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Steve Darragh dances with the times
Reported by Ru Curthoys
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Submitted 10-01-07 22:35
Is it really only four years since London-based after-hours club Twist opened its doors for the first time? Twist is one of those events that you’d expect to always be there, in some form or another. Resident DJs include the legendary Karim, Frantic’s golden girl Cally Gage, Tom Basquil who is making something of a name for himself, the talented Steve Maynard and the addictive Superfast Oz. Whilst they have their individual styles they all contribute to a unique Twist sound that is not available anywhere else in London on a Sunday morning.
Acting as official after-party to many of the capitals big hard-house events, with guest appearances from the likes of Billy “Daniel” Bunter, Justin Bourne, Tim Clewz, Jason Blade and Matt Pick-Up, Twist’s appeal extends beyond that of clubbers wanting something extra from a Saturday night. A hardcore group of Twist fans regularly dispense with a Saturday night out, opting instead to go to bed and get up early on Sunday morning to make Twist their clubbing event of the weekend. In these changing times, Twist has evolved to adapt. Those that dismissed Twist’s emergence four years ago as “flash-in the pan” and commentators at the time who wrote it off saying it “wouldn’t survive” hadn’t banked on a hard-skinned, hard-working promoter with drive and determination. To Steve Darragh, Twist is more than an after-hours party; it’s a passion and a hobby.
So why did Twist leave Fire? Was Twist not just surfing the crest of the wake left by Trade? I caught up with Steve Darragh to reflect on a colourful four years. It’s one of “those” articles where it’s necessary to point out that the views expressed here are not necessarily those of the interviewer, or indeed the publishers! Of course those who know Steve Darragh would not expect anything less.
Launching as a gay after-hours club in November 2002 at Viaduct (the venue now known as Fire), you’d think it was optimum timing given the sudden demise of Trade. Yet reports at the time suggested that, on occasions, attendance was so low that you were forced to close early at 7am.Why do you think there was such a lack of support from a scene that were the pioneers in after-hours clubbing?
Twist was never created as a commercial party so yes in the early days there were times when attendance was low, however this was not the main reason for being and you could almost say it was a side hobby for me while the club was being re-furbished into Fire. There was always enough of my friends to have a great party and listen to some great music (after Trade’s sad demise there was no where else). We closed a few times at 10am but can never remember 7am. I really have no idea why a gay scene that was previously so welcoming to new trends and different styles of music suddenly decided to go soft. I think to some extent the whole world is becoming more homogeneous.
Surely you must have lost a lot of money? What inspired you to keep going week after week? Did you ever want to give up?
Yes I did but I liked it, not losing the money but having the party. I suppose many people have spent more on their hobby. The only time I thought about giving up was when a certain someone (spits on floor — lol) wanted to use the slot for a full on gay funky house party. Needless to say it did not happen.
In order to survive you took a drastic decision to move away from the gay-scene; many considered this ambitious and there were a fair few that doubted you’d survive. What, if anything, did you need to do in order to provide for this significant change in direction?
It was not as such a conscious decision. Because there was no gay parties that played the music we liked we found ourselves going to Frantic and Tidy etc. The after-party scene for these events was practically none existent and we found an audience ready and willing to embrace a quality after-hours. We didn’t do anything different just offered the best music at the best after-party. Only stupid people don’t respond when they are offered the best on a plate!
There are many rumours about Twist’s departure from Fire — suggestions of a less than dignified exit, rumours surrounding the ownership of the state of the art sound-system, the right to use the name Twist and so on. Can you set the record straight once and for all about what happened?
Basically in a nut shell, my partner, Craig Elder is a ******* who was jealous of the fanatical following Twist had and seeing as it was the only credible party at Fire and not his, he wanted it out. He basically threw it out because he wanted to steal the club. To this day he still has not bought me out and I still own part of it so he can’t sell etc. etc. I am still on the land registry and lease.
Over the last four years, and not counting the additional one-off parties you’ve had at the Fridge, Twist has had four homes (five if you count the Viaduct and Fire as two separate venues). As impressive as Fire was, and despite a brief occupancy of a room at the after-hours mother ship venue Turnmills, comments posted via online message boards in the week you moved to Crash indicate that it feels like Twist now has a permanent home, would you agree? What makes Crash perfect for Twist?
Crash really is the perfect venue for Twist. I guess if you’ve been you now why and if you haven’t well you should.
You’ve made some quite interesting changes to you list of residents over the four years. Was that a case of trial and error or more that DJs just move on?
