A new drum and bass event launching in Sheffield this weekend hopes to bring soulful drum and bass to the Steel City.
It Hertz: Launch Courtyard Day Party is set to take place at Southbank Warehouse on Saturday 16 May as the organiser coined the new brand as “a home for all things soulful drum and bass in Sheffield.”
The event is set to feature local artists such as Displace, Overtone and AFEX and run from 4pm until 11pm in the Southbank Warehouse courtyard alongside food vendors and drinks, as well as ‘an exceptional sound system.’
Alex Whitham, 26, owner of It Hertz and organiser of the event, said “At this event you can expect to hear soulful drum and bass from a whole variety of eras. Regardless, it will feel warm, atmospheric and nostalgic.”
Sheffield’s music scene is typically recognised for bands such as Arctic Monkeys and Pulp, but it also boasts a long history in electronic music with bands including Cabaret Voltaire and The Human League.
With independent venues in Sheffield such as the Southbank Warehouse regularly hosting underground events and warehouse parties, the city also has a connection towards dance music.
Despite the variety in music, Sheffield doesn’t have a huge affinity towards drum and bass, especially compared to cities such as Walsall, who boast famous DJs such as Andy C and Goldie. In addition, London is typically dubbed at the birthplace as drum and bass.
With Alex’s launch of the It Hertz brand, he said “Drum and bass can sometimes carry an off-putting stigma, but with It Hertz I want to demonstrate a brand that allows for drum and bass to be viewed as something that’s more universally enjoyable.”
While Sheffield’s musical history indicates towards preferring indie and electronic dance music, The Tuesday Club, which is based at the Sheffield Students’ Union, have played drum and bass artists such as Chase & Status and Sota.
Alex support the rise in drum and bass and said it was part of the reason why he started It Hertz, as he said “It’s clear there’s a passionate community of people who love getting together to listen to and play this kind of music.”
Tickets for the Courtyard Day Party are available here and are at final release, with tickets being priced at £10.