Dancefloors across the world fell silent in 2020. But while the lights were off in clubland, artists like Dua Lipa and Kylie Minogue lit up the charts with records dipped in elements of classic disco soundtracks.
With the planet still in this anxiety-provoking Covid-19 phase, dance music fans are seeking solace in feel-good records that would, under normal circumstances, create shared dancefloor moments. Things have changed, though. New records are first danced to in living rooms and kitchens. Chatter on message boards during live streamed DJ sets from brands such as Glitterbox has replaced conversations amongst like-minded souls waiting at the bar in sweaty nightclubs.
Resurgence
Over recent years, I’ve been fortunate to have experienced the resurgence of disco close up. I’m equally pleased – and proud – at how the Reach Up Disco Wonderland brand has grown.
Reach Up Disco Wonderland is a partnership between DJ Andy Smith – my best mate – and I. As schoolkids, we ran a mobile disco together playing the Brothers Johnson, Whispers and Chic records. Decades later, we’ve rocked dancefloors from Bestival to Berlin and Lovebox to Lisbon with the same vinyl.
Using some lockdown time to lean into production and remixing as Nick Reach Up, I’ve crafted official remixes for Kylie, Mel C and others. Making new records though wasn’t the initial plan at all! I was happy enough playing tunes I loved. However, as the quality of DJ bookings grew, I felt an increased need to play some unreleased specials in my DJ sets. I cooked up some exclusives, did some collabs and kinda got the bug.
Disco-Infused
In these lockdown times,many people are remembering just how wonderful a disco-infused dancefloor can be. Through our Reach Up live streams, hosted by Andy, we’ve connected with new fans and reconnected with some familiar faces. It’s thrilling to see someone in San Diego, Rotterdam or Sao Paolo vibing off the tunes as much as we are!
Sao Paolo’s legendary drum & bass don DJ Marky passed through one of our sets recently. Marky was as enthusiastic as anybody else in the (virtual) room – a nice surprise! Give the Reach Up live stream a spin on Fridays, at 7pm in UK, and 11pm in the UAE.
Goodness
Despite such virtual disco goodness, Andy and I miss the international adventures that running a roving club brand brings. As soon as conditions allow, we hope to bring Reach Up to the UAE.
In the meantime, there are many producers we can rely on to keep the good times flowing. Switch on the mirrorball at home and have a boogie to my five picks below.
1. Michael Gray feat Kelli Sae, MacArthur Park
A grand master of the space where disco and house music intersect, Michael smashed onto the scene in 1996 as half of Full Intention with the dancefloor stormer America. Last year, he was crowned ‘Artist of the Year’ by influential platform Traxsource. With work in the pipeline with respected vocalists Kathy Brown and Kelli Sae, Michael looks primed for another bumper year.
2. Birdee, Start The Weekend (Original Mix)
Based between LA and his native Italy, Birdee has scored several big tunes over the last 18 months, picking up support from key DJs like Pete Tong and Mistajam. Birdee’s new single, What You Need, is ready for an end of February release.
3. Dubplate Disco, Pick Up (Yam Who? Edit)
Yam Who? – aka Andy Williams – is a mover and shaker in the scene. Boss of the Midnight Riot record label, Andy is also one half of Glitterbox/Defected signed Qwestlife. Keep an eye on him this year.
4. The Vision featuring Andreya Triana, Heaven (Mousse T’s Disco Shizzle Extended Remix)
Some people will forever associate Mousse T with his smashes Horny and Sex Bomb. But the DJ and producer has put out a string of cool remixes of late that take a more subtle approach. His remix of Heaven by The Vision is a piece of quintessential dancefloor aimed goodness.
5. Melvo Baptiste, Bad Company (feat Phebe Edwards)
With his role presenting the successful Glitterbox podcast, Melvo was familiar to many disco fans before they’d heard a note of his studio work. His cover version of the Ullanda McCollough gem Bad Company suggests good things to come.
Follow Nick on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Keep up to speed with Nick and Andy’s Reach Up Disco Wonderland adventures. Check out some of Nick’s remixes and productions here.
Mirrorball photos: Alexander Popov and Matthew Lejune/Unsplash