Like all things that want to remain ahead of the game I think not resting on ones laurels is important. We strongly believe, for the type of party we are, we have the finest resident dj roster. It’s certainly not trial and error.
The Twist boys’ club season last year saw you pick-up a new resident in the shape of Tom Basquil, and I understand that the current boys club has seen you also recruit Matt Pick-Up. Is this just a co-incidence or do the boys’ club /girls’ club seasons act as potential recruiting grounds?
It is certainly a good opportunity for DJs to see how they fit with the Twist crowd but is not intentionally a DJ recruiting vehicle. Tom Basquil is a name I believe will make a big impression this year. Anyone who has ever had a liking for real, proper hard dance should check this guy out. Matt is another exciting talent but not a Twist resident (yet).
Twist has a distinct sound despite your residents having their own unique styles; what best describes the Twist sound to anyone yet to experience it?
It’s hard dance you can shake your arse to, hard but groovy, baby.
Twist has so far survived the highly competitive and specialised after-hours market while leaving some promoters with spectacular failures in its wake. What do you believe makes Twist different?
We still do it for love not money. End of story.
Whilst doing research for this interview, I spent quite sometime looking at online message boards, particularly HarderFaster, going back through weeks of clubbers’ reviews. It is extremely difficult to find anyone with anything disparaging to say about Twist. Does this mean that everything is going well and is the Twist of today is here to stay?
Yes I think we are on the start of a resurgence although generally the market is slower than it has been for years however we are genuinely having some of the best parties ever.
Further evidence of Twist exploring beyond the after-hours boundaries came with Twistathon, 12 hours of non-stop Saturday night to Sunday lunchtime Twist action. How did that go and will we be seeing more Twistathon’s in the future?
We were delighted at the response of Twistathon and hope to do 4–6 a year.
Twist has always been a London phenomenon, although I know that some travel regularly from the West County and from the North to come to the club. Would you ever consider taking a version of Twist on tour of the UK? Or franchising out the formula and Twist name?
We are doing a Twist v Storm in January but yes I would like to try some parties further a field, however it’s hard fitting it in when Twist is every weekend!
In addition to your DJs, you have the support of Jenny and Richard who are known to the Twist regulars and are very much part of the team, how did the three of you meet?
Jennie B was a Twist knocker from HF— lol — who just didn’t get it. However two weeks at brainwash camp and she soon saw the light. Rich and I were clubbing friends at Trade before any of this.
What are your views on back-2-back DJ’ing?
Parties that just stick as many DJ names on a line up, I personally have never understood. So if the point of sticking DJs b2b is to get more DJ names on a flyer, this is unforgivable. I want a DJ with the talent to be able to do something special with his 90 minutes or two hours. Few can barely do this on their own never mind when introducing another dynamic. The rare exception might be when, like at Twist, the residents all know each other so well and spend a lot of time discussing what they would like to achieve by doing a b2b. Even then it can be a risk and when people come to Twist they expect the highest quality standards. So I’m not in favour of b2b generally.
There is unspoken dancefloor etiquette where you do not attempt to engage a fellow clubber in a long and meaningful conversation about world peace or poverty, or indeed any subject, particularly when your intended victim is clearly soaking up all that the DJ is throwing at them. How would you deal with someone who was trying to do this to you?
Easy, I just stick my tongue under my bottom lip and say ‘I’ve got no socks on’.
Finally, please give me your own words of wisdom.
Wisdom is all very well with the benefit of hindsight.
Twist is on every Sunday morning at Crash, Goding Street, Vauxhall. See www.twistclub.co.uk for details.
Photos courtesy of Amy & Anders, Charlie, Rich Bowen and Robert Kemp/Alistair Gordon. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Twist
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On:
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Sunday 14th January 2007
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At:
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Crash [map]
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From:
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6.00 - LATE
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Cost:
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£10 otd/ £8 with a Flyer/ £6 Members
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More:
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London's No.1 After party returns after an unbelievable Twistathon Gold on New Years Day!
As the residents return to show everyone how its done make sure your at the first Twist to kick start 2007!
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Share this ::  :  :  : 
Follow HarderFaster :: 
Other Features By Ru Curthoys:
This is Scott Fo Shaw!
Tobias and Nathalie get Bouncy
One AWsum interview
Sam Townend gives us a Tidy little Twist
All bow for Lady Bianca
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: WEBBO on 11th Jan 2007 00:33.46
 : good interview steve , long live twist 
From: voodoobass on 11th Jan 2007 05:32.52
...love the hair in that top pic, Steve! To think I once had a haircut like that too... 
