Strictly Yes
Event Series & Collective
What is the outcome of three friends from Bristol with backgrounds in DJing, love hard techno and are willing to take risks by throwing under-the-radar events? It's Strictly Yes.
Run by Erich, Billy and Connor, Strictly Yes has made an immense mark in Bristol's music scene, filling the void for intimate parties that push the sounds of harder, faster, and darker techno into the ether of the South-West of England.
Having founded Strictly Yes in 2018, the series has been on a hiatus since March 2020, but regardless, the collective has remained active online via radio residencies with the UK-based platform SWU.FM and Canadian station n10.as, as well as a consistent Strictly Yes mix series on Soundcloud.
Looking at the amount of promoter chat in various groups online lately, the consensus in the UK seems to be about supporting local and grassroots talent in a post-Covid world but Strictly Yes are one step ahead. The basis behind SY events has always been to highlight local artists to warm-up or close for international DJs and producers who remain core to SY's trajectory, counting VTSS, Nur Jaber and Stephanie Sykes and more.
You can imagine the challenges that come with setting up a party from scratch, from sourcing a sound-friendly venue — or space far from anything considered a 'venue' — to ensuring tickets are reasonably priced but cover costs at the same time; a reason for one or two sleepless nights ahead of the night in itself. However, hearing Erich, Billy and Connor share a memory from their third party below, you can tell that they are now at a stage where you could call them seasoned promoters on the DIY circuit, even though they only started out three years ago. Looking back with fondness, they also share some of the most insane moments from Strictly Yes to date, a handful of artists from Bristol who the wider world needs to know about and more…
The Office XXX Club 🌊 Photo: Zoe Lamb
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it?
This photo is one of very few that is particularly special for us. It was taken following the immediate aftermath of the first party (third event in total) that we hosted at a little known space branded as “The Office XXX Club” (more loosely referred to by locals as “Techno Towers”).
The venue in itself was unique, being located on the 4th floor of a derelict tower-block of what we assumed were offices. The rest of the building was largely unused; it had a few garages and music studios placed in the lower parts and also was host to one of the Hells Angels Socials Clubs.
The entire place gave you this instant feeling of adrenaline as you approached on the night, with the sound of reverberating kickdrums being prominent as you entered the building and made your way up the flights of stairs in this otherwise quiet and dark area of Bristol.
The management very much had an attitude of “as long as you are making money then anything goes” which permitted us almost complete freedom to create a unique vibe and energy to Bristol. Many of the artists and party-goers alike commented as these being some of the best parties they have experienced throughout Europe.
This particular photo was taken at approximately 9am in one of the stairways that lead up to the main dancefloor. Being in the middle of a mini-heatwave, mid-July 2018, the sun was already beaming in and starting to heat things up. The event was one of our sweatiest parties to date and saw us host Stephanie Sykes alongside local artists Jurango, Eksish and Syz. Each playing a unique set which was programmed to progressively build the energy and atmosphere throughout the night.
This space became an unofficial home for Strictly Yes, and it was these parties that really propelled us onto a lot of people’s radars. Following this event, we went on to host the likes of Nur Jaber, Janice (Live) and Reflec among many others in this venue.
The building mysteriously burnt down in early 2019 (not long after our final event there). This place will always hold a special place in our hearts and the history of Strictly Yes.
R.I.P Techno Towers🖤
How are you right now and what's life currently like in Bristol?
Erich: I am all good, thanks. During the last year I have moved into a flat with my girlfriend and have been working almost entirely from the comfort of my living room. I have had my general ups and downs but generally have been good.
Cooking lots of new recipes (shout out to Mob Kitchen — other food blogs are available!) and also working on projects to feature for our Strictly Yes radio residencies on Bristol’s SWU.FM and Montreal’s N10.AS have been keeping me occupied.
Connor: Yeah all good here cheers! Well I'm not actually based in Bristol anymore unfortunately. In the last year I have seen myself relocate to London. Obviously moving in the midst of a pandemic was not fun, however now I have settled in pretty nicely and eager for things to restart.
Bill: Really good thanks. Yeah, I’m also still located in Bristol, not far from Erich actually and lucky enough to have a job where I can work from home. Of course, Bristol isn’t the city we’re used to right now, but it’s still held onto some life I think! Bristol's energy is going to be well worth the wait I’m sure.
Having run a string of DIY parties pre-Covid-19, what was one of the maddest moments from a Strictly Yes event to date?
Erich: Thank you for this question as it has made me reminisce on what have been some utterly crazy moments!
It is hard to narrow it down to just the one — but I would have to say when the lights came up at the end of D.Carbone’s set at The Loco Klub, Bristol.
The venue manager was perched ready to come and cut the power and Davide (for some reason) asked my brother, Ed, if he could play one more track. Ed being a little drunk (and having done a stellar job operating the strobes throughout the night) spontaneously gave him the nod, at which point chaos ensued! Everyone lost their minds, jumping and dancing on the speakers and stage, the strobes kicked back in being somewhat diluted by the yellow light from the main bulbs — the entire moment had this incredibly cathartic feel and was an amazing way to round off the night. The venue manager seemed surprisingly happy too — so it was a win-win!
