing the other side of the world. With all the best tunes from Liverpool’s most sought after DJs and the sounds of the bongo creating the ultimate atmosphere, roll on next month and make mine a cosmo please!!

Garlands...........There’s No Place Like Home!They say home is where the heart is, well Garlands has to be my second home; I have been going to Garlands for as long as I can remember. Don’t be startled if you see random people in shopping trolleys or a zimmer frame in the middle of the dance "oor because, believe me, this is the norm. It is synonymous with glamour, craziness and its own unique ambience, creating an environment where clubbers can be who they want to be, knowing they are in a safe place to do so. When you leave Garlands lets just say it will seagull o’clock in the morning and you’ll already be looking forward to going back!! www.garlandsonline.com

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WITH AFTERHOURS PARTY GIRL, JOE-ANN RANDLES

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CLUB LISTINGS

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Evocative Venue: Modo, Concert Square Date/Time: Every Friday With DJ’s Anton Powers, Craig Talent & Liam Hincks www.modoliverpool.co.uk

Remix Venue: Modo, Concert Square Date/Time: Every Saturday With DJ’s Ian Longo & Jay Forster www.modoliverpool.co.uk

Discoteca Poca presents a Garden Get-TogetherVenue: Shipping Forecast, Slater Street Date/Time: 20th April Showcasing DJ’s who will be playing at the Garden Festival this July in Croatia, including DC10’s Circoloco resident Dyed Soundorom Tickets available from RA, Skiddle or 3b Records.Paper tickets (no booking fee) from Paul – 07766661202 / Jimmy - 07973432876

Candypants – Marbella Send OffVenue: KingdomDate/Time: 20th April, 10pm-3amTickets £10, ray@candypants-events.co.ukhttp://www.candypants-events.co.uk

Chibuku Easter ThursdayVenue: The MasqueDate/Time: 5th April 10pm – 4amTickets: £20 + BFContact: 0151 706 804Website: http://www.chibuku.com

Sunshine Sundays Venue: Thistle hotelDate: 8th aprilTime: 1500 - 2000....boat 2015-2300Tickets: £28 @ 3beatContact: 07833498520Website: http://www.facebook.com/events/296333380427056/

Battle of The Soap HunksVenue: EnviDate/Time: 13th April 10pm – 5amTickets: £5+BFContact: 0151 709 3498Website: www.enviliverpool.com

CircusVenue: the masqueDate/Time: 28th april 2200-0400Tickets: £16+BFContact: 0151 706 8045Website: http://www.skiddle.com/events/11629220/

Cream ReunionVenue: nationDate/Time:19th May 2200-0500Tickets: £12+BFWebsite: http://www.skiddle.com/events/11628362/

Fairies Across The MerseyVenue: GarlandsDate/Time:: 19th May 1900-2300Tickets: £25Website: http://www.facebook.com/events/363171590372698/

Pukka Up Ibiza LaunchVenue: Sankeys ManchesterDate/Time: 11th May 2230-0500Tickets: £10Website: www.pukkaup.com/tickets

?DeadwrongVenue: A FieldDate/Time 6Th May 4pm>Tickets: £30Contact: 07807892968

CandypantsVenue: KingdomDate/Time: 22nd april 1-pm – 3amTickets: £10Contact: twitter.com/candypantseventWebsite: www.candypants-events.co.uk

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SPOTLIGHT: MODROPHONIC MAY DAY WEEKENDER 2The Cavern Club Liverpool will stage a “Mod Weekender” for the second time, this year to help raise money for local children’s charity “Cash For Kids”. The two-day festival features numerous up and coming retro-bands (mod, ska and Brit-beat).Saturday May 5th – Sunday May 6th Modrophonic May Day Weekender 2Cavern Club, Mathew StreetDoors: 7pmTickets: £10.00 Day/£15.00 Weekender(www.ticketmaster.co.uk)

Friday April 20th Mellowtone Presents: Latin QuarterLeaf, Bold StreetSupported by: Dave Owen, Beaten Tracks DJs, MonkeyDoors: 8pm Tickets: £8 (www.wegottickets,com)

Saturday April 21stSound of Guns02 Academy Liverpool, Hotham StreetDoors: 7pmTickets: £8.50 (www.O2academyliverpool.co.uk)