From: Jazzy on 11th Jan 2007 07:50.59
Great interview Steve, well said!
Keep in mind the diversity resident Paul Batten brings to the mix!! 
From: Allan With 2 Ls on 11th Jan 2007 10:11.51
jokes... Steve's sharp tongue as unrestrained as ever.
Love the title.
From: DNG on 11th Jan 2007 10:14.04
Splendid interview Steve, an enjoyable read m8. may TWIST live forever and all those perish who dare to stand in its way!!!
From: Jennie B on 11th Jan 2007 11:11.39
Great....brain wash camp!!!! That one word for it!!!
Few changes in that interview....residents aso now include Paul Batten and Tim Shaw (akaDNG) and the Twist v Storm will be going ahead, hopefully, but just not in January!  .
Long live Twist!
From: sunvisordude on 11th Jan 2007 11:33.32
twist 4ever!
From: A.Waters on 11th Jan 2007 12:37.23
wicked interview steve
May TWIST live forever
From: DJANDYSIMPSON on 11th Jan 2007 12:58.56
Excellent interview Steve, long live Twist!!!
From: ravechick on 11th Jan 2007 13:16.54
what an excellent interview, a long time overdue, there really is NO other place to be in London on a sunday morning ! xx
From: LilVik on 11th Jan 2007 13:28.07
Fantastic interview, great questions (well done Ru) and quality answers. Good work Steve!
Twist is the ONLY place to be on a Sunday morning. xxx
From: Tom Basquil on 11th Jan 2007 17:37.51
Great read Steve (and Ru)..... heres to a great 2007 for Twist and all involved!
From: MissNasty on 11th Jan 2007 18:23.35
Great interview Steve here's to 2007 and what will be another great year for Twist!! see you all on sunday!
From: karl davis on 11th Jan 2007 18:32.44
wkd interview cant wait check club out on sun 28 of jan :-)
From: Aaron_Moorish on 11th Jan 2007 20:25.09
Great read
From: Steve Twist on 11th Jan 2007 21:26.59
oh noooooooooooooo
how long ago was this interview done?
Of course we have Paul Batten and Tim DNG added to the amazing Twist resident stable - both fantastic talets worth checking out.
Thanks for all the kind comments.
Here's to another 4 years!!!
and where did you get those fukkin images from - lol
From: Redrum on 11th Jan 2007 21:29.27
Really interesting read Steve and a wicked interview Ru!
Once again,Twist still has the best dj Residents for a weekly event.I could not imagine going anywhere else .Long live Twist!!
From: Steve Twist on 11th Jan 2007 21:35.20
oh yes of course big tanx to Ru!
x
From: dr phil on 11th Jan 2007 21:40.01
twist was exactly what I was looking for when I started clubbing more often and now I am well and truly hooked. I would be lost without it!!
From: ~deleted1390 on 11th Jan 2007 22:13.38
Twist, it's not for everyone, but I can think of worse places to spend a Sunday morning. Like a Police Cell. 
Well done, 4 years is a damn fine effort and now I've played you can look forward to 4 more.
From: manicmushroom on 11th Jan 2007 22:54.29
OMG! I can't believe they've used that pic of us at Riot Steve!!!!! lol can we sue??? Congrats on 4 years can't believe it's been that long, I remember working my first shift lol I've got some fantastic memories and a few scary too lol but it's made us what we are lol
Well done to all the Twist Crew (K)
From: Danny Gilligan on 12th Jan 2007 03:35.21
Big up to the Twist crew!
From: Ed Real on 12th Jan 2007 10:34.31
a true warrior! nice read and keep on keeping on steve! :-)
From: richbowenuk on 12th Jan 2007 12:19.47
Nice one
From: Lx on 12th Jan 2007 14:08.03
nice read
From: K.A.R.L. on 12th Jan 2007 16:03.16
Wicked read Steve. Loved playing for Twist last year, where I really got to see what a unique and special party it is.
From: dani d on 12th Jan 2007 17:18.02
Nice interview,keep it high Mr 
From: J_T on 12th Jan 2007 23:58.38
im still  at the hair in that pic, wicked interview, looking forward to a year of full on twist, twistathons and by the sound of it a few Twist on tour
From: Nathan. on 13th Jan 2007 00:21.00
Glad to hear Twist is still going well, quality interview mate
From: *cheeky chick* on 13th Jan 2007 11:03.24
Clubbing would not be the same without twist.
Had so many wicked mornings there and hope to have alot more. 
