University
The start of this track always takes me back to sitting in a Uni lecture, and eagerly watching the clock tick over to the end of our class. I loved studying in London, I loved my University and nothing felt more empowering than learning about the very thing I enjoyed the most.
After class, I'd race off to the tube station at Ealing Broadway to Cannon Street. Everything about living in the city felt electric, invigorating and exciting. I had these fantastic bass enhancing headphones that I'd wear round town religiously, and always felt completely set on figuring out what I wanted to do next in my career. It seemed to take over my mind and I was so ready to do whatever I could to get started.
This eagerness led to a part-time job at Steel Yard nightclub, on recommendation of a fellow Uni student. Straight after my lectures I'd head over to Central London and help out with the cloakroom and bar at corporate events. The journey there every time was met with a series of tracks I'd blast on repeat, and the adrenaline rush of excitement and wish to be part of the scene (and a hope I wouldn't be late).
Toolroom tracks were everything to me, and every beat of every track just encouraged my desire to make something happen for myself. I couldn't fight the feeling, I had to be a part of this world no matter what. I would stomp round town with big headphones on, combat boots and a giant coat like a real rave kid, and every day felt like a strive to make the most of these opportunities. Most days I felt like I was walking in active prayer, visioning every feeling, every connection I wished to have in my life. I love hearing these tracks back. I remember with so much love how deep the desire and wish was, how open I was to something good happening for me... which only makes it feel even more powerful when the opportunities did come.
One of the events I did the cloakroom for, I managed to bag myself a £10 tip off a very generous individual. I remember being thrilled that I could get some pretty shoes from Primark that I'd had my eye on. They were copies of Gianvito Rossi pumps, and I was in love. When I turned 21, I made the crazy decision to finally go out. I'd had my first nightclub experience with a group of friends near my hometown, and it had set off a desire in me that could not be stopped. I had to make the most of living in London, and I was making it happen no matter what. I wore the new shoes, some black jeans and a floaty top... and walked my way out of Acton Town alone to a bar out of town. I ended up staying out until 6am, making friends all night and travelling from the bar to Raffles in Chelsea, before ending up in a 24 hour cafe until I caught the bus home.
It's one of the most far-out and unusual experiences of my life, yet I feel overwhelmingly proud that it happened. It taught me something unforgettable about club culture, and how music can lead us to some fascinating people and some of the best nights of our lives.
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