London Paper 69

Falling, originally uploaded by oh1963wtsh.

On The Scene
Chantelle Fiddy

Proud Camden, the love child of impresario Alex Proud who rose to prominence through the rock and sport photography displayed at the gallery, is back in business. Having shut their doors last year to relocate, they’ve changed the locks and have set up show at the neighbouring Stable Market’s two hundred year old listed Horse Hospital.

Despite it’s absence on the clubbing map, Proud, previously frequented by The Arctic Monkeys and Amy Winehouse, is obviously still the place to be seen, celebs at the re-launch listening to The Enemy and Drew (Babyshambles) included Jamie Winstone, Peaches Geldof and Sadie Front.

And their new abode is giving band’s double the floor space to play on across two rooms, a third room featuring the buildings original stables, while the famous deckchairs are in their rightful place on the outdoor terrace. Not much has changed where the music policy is concerned mind; expect plenty of cutting edge new and established acts alongside special guest DJs.

Celebrating new business in more ways than one at Proud this week are Don’t Panic, the infamous flyer distributors, who’ve just opened a new division in Brazil. Their Friday night residency at the club will work in-synch with their online magazine (www.dontpaniconline.com). For the launch, Gideon Reeling, purveyors of bespoke interactive experiences and immersive theatre, will be weaving their own special magic into the night. Presenter Scottee, who’s just announced plans to launch a new event called 3 at 333 on 30th April, will be bringing his own personal dressing up box and picking people at random from the crowd for live photo shoots. Don’t Panic poster artist James Unsworth will be building human size sculptures in front of your very eyes and The-O will be performing his own special brand of glitter-eating karaoke. The visuals supplied by Current TV are bound to get you thinking too while the music from Jodie Harsh, Dollop, Blaise and Styleslut will get you dancing. Lykke Li, Kid Harpoon, The Clik Clik and Kennedy are all playing live. Running 8pm – 2.30am, it’s £8 on the door.

Someone else we should be welcoming back with open arms this week is Sean Rowley. After the success of his Guilty Pleasures parties he’s joined forces with Johnno from Bugged Out to create Pop Odyssey, playing pop from the past three decades, from the hits of New Order and The Pet Shop boys to Daft Punk records that sample Barry White. Launching on Friday at the uber trendy Old Queens Head, 44 Essex Road, it’s only £4 to get in and the beers on tap too.