Saturday April 28th Afraid Of MiceEric’s Liverpool, Matthew Street Doors: 7:30pmTickets: £10 (www.ticketweb.co.uk, www.ticketmaster.co.uk and www.hmvtickets.com)

Saturday 28th AprilAardvarker presents: Music For The Greater Good. The 9ines, Bodana Chivas band, The Fifth Movemenr, Megan Thomas, and Aitch McRobbieStudio 2, Parr StreetDoors: 7:30pm Tickets: £19 (www.eventbrite.com)

Thursday 3rd MayMellowtone presents: BirdLeaf, Bold StreetSupported by: The Mono LPs, Anna Tai Hogan, Beaten Tracks DJs, MonkeyDoors: 8pmTickets: £4 (www.skiddle.com)

Friday May 4th The Marley Chingus Jazz ExplosionThe Caledonia, Catherine StreetDoors: 9pm FREE ENTRY

Thursday May 10th - Friday May 11th EVOL presents: Ian McCullochThe Epstein Theatre, Hanover Street (formerly Neptune Theatre)Doors: 7pmTickets: from £22 (www.ents24.com www.ticketweb.co.uk and www.viagogo.co.uk)

Sunday May 13thElvis CostelloThe Liverpool Empire, Lime StreetDoors: 7:30pmTickets: from £43 (www.seetickets.com and www.gigantic.com)

Friday 25th MayLa Rhumba – a Latin Explosion! presents: Café Con Leche, July Julay, DJ Muvelo, DJ Gary The New Picket, Jordan StreetDoors: 9pmTickets: from £5 (www.latinliverpool.co.uk)

PICK OF THE GIGS: APRIL/MAY

SPOTLIGHT: LIVERPOOL SOUND CITYOf course we had to give another little mention to Liverpool Sound City - a hugely respected 3-day annual international music, media and technology conference and live arts and music festival. This year headliners for the festival include: Professor Green, Alkaline Trio, Mystery Jets, Death in Vegas, Michael Kiwanuka, Ghostpoet, Mystery Jets and many more.Thursday May 17th – Saturday May 19th Liverpool Sound CityMultiple City Centre VenuesDoors: 7pmTickets: £30 Weekender (www.liverpoolsoundcity.co.uk)

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WWW. There are some crackin’ websites these days that make planning your social life practically a breeze. Here are a couple of our favourites.

COMPETITION: City Socialising LiverpoolCitySocialising has revolutionised social lives all over Liverpool. It could just as easily be called ‘a whole new social life’ .com. Yes it’s an online social network – you create a pro!le at citysocialising.com and introduce yourself to other members – but the point of the site is that it helps you get out there and explore this fabulous city with new friends.

If you’re sick of sitting in the same pub with workmates every Friday, if you’re tired of trying to drag married friends into town or if you’re new to the city and just want to go out, then chances are you’ll love everything CitySocialising Liverpool has on offer. Sign up, book on, go out. It’s as simple as that. CitySocialising puts nights out, cinema trips, Sunday lunches etc on every week - not to mention that they also throw a huge, super stylish party once a month - and you simply book yourself on and turn up, safe in the knowledge that everyone else has done the same and will be pleased to see you. Social life – done! We love this idea!

CitySocialising is offering one reader 3 MONTHS FREE silver membership to the site (check www.citysocialising.com for details). To enter, follow @Liverpool_CS on Twitter and Tweet us with #AfterHoursCS in your message OR email your name and number to liverpool@citysocialising.com. Entries must reach us before May 18th. A winner will be picked shortly after.

The Easiest Way To Book Your Festival TicketWe love festivals. What we don’t like is the painful experience of planning them, booking them and !nding the time to do the research. Now a crack team of music-loving entrepreneurs has devised a solution. It’s called Festicket.

Festicket’s ultimate aim is to be a one-stop shop for booking an all-inclusive trip to every single festival in the world, as well as a place where a trusted community share their experiences and provide recommendations. You will be able to share festival-related information on existing networks via this brand new site too, including Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud. Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?

Festivals on board so far include Hideout in Croatia, Beatpatrol in Austria and Open Source in Germany as well as a very long list of others. This could prove to be a great solution to a problem faced by festival goers the world over. Well done Festicket!

www.festicket.com