Becky Stroke
DJ | Promoter
Becky Stroke is a DJ, model and founder of the HTBX London after-hours event series. The party mostly takes places at Grow Tottenham and books local talent to soundtrack the drafty space, which soon turns into a sweatbox for the duration of the session.
The booking policy and familiar crowd at every HTBX London event creates a welcoming environment and sets the tone for the party which can start at 8am and go on until 4am, bleeding into the hazy hours of Monday morning. There are no windows in the main room at Grow so as soon you step in, it’s hard to leave the cocoon of darkness and relentless tunes in tandem with the energy of the HTBX London attendees. The atmosphere of the room completely pulls you in and before you know it, you’re calling in sick for work the next morning.
Becky’s sound is just as enthralling as the ardour of the HTBX London crowd. It’s a pounding mutation of hard techno from new and celebrated names, spirited trance and a touch of EBM if the time is right. Her recent Unstream set via FOLD’s live stream platform (specifically set up to showcase London-based DJs during lockdown) is one to blow away the quarantine cobwebs.
It has taken Becky and the HTBX London crew a few years of hard graft and experimenting to build such a loyal community and distinct afterparty in the city. Just before COVID-19 landed in the UK, the party was as booming as ever. It will return at some point, who knows when, but for now Becky shares a memory from the cage at Grow last year as well as the tunes getting her through lockdown…
Photo: Fran Gomez de Villaboa
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it?
This was taken by Gomez de Villaboa last summer at HOWL. I chose it because I had a great time, plus the caged DJ booth at Grow Tottenham is really photogenic. The vibe music-wise was fast, furious and flirty techno. ♥
What are you listening to at the moment if you’re working from home or if you’re still working out in the world, do you have a soundtrack to accompany your journey?
There is an abundance of great music to listen to at the moment, which is a consolation. I’m especially enjoying fresh releases from Mercury 200 and Znzl. My flatmate is also giving me life by playing a lot of Placebo and Slipknot .
All my gigs have been cancelled through to July, and HTBX London parties are obviously postponed for the foreseeable future. I’m taking this time to trawl through my music collection and bring some much needed order to the situation.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, do you have a go-to track or style of music that significantly lifts your spirits?
No Good (Start the Dance) by The Prodigy is a timeless power anthem.
How do you intend on celebrating once we’re out the other side?
By throwing a lavish party for people to share lots of non-COVID germs at.
Any tips on how to look after your mind and body during this slightly stressful time?
I’m afraid I’m not in much of a position to give advice, but if you can, it’s probably the perfect time to learn how to grow some food.
Listen to all of the sets recorded at HTBX London here and follow Becky below: