The London Paper 4

londonclubs4, originally uploaded by chantelle.

Since writing this column for The London Paper, I’ve actually been paying attention to the clubbing spam in my inbox, the volume of which is beginning to rival the invitations for penis enlargement operations. Gender confusion aside, it seems that charity music events aren’t in need of Viagra and are on the rise of their own accord, as are nights supplying the best new music from around the world. In a strictly journalistic capacity, let me escort. Now, the last time I was at the Proud Gallery in Camden was was for the Young Knives summer fete. Renowned for their secret gigs and rock parties, Proud now seem keen to bring enough urban heat to warm us throughout the winter. This week saw the launch of the Rio Rox/Sagatiba parties, headed up by music journalist Elle J Small’s who, following a trip to Brasil, became entranced by the local sounds. Set to run every other Wednesday until the end of December (the next one being 1st November), it’s free to all. Among those playing the Samba, Broken Beat and Latino House sets are Brasil’s Baille Funk superstar DJ Sandrinho, Lynda Phoenix, Sinden and Ritmos da Cidade, while the Angola Collective demonstrate the art of capoiera. Not ones to shy away from diversity, Proud are also laying on Soul Tips (in association with, believe it or not, PG Tips) every Sunday. Despite the world music, there will be no forgetting you’re in England if you opt for an afternoon with Giles Peterson on the decks, complimented by cups of tea and a selection of vanilla and buttercream cup cakes (I kid you not).

Less demure, but perhaps the perfect place to get tanked up with your boss, (on his or her credit card), after work tonight, is at Heatwave, who take on the Shoreditch massive from 8pm- 2am at the Pool Bar. Having left the Rhythm Factory, their new residency continues with the tried and tested dancehall, reggae, soca and desi formula. Also in the Ditch this weekend, Radio 1’s Bobby Friction is holding the fort at 333, well the basement at least, with his bag of Asian beats set to resound through the lower echelons on Saturday night as part of the Neu Noise line-up.

If however, after reading about adopting 3rd world children all week, you’re feeling even more guilty than usual about a weekend of debauchery, head to Emergency Breaks, part of the Oxfam Music Festival, taking place this Saturday at Brick Lane’s 93Ft East. Plugged as a ‘full-on sensory experience’, they’re all about ‘raising cash, raising awareness and raising the roof.’ As well as a set list that includes Rodney P & Skitz, Atomic Hooligan, Ali B and Dub Pistols, you can expect break and burlesque dancers, fire-eaters, magicians, and the ‘mind expanding visuals.’ As to whether anything will prove as mind expanding as the visual I’ve just received from hairygrandma.com, remains to be seen.