London Paper 26

Long before social networking websites like myspace, facepic or faceparty were the last minute fixes for networking your way to a good night out, online forums and virtual one-stop clubbing shops were in widespread use. Thankfully these websites like 4clubbers, nuthinsorted and dontstayin haven’t lost their cool, popularity or edge.

My pick of the bunch has to be dontstayin.com which is technophobe friendly and easy to navigate around. As I type another 435 people are chatting live about where to go this weekend. Providing up to the minute recommendations from fellow clubbers, comprehensive listings, a most viewed venue guide, there’s also the latest guest list offers, reviews, interviews and picture galleries. You can also stumble across some random events – day trip to the custard pie throwing galley at a primary school in Middlesex anyone?

Thankfully it’s no longer embarrassing to admit you’ve made an online friend. Good job then because I’ve got loads. With London often proving a lonely place if you haven’t got friends who share your musical preference, trust me when I say online forums, with a bit of practice and sense, can pave the way for some great nights out with like minded people. One of my old haunts of choice, ukmusic.com, saw me strike up a solid friendship with a 14 year old girl called Lady Sovereign. Who’d have thought that five years later I’d be joining her on tour in New York?

If you’re still not swayed by the thought of planning your life using the internet, you could just keep reading this. It’s hard to stay away from Plan B in Brixton at the moment. Soul II Soul legend, Jazzie B, will be playing alongside DJs from the Bristol based Bloom Festival who in turn will be showing punters what to expect from their festival in August. Expect funk, soul, hip hop, leftfield and crowd rockers.
If you’d like an excuse to ditch your trainers and really hit the town, Dirty Dublin presents One Night In Bangkok at the Key, Kings Cross, which could be considered an appropriate location for the sordid frolics they promise. On the Go Go Floor get your fix of dirty electro from DJs such as Sleazy-G, Rory McCart and Franky Van while the Oriental Chandelir Room will be pumping the jackin house with Smokingroove, Bumps & Bonez, Shane O’Hagen and many more. If you’re interested, they’ve also got a profile on dontstayin.com.

Another of the weekends highlights falls on a Sunday night but it’s an early one running 6pm-midnight. Redken’s Experiment Party at Koko, Camden features live music from The Young Knives, The Mules, Palladium and The Whip. A DJ set will come from Queens Of Noize. Winners of Notion Magazines talent search for the future starts of music, film and design will also be showcasing their work. With tickets only £10, you can afford to get your rock on and your rocks off.

A VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE APPEARED IN THE LONDON PAPER