London-based DJ Nick Standen makes his debut at Househead Presents That Perfect Beat on Saturday June 17th at hot new club space, Aures.
Known for his stellar sets alongside Norman Jay, Crazy P and Dave Lee at Brixton’s Up On The Roof events, Nick is also a resident DJ at the Funk Me parties alongside Grant Nelson and Full Intention, and he plays with Full Intention at their Met Life events.
Nick’s fortnightly radio show on D3ep Radio Network (d3ep.com) “That’s What HOUSE Is About”, keeps him in demand at House Music gigs across London, and here Nick gives us his London low-down of hot spots.
What’s the best thing about London?
There’s such variety in London…there’s always something new to try, new places to go… so much happening and things to do, you just need to explore. And when you think you’ve seen it all, got your favourite places, something new will pop up.
What’s the worst thing about London?
Trying to get out of it when you’re going away for the weekend. I love a weekend away in the country or by the sea, but it can sometimes take over an hour to escape the london traffic if you’re leaving by car
Where do you go to have fun?
Anywhere with a good rooftop or outdoor space in the summer that has good tunes on in the background! The amount of good rooftop bars around London with DJs is ridiculous now. Just make sure you take a hat or suncream - I’ve made that mistake a few times!!
Where is your favourite place for eats and drinks in London?
I love Japanese food…. Sushi Samba is always a treat and Chotto Matte in Soho, a Japanese/Peruvian Fusion does great food and plays great music!
Also, I’m half Jamaican, so I’ll go anywhere that does good Caribbean food and jerk!
Where is the most relaxing place in town?
Again, there are some great parks around London. Brockwell Park is local to us, so it’s nice to chill there with a picnic and few beers… or there’s a couple of decent places over the road from the park to grab jerk!
If I could change one thing about London...
If only it was a bit cheaper… but then everything’s expensive when you go out these days!
What’s your favourite club venue to play at and what makes it so special?
So up until now, it’s been Prince of Wales (PoW) in Brixton. I’ve had the pleasure of playing the main room and the terrace a few times now, warming up and playing after some big fave DJs and producers… and the sound system in that main room KICKS!! But I may well be saying something completely different after I play Aures for That Perfect Beat on June 17th! That club looks like nowhere I’ve played to date, full on immersive experience, sound system, and just south of the river!
The song that reminds me most of London is...
Soul II Soul’s “Back To Life”. Their nights at The Fridge (now Electric Brixton) in Brixton back in the day, the Soul II Soul shop in Camden Town, people rocking all the merch head to toe…They nailed it. In the late 80s/early 90s the vibe in London was all about Soul II Soul.
Tell us a London gem that everyone should know about:
Brixton Village… one of my fave places to go out for the evening for food, drinks and all round vibes!
One thing everyone should do in London is...
Step outside of your comfort zone and try something new… and what better place to start than that come along to That Perfect Beat at new venue, Aures on June 17th, where myself and all the other DJs will be serving up good times music all night.
Nick Standen joins Craig Smith, Deli G, Rap Saunders, Johnny Reckless and Steve Parr for Househead presents That Perfect Beat 1st Anniversary at Aures, 18 Leake St, Waterloo, SE1 7NN, on Saturday June 17th.
Tickets: www.ra.co/events/1703322
Instagram: @househead