From: ~deleted9531 on 13th Jan 2007 13:42.31
Good read Stevie Baby. Thanks for giving Techno & the Techstyle boys a chance to showcase in the Arcade
From: Ben Stevens on 13th Jan 2007 18:37.48
New Years Day was my first visit to Twist & i loved every minute of it.
I was so impressed to still play to a full dancefloor at the end of a 12 hr afterparty event!
Good effort guys & hopefully see you all again soon
From: Skimbleshanks on 13th Jan 2007 19:50.08
I must go to Twist one day. It sounds quite good.
From: Getonit on 13th Jan 2007 21:35.57
Nice one Steve, rock on Twist. Think Ru forgot to mention about Twist at Factory. Love the place and all the darkness of CRASH!! Nay
From: Redrum on 14th Jan 2007 01:07.13
Hello Ben! I nearly called time out before you came on as I was up for so long ad feeling a bit tired but you played a fantastic set. Tried to speak to you after but my voice went...hope to see you play soon for twist again soon.
From: STACE on 14th Jan 2007 09:08.43
Nice one Steve. Twist is a wicked party, i hope to get down more this year. (PS - i have to hear that Dance With The Times tune  )
From: MR_S on 14th Jan 2007 11:32.40
That's my Mr Darragh.
From: Maria on 14th Jan 2007 13:14.15
Too Much... But Never Enough Twist!!! mmmwwwhhhhaaaaaaa
From: Becka on 15th Jan 2007 19:49.41
Good read. Although its not my bag from the huge support Twist receives week in, week out Im sure it will be around for some time yet :-)
From: VinDiesel on 16th Jan 2007 00:53.34
Great interview Steve. Sums it up very welll. A great set of resident djs who work hard to produce a morning of outstanding music.
to the Twist crew for yr hard work in putting on some damm good parties.
From: *VaNeSsA* on 16th Jan 2007 13:23.05
Steve you're a legend 
long live Twist!! 
From: anushka007 on 16th Jan 2007 17:28.52
he he he Twist is perfect for those who cannot sleep on Sunday morning... most of time i have enjoyed music there, discovered Tom Basquil, Karim, Red and Blue and Danny there and met loads of nice frineds 
Happy 2007 twist crew and see you on the dance floor 
From: ilona_free_pl on 17th Jan 2007 16:36.21
We love Twist. Steve you are a LEGEND!!! See you soon. Big Kiss.
From: Cally Gage on 17th Jan 2007 17:25.10
Fantastic interview Steve and great questions too Ru!
Twist is amazing and is definately one of my favourite parties to play at - hopefully I'll be behind the decks there again sometime soon?!
Big up the Twist crew!!!!
xx
From: Korg on 17th Jan 2007 17:35.42
great interview, very direct
Long live Twist!
From: DMX on 17th Jan 2007 18:46.33
Big-up Mr Darragh.
From: Disco Diva on 17th Jan 2007 18:53.19
Oh my god, only just seen this!! Haha wicked interview Steve & Ru. Clubbing just wouldn't be the same if I hadn't have met you Steve & had the pleasure of attending many, many great parties at Twist. Still remember the good ole days of the back room in Viaduct!! All involved with Twist Steve, Jen, Rich you guys do a super job & all the dj's Karim, Tom, Paul, Oz & the new arrival Tim also make it what it is. nice one all & long live Twist xxxx
From: K8-e on 21st Jan 2007 15:20.05
I knew I'd love Twist. It properly rocks
From: wez on 22nd Jan 2007 23:32.15
Best clubbing moments at Twist......EVER!!!
Cant wait to revisit on 28th....Ooh la laa!!
Keep Rockin U Lot!!
From: Mizz_behavin on 23rd Jan 2007 19:28.56
Twist rocks, music is just fab and I always have fun when I have been there. Have had some very funny times when it was at Fire and am even getting my head around Crash as a venue
Also Steve is the best person to look after missing doorkeys
From: Raf E on 24th Jan 2007 22:20.26
Nice interview Steve
LOVE Twist!!!!!
From: Prozak on 25th Jan 2007 17:05.36
great successes, hi 5 steve xx
From: Mark Ashley on 26th Jan 2007 17:11.44
nice work sir !!!
Looking forward to "The So Trollied Crews" debut on the 25th Feb @ Twist, bring out your feather dusters !!!
From: Jase76 on 27th Jan 2007 09:49.08
As someone who was there for Twist at Fire and still listens to his promotional CD - Twist "The new hard sound of the underground" mixed by Peter Ward, well done! One day when I’m back in London I hope to visit again.
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