TomTalks #31: Curated By Skrillex - Warehouse Project, Manchester (Great Music and Even Greater Surprises)

 

The Warehouse Project is widely regarded as one of the best rave venues in the country. It's the pillar of Manchester's rave scene and has hosted many iconic artists over the years. I last visited the famous place in 2019 when KURUPT FM, Ghetts, Sir Spyro, and others graced the stage. Since then, it has been refurbished, and the improvements were well on display.

The venue itself contains three rooms: Depot, Concourse, and Archive. These three stages provided different experiences and gave the crowd plenty of room to skank the night away. Concourse (which is right by the entrance) provides a fairly intimate setting with the ability to stand near or behind the DJ. I stayed in the crowd, but wherever you were, you felt part of the moment. The Depot stage provided more of a vast space similar to the main room in Printworks; like a long corridor. The final spot (Archive) was similar in size to Concourse, although more akin to a traditional rave space with the DJ facing the crowd.

The lighting on display was truly world-class, providing a visual spectacle to the music we received. I'd argue it was probably the best use of lights and colours I have seen in a music event for a while. Outside of these factors, there were plenty of bars and toilets, but one burger van for everyone? C'mon people!

On to the music, and it was a truly spectacular display of techno, UKG, house, dubstep, and everything in between. After being eased in by Darama and Zar on Concourse, we got a special set from Four Tet. Kieran Hebden played a very banger-heavy set compared to his usual more mellow and nature-esque brand of electronic music. This included Nikki Nair's 'Startrack' and a future U.K. garage anthem from Champion and Sammy Virji. A techno remix of 'Rumble' by friends Skrillex and Fred again.. was the cherry on top and started proceedings nicely.

Following this, I and my friend moved on to Depot, where Interplanetary Criminal showed why UKG is so strong right now. He played plenty of his hits, including mixing one of last year's biggest songs, 'B.O.T.A.' with one of this year's most popular tracks, 'Split Decision' by Dave and Central Cee. He also knew how to get the crowd going, with one remix of Vengaboys getting the crowd screaming with joy.

Back to Concourse and Skin on Skin proved why he is one of the rising stars in the rave scene. His mixing of one banger after another kept you glued to the dancefloor, and his remix of Lil Uzi Vert's 'Just Wanna Rock' sounded even better than the original. But 'Burn Dem Bridges', which was one of my fave dance songs of 2022, absolutely went off. He has a bright future ahead of him and this event proved his capabilities.

Whilst I waited an hour for a burger that never came, whispers spread about a surprise guest to replace Peggy Gou. Following a break from the action, we ventured to Archive to catch the last 20 mins of Champion's set. Known for his chilled UKG or Bassline wobblers, we instead got some drum'n'bass to get the blood pumping. Whether remixes of 'Original Nuttah' or simply playing the hits like 'Drum and Bass Father', he knew what time it was.

Skrillex

To end a long day/evening of raving, we were given something special. Four Tet provided a more traditional set with tracks like 'Only Human' and even a remix of Taylor Swift's 'Love Story', that had the crowd singing along. Skrillex then came out to play the classics like 'Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites', alongside some of his more recent hits like 'Badders'. For me, this eclipsed his Primavera set with the crowd vibing more and the abandoned train station a more fitting environment for his wub wubs and bassy material.

To conclude the evening, we had a huge surprise, and the rumours proved to be true. Fred again.. came out on stage, joining Four Tet and Skrillex for one of their famous b2bs. Kicking off with 'Baby again..', the big tunes did not stop. We got new unreleased material from all three including Fred's upcoming collab with Baby Keem, while Skrillex showed off his latest dubstep bangers. Alongside their own Dave and Central Cee remix, the festival showstopper 'Delilah', and other absolute filth, this was a special moment. They also brought back out Skin on Skin, who once again proved his worth. When the set concluded, I was knackered (5:30 pm-2:30 am is a long time at 25), but boy did I feel lucky to experience this special occasion.

Outside of the food issue, this was a legendary night and one of the best raves I have ever been to period. It reminded me of why I have been to Manchester so many times this year, but also the genius and legacy that Sonny Moore has had in the dance music space. He curated this line-up, and he made some outstanding choices. Great music, great venue, and great lighting; what more could you ask for? (maybe more food trucks?)

Score: 4.5/5

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