“I think everyone knows now, Bristol has one of the best drum and bass scenes in the world. These guys are gonna be bringing the real underground bristol sound, you know, in a warehouse, sick sound system. This is the real deal. For me as a DJ I can play what I want, and I can bring the energy and I know the crowd are going to have it. And for me, these are the best kinds of shows because I can fully just go in on the set, play all kinds of vibes, bring the energy, the madness and surprise people. And you know what? That’s what it’s all about for me” – Sub Zero
As if Bristol’s musical menu wasn’t already tasty enough, a unique new warehouse venue space in the city centre is about to add a whole new level of spice this New Year’s Eve.
Destination Skyline Park: A sound-treated warehouse space that has previously been the sole preserve of corporate events and filming. Until now…
On December 31, Skyline Park will open up for its very first rave and the line-up kicks hard: SaSaSaS, Sub Zero & Carasel, Badger, Bish & Navigator, AC 13 & Trafic MC, Rez, Rua Tui & Kathika are all lined up. Plus takeovers from Super Sonic Booty Bangers and Thick Boy Records and a whole plethora of Bristol talent including RWB, DJ Business Lady b2b Direct Debbie, WBBL & Y Dott and TWOGOOD.
“So many incredible artists playing all kinds of music under one massive warehouse! What more could you want to welcome 2024!” – Kathika
If that’s not enough, a complementary glass of prosecco will be given to the first 500 ravers who arrive before 10pm. And your hosts for this generous supersized bass banquet? Industrial Project.
A new name, but definitely not new in the game, Industrial Project comprises one of Bristol’s most busiest and successful promoters, Bris-Tek founder Justin Fash, and Tremor Soundsystem owner Aidan Waller (who is also one half of D&B act Rua Tui) Individually they’ve been spraying the west country in their own inimitable fizzy styles for many years with parties at iconic and cult locations such as Motion, Trinity Centre and Black Swan and events such as the Bristol Drum & Bass Weekender. Together, however, their plans are even more ambitious.
“We wanted to launch this new brand Industrial Project rather than use our existing brands as we wanted to create something new, exciting and unique. We also didn’t want to be limited by what had come before,” explains Aidan. “Industrial Project is about bringing the rave to new and exciting spaces around Bristol. When we looked around the space we knew it was perfect. Two warehouse spaces we can use. A huge yard we are covering with a clearspan marquee for smoking and a bar. A whole wingless private jet that is sat on top of shipping containers and is used as an office (and no we sadly can’t use this). So excited to transform the space into a proper rave!”
The wingless jet might be not be airborne but the ravers and performers most definitely will feel like they’re flying. Skyline Park is home to an events production company Pytch who will be providing the some serious high spec rig logistics and A/V treats on the night.
“They’re putting on unreal production for the show,” says Aidan. “The main warehouse is professionally sound-treated, too. So there is almost no perceivable echo in there when you clap. It’s designed to be a film and sound stage for Bristol’s booming TV and film industry and so it’s up to a really high standard.”
It’s a standard Industrial Project hope to maintain throughout the new year with four events planned in 2024 using Skyline Park, adding a whole new league of party dynamics to a city that’s already heaving with exciting ravey choices. Refreshingly, Aidan confirms that the venue’s high tech spec won’t come with a gentrified high price tag, either.
“Unlike other venues in the city or further afield like London, our drinks prices will be affordable and free water will be available,” he explains. “We’re even offering a free glass of prosecco to the first 500 ravers who arrive before 10pm.”
In an ocean of party options this NYE, Industrial Project definitely ticks a lot of important boxes: the venue has old school warehouse charm but comes with all the contemporary needs for a big high spec production, they’re not trying to rinse your wallet and the line-up smacks in all directions, both sonically across the bass spectrum and in terms of local and UK talent. “The line-up is a multi-genre cascade of talent and uncontrollable happiness,” grins Aidan. “I’m really not sure how we booked such a sick night!”
There’s even a chance to be part of the sick line-up yourself if you’re an aspiring DJ, too, as Industrial Project have a competition that’s open until Boxing Day. You can follow the instructions on their Instagram to get involved, but regardless whether you’re on the line-up or on the dancefloor, one thing seems pretty certain… This is one NYE event where it genuinely feels like the experience is the priority and it’s the start of something really exciting for Industrial Project.
“We have plans to use the space up to four times in a year,” Aidan explains. “And we have plans to use an even bigger even cooler space later in 2024. This event is going to be unreal!! But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…”
