London looks ahead to FUSE’s debut at Printworks
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While its clubbing community reels from the news of the site’s uncertain future, the capital looks ahead to FUSE‘s debut at Printworks London.
FUSE’s (long overdue) maiden voyage at Printworks couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The city is smarting from the mid-October announcement that potentially jeopardises the site’s function as a music venue.
Since its January 2017 launch, London has formed an emotional bond with the venue. Now British Land, the property developer collaborating with Southwark council on the area’s ongoing £4M regeneration, has confirmed intentions to transform the space into offices.
CGI mock-up of Printworks post-regeneration
While it isn’t a foregone conclusion, questions are raised about how it can exist in its current format with business neighbours and, prior to that, extensive construction work.
FUSE‘s imminent landing on Sunday 21st November offers a distraction. Originally scheduled for the party’s 12th birthday in 2020, the postponed date is delicately poised between hedonistic escapism and cold, hard reality.
Few club brands command citywide affection while staying true to their underground roots. FUSE is a party born on the dancefloor. Community is at its heart. And it’s quintessentially London.
It’s easy to feel glum about the potential loss of a cultural landmark. Choosing to remain upbeat and resolute, we look at the reasons why next weekend’s party is unmissable. Here’s what we’re looking forward to…
London looks ahead to FUSE’s debut at Printworks
A birthday-sized line up
Seasoned FUSE residents Rich NxT and Rossko will be stamping authenticity all over proceedings. Between them, they represent the unadulterated sound of FUSE.
Do you want some big guests? Silly question. Dyed Soundorom is known as one-third of French trilogy Apollonia, but he’s also been a frequent face at the party down the years. A chance to hear him play solo in London should not be overlooked. Traumer, too, is another DJ capable of getting down and dirty.
Personally, we’re looking forward to seeing Mr Limousine Dream, Gene On Earth throw his cosmic beats around Printworks. One of the breakthrough DJs of the last three years, the German-based brings intrigue as well as reputation.
Sunday 21st November represents a rare chance to catch Gene On Earth in the UK
Another act worthy of your attention is Cristi Cons. The rominimal sound has a lot of overlap with FUSE, so this could be a marriage made in heaven.
Support acts such as Fabe, Laidlaw, Michael James and Thomas Melchior are familiar with FUSE. All four have operated around the INFUSE/LOCUS label and party series. They know exactly what the FUSE philosophy is all about.
Next door in Inkwells, Anthea and Fumiya Tanaka won’t be there just to make up the numbers.
However, we’d be lying if we said anything other than Enzo Siragusa‘s closing set in the Press Halls being the main pull. There’s no early exit next Sunday. We’re there until the lights come up.
Printworks’ production capabilities
FUSE is a party that places emphasis on sound and vibe. Normally, anything else is an unnecessary distraction. All good. We’re thinking that ethos might be adjusted briefly next Sunday.
When you’re given the keys to Printworks, suddenly you have lots of industry-leading tech at your disposal. Might as well use it! So long as the crowd and the music play their part, we see no reason why the venue’s incredible spec can’t be deployed to maximum effect.
It seems unlikely the music will be anything other than front-and-centre. Just as it should be. Now let loose with the lights and lasers and see how the crowd takes it. It might end up the biggest, most memorable FUSE in history.
The sound and vibe of FUSE
Although, generally, we subscribe to the idea that FUSE’s signature sound is best suited to low-ceilings and intimate settings, there are of course exceptions to the rules. And if ever an exception was called for, then a birthday celebration definitely fits the bill. C’mon, we all go a little bit super-size on our birthday. Right?
Plus, having recently caught Enzo Siragusa play the cavernous Depot at Mayfield, we’re fully aware he has it in his locker to upscale. Perhaps he went a bit faster and played a few more bigger records. Yet it was still that distinct FUSE sound: smoking, rolling grooves.
Enzo Siragusa brings the heat to Manchester’s Mayfield Depot last weekend
But as long-time FUSE attendees, we can vouch that the most important factor is the atmosphere on the dancefloor.
FUSE has spent 13 years fostering this vibe. A strict entry policy and a commitment to a single vision in the past, has paid dividends in the now. There are few crowds as loyal or as clued-up as FUSE’s. It borders on sacred. While the venues have increased in capacity, the party has worked hard to maintain that community feel.
There’s nothing like a FUSE crowd – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
London looks ahead to FUSE’s debut at Printworks with eager anticipation. Although the road beyond is less clear, in the short and medium-term, there’s plenty to be excited about.
If you can’t join us for FUSE, see below for the rest of Printworks confirmed house and techno events up to 01.01.2022:
Printworks London autumn/winter schedule 2021/22
Sun 21 Nov | FUSE’s 13th birthday
Sat 27 Nov | Afterlife Day 1
Sun 28 Nov | Afterlife Day 2
Sat 04 Dec | MK presents
Fri 10 Dec | Noisia
Sat 11 Dec | Anjunadeep
Sun 12 Dec | Bugged Out!
Fri 17 Dec | Gorgon City presents Olympia
Sat 18 Dec | Richie Hawtin presents From Our Minds
Fri 31 Dec | Defected NYE
Sat 01 Dec | Glitterbox NYD
For the last remaining tickets for this season, visit here. Don’t forget, Printworks will be back in early 2022 with its spring programme, of which the first events are already confirmed.
