London Paper 12

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Forget Britney and her shaven head, it’s all about girl power in club land this week as a new bunch of ladies hit the town.

The glam squad known as Girlcore are set to make their mark at Catch, 22 Kingsland Road tonight. “Me and and a bunch of girlfriends jokingly started calling ourselves GIRLCORE - and now its taken on a life of its own,” reckons Sup Mag’s Marisa. After a series of parties, out of town trips and an article in Elle they’re putting on a night of their own. “We're not serious promoters, but everyone can actually DJ (except me!) so come and hang out with us girls, guys, gayers, whoever!”

But the night really getting the crowds excited this week, what with funky house continuing it’s takeover of the airwaves and commercial club land, is the new night launching at the legendary Ministry of Sound. This Friday, Release, will feature the best in up-lifting, soulful house beats and funky bassline groves.
Although the line-up in the main room features big name DJs Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson, Grant Nelson, Aaron Ross and Mr Arkoss, it’s the all lady affair in the bar, courtesy of the Pussy Galore promotions team, that’s causing a stir. “We’re all about celebrating the value of female DJs and indeed all women who work hard in this industry”, says Pussy Galore promoter Victoria Beri. “For me personally, after having been a DJ & Artist booking agent for many years, I know that it can be pretty hard at times if you are a female DJ trying to get work.” Beri is confident they won’t be a passing fad either. “Having worked in the music industry since 1990, I have seen these all-female collectives come and go, but I believe Pussy Galore is different because there are no hidden agenda’s and no-one has an ulterior motive, it’s just all about fabulous female talent.”

Pussy Galore’s debut at Ministry will feature a mix of DJs from various radio stations that have already made their mark on the scene. “Lady T, my promotions partner, will be heading our girls into battle on the night. I say battle but only because it’s an all male line up in the main room. It’s not a contest, but obviously the more support we get the better - especially from the ladies out there.” Other femme fatales representing on the wheels of steel, or plastic CD decks, as they tend to be nowadays, are rising talent Anna B, Jolie, Danielle Dominique and Tayo Maroine. Also expected to go down something like Clinton on Lewinsky is the PA from Ear Dis of their current club smash, the aptly titled ‘Hey Girl’, which due to popular demand is set for a re-release this March. It’s a girls night out to be reckoned with that’s for sure.

Release will be on the 3rd Friday of every month at Ministry of Sound, 103 Gaunt St, London SE1 6DP. 10.30pm-4am: £8 b4 midnight, £12 after.

A version of this article appeared in The London Paper.