Connor: Yeah Erich pointed out a good one there!! It’s also up there for me too! I think my favourite moment was during our sold-out show with VTSS; she ended up dropping in some cheesy pop techno edits which the crowd went mad for. We booked her for an “all night long”’ set. I think it was around 8 hours in total and it definitely kept the energy going in the place.
Bill: These guys beat me to it — D.Carbone lights up!
This moment was one of the most energetic and beautiful moments of our shows, (amongst so many others) but it just seems to be the one that is first to surface when we talk about our parties. The energy within the tunnel at that point was unreal — those moments are what make it even more worth it.
I think another moment I’d like to mention is the closing of the last party of our Transitions 1.0 series at The Office XXX Club (Techno Towers). The party ended at 8am and the room was still full of energy, with people cheering and clapping as the lights came up; the feeling of closing that unforgettable series with everyone was insane. That night we had Nur Jaber, alongside Blind Motive and Jurango (who closed). I must say it’s one of my favourite shows since we started — Jurangos closing set O_O !!!
There may be a few people reading this who are interested in running DIY raves when it's safe to do so, of course. What's one nugget of advice you're willing to share about the life of promoting?
Erich: We have learnt a hell of a lot since starting Strictly Yes. Looking back I think some stuff we have nailed, whereas others I’d like to have the opportunity to go back and re-do, this is in the DNA of starting new ventures so do not be afraid to fail on certain things.
I think the main thing is to really work on developing a clear concept/purpose for your parties and aim to make this the basepoint for every decision based — this will give you consistency and will incrementally build up your reputation within your local scene.
Connor: Yeah, I think everyone has a different experience with running a DIY night, we have definitely learnt lessons the hard way, but don't be afraid to push boundaries in terms of music, venues, production. The first year is the hardest, just keep persisting and doing your thing and soon you will gain a following.
Bill: You don’t have to have a massive budget to make it a success, you don’t necessarily need to spend loads of money for headliners. DIY parties are about the whole party, not just the headliner — that’s my opinion. Venue is so important, push boundaries and look for new spaces.
I’m also in agreement with Erich in terms of holding a clear concept. Consistency is really key in building a reputable party; and again, once you build a reputation people come to the party for the party and not just the artists. The artists play a huge part, don’t get me wrong, but a top headliner doesn’t necessarily mean a top party.
One more thing. Sound — don’t skimp out.
It looks like nightlife in the UK is on a roll for this summer. Do you guys have any SY events lined-up or are you waiting it all out a bit longer?
Erich/Connor/Billy: We have a few exciting potential projects in the pipeline, however, these are very much still in the concept phase so we cannot give too much away. There is potential for us to branch out to a brand new warehouse space with a couple of close friends who have managed to secure a lease on this; again this is very early days.
Reviewing the way the past year has progressed, we are personally airing on the edge of caution for events being back by the 21st June - fingers crossed we are wrong!
Give us three emerging names from Bristol’s techno scene whom we should look out for this year?
Fever 103 — Really cool duo affiliated with Bristol’s “Avon Terror Corps”. We absolutely loved their debut EP, titled Right Before and After — if you like it dark and sludgy then check these guys out!
Helena Markos — Natasa (AKA Helena Markos) is one of the hardest working and most supportive people we are proud to have in our little community. She produces under the name Helena Markos and also manages her label/blog, Tales of Psychofonia which has interviewed the likes of Alienata, REKA and Giant Swan. She also featured on our “Sounds of Bristol'' capsule that runs throughout 2021 on N10.AS, Montreal (you can check her mix out here).
Jurango — Absolute top guy who we initially met at Gottwood 2017 (what feels like an eternity ago). It’s so great to see him pushing through and getting the recognition he deserves with a 4 track EP this year on Livity Sound alongside a heavy affiliation with other local crews/labels, Psychotherapy Sessions and Pressure Dome (again, all-around lovely people!).
Back to the present moment. Tell us how the photos below from each of you bring some happiness in your day-to-day life right now?
Erich: This is a photo of the set up we currently have in my flat (if I am being honest, about 80% of this equipment is owned by my girlfriend, so I am super lucky to be able to play with it!).
Following my Facebook being (randomly) diabled/deleted I lost access to all of my pages so I have recently started recording sets under a new alias of ‘Busby+’ using this set-up.
I am not really limiting myself to one particular sound or genre so this has been fun permitting myself to experiment a little more with my collection — somewhat reflecting how my listening habits have changed through lockdown.
Twirlin’🖤
Connor: This photo of mine was of spring last year whilst I was isolating in Devon. Can't wait for this year's good weather to come back around and head back to the empty/remote beaches of Devon, especially after this long winter quarantine.
Balmz ✨
Bill: This was a recent one, down in Cornwall on Monday after work — a quick paddleboard session before heading back to Bristol. Much needed after a mad few weeks of providing childcare for my sister. Having grown up on the coast down here, spending most of my time on the water or at sea, I’m definitely most happy when I’m here for sure.
Salty 🐚