Out of Space: How UK Cities Shaped Rave Culture

by Jim Ottewill

Since the dawn of time, humans have had the urge to come together and move to music. It may have started in caves but these days it happens in clubs often found in the shady corners of our towns and cities.

Or at least it did until these places succumbed to the beat of property developers rather than DJs. In London in the five years to 2016, half of the clubs were lost while a further quarter have disappeared in the devastation of Covid. So what now?

At this critical moment, Out of Space plots a course through the different town and cities club culture has found a home. From Glasgow to Margate via Manchester, Sheffield and unlikely dance music meccas such as Coalville and Todmorden, this book maps where electronic music has thrived, and where it might be headed to next while exploring other shades of club culture too, such as pirate radio, dance music festivals, and sound system culture.

As our lives become increasingly digitised and real estate more valuable, we’ll look at the new clubbing models emerging in the 21st century. Rather than an epitaph, this is a rallying cry and celebration of the club’s resilience based on a lifetime of getting wide-eyed inside them.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2022

Reviews

[Andrew Vaughan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed how the book related politics and history to dance music , and how they’ve shaped each of the city’s scenes - especially jungle music.

Was interesting to hear about how less known towns - like Coalville - impacted dance music.

However I think they missed an opportunity to talk about the North East - especially since Newcastle is so famous for its nightlife. In particular, the closing of the New Monkey in Sunderland would have linked well to the books theme.

Also, some of the first half of the book was a bit repetitive - it felt like loads of pretentious DJs repeating the same few lines about how great clubbing and dance music is.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was born too late ever truly appreciate the electronic / dance / rave movement; instead, I flashback to siblings deafening the household with their favourite records as they readied themselves for a night out.

This is an informative overflowing read about a community passionate and dedicated to their art.

& that resonates.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave me a great insight into the reciprocal relationships between cityscapes and club music, the challenges facing clubs and what the future could look like for clubs. It’s really well written, interesting, amusing, and gave me a list of DJs to check out and nights to go to.

[Reece · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Jasmine D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of interviews from UK nightlife's pioneers, with a focus on community, preserving nightlife and dance culture, and preserving its future post-pandemic. Could do with more reflection and analysis from the author, but still an inspiring read.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

really nice collection of stories . loved reading the Sheffield chapter

[Jared Holst · Rating 3 out of 5]

yes