Ethan Clarke
Plastic People was a London club that played a significant role in shaping the UK's music scene and modern British clubbing culture. Located in the heart of Oxford Street, the club was known for its diverse music offerings, from garage and dubstep to house and grime. Its philosophy of putting music first attracted a dedicated crowd, fostering a community vibe that left a lasting impact on its patrons. The club's legendary reputation was built on its sonic purism, with a focus on the dance floor and an acoustically neutral sound system. The club closed its doors, leaving behind memories of its unique atmosphere and influence on the UK's musical landscape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | London |
| Type | Club |
| Status | Closed |
| Years Active | 1994- 2000s |
| Founder and Resident DJ | Ade Fakile |
| Notable Nights | FWD>, Co-Op, Balance, Nonsense, Trash, CDR, Thriller |
| Notable Acts | Four Tet, Caribou, Floating Points, Radio 1's Benji B, RBMA's Benny Blanco, Tony Nwachukwu, Sean McAuliffe, Paul Camo, JME, Skepta, God's Gift |
| Notable Regulars | Chris Reed, Alexander Nut, Jon Rust, Lukid, Cedric Woo, Steve Spacek, Erol Alkan, Butterz Records' Elijah, Cedric 'Woo' |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic People was a London club
Located in the heart of Oxford Street, Plastic People was home to legendary nights like FWD>>, Co-Op, Balance, Nonsense, Trash, and CDR. It attracted a diverse range of DJs and producers, from Four Tet and Caribou to Floating Points and Erol Alkan. The club was also known for its bass-heavy sound system, which was considered one of the best in London.
The club had a significant impact on the UK music scene, particularly in the development of genres such as garage, dubstep, house, and grime. It was a place where like-minded people could gather and connect over their shared love of music. The club's philosophy of putting music first and its dedication to the dance floor created a community vibe that kept people coming back.
Plastic People's final closure occurred a few years ago, and there are no plans to reopen at a different site. However, its legacy lives on through the countless DJs, producers, and club-goers who experienced its unique atmosphere and embraced its ideology of music first.
The club holds a special place in the hearts of many, with its mythologised venue and its focus on sonic purism. It was a place where people could escape the outside world and get lost in the music, creating memories that continue to shape London's musical landscape.
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It was founded by Ade Fakile
Plastic People was a London club founded by Ade Fakile, a Nigerian who moved to the UK and had a passion for music. Fakile wanted to create a space with an acoustically neutral sound system, where people could truly feel like they were inside the music. He wanted to give DJs an incredible, clean sound system and the freedom to play whatever they wanted, without being confined to a specific genre.
The club was located in a pitch-black, tiny basement with a state-of-the-art sound system. It was known for its focus on sonic purism, attracting a crowd that wanted to immerse themselves purely in the music. The lighting was minimal, with only a small red light above the DJ booth, enhancing the auditory experience.
Plastic People played a significant role in shaping modern British clubbing and DJ culture. It hosted legendary nights such as FWD>>, Co-Op, Balance, Nonsense, and Trash, catering to diverse musical tastes. The club was frequented by many notable DJs, including Four Tet, Caribou, Floating Points, and Radio 1's Benji B.
The club fostered a sense of community among its patrons, with many forming lasting connections. It was a place where people from different backgrounds and communities could come together and feel like they belonged. Plastic People left an indelible mark on the UK music scene, influencing various genres, including garage, dubstep, house, and grime.
Although Plastic People is now closed, its impact on the music industry and the people who experienced it firsthand continues to resonate. Ade Fakile's vision of creating a space dedicated to musical expression and freedom has left an enduring legacy in the world of club culture.
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The club was known for its diverse music
Plastic People was a London club that was known for its diverse music. The club was founded by Ade Fakile, a DJ who wanted to create a space with an acoustically neutral sound system, putting music first and fostering a sense of community. The club was characterised by its pitch-black basement setting, with a focus on the dance floor and an audiophile sound system. Its legendary reputation was built on its dedication to sonic purism, attracting a crowd that wanted to immerse themselves in the music.
The music played at Plastic People varied from 10 minutes of African drumming to spectral jazz records, weighty reggae dubplates, and rare tracks by artists like Pharoah Sanders and Herbie Hancock. The club had a no-holds-barred approach to music selection, with residents like Ade embracing eclecticism and playing whatever they wanted when they wanted. This attitude inspired other DJs, encouraging them to mix genres and create unique sets.
Plastic People was also known for its legendary nights, such as FWD>>, Co-Op, Balance, Nonsense, Trash, and CDR. These nights attracted a diverse range of music lovers and creators, from Detroit greats to barely-on-the-radar Balearic heads. The club was a home for like-minded people who wanted to gather and listen to music, fostering a community that kept people coming back week after week.
The impact of Plastic People extended beyond its four walls, influencing the changing face of London's musical landscape. It cradled many scenes that went on to define eras of UK music, including garage, dubstep, house, and grime. The club's focus on music first and its dedication to excellence in sound reproduction left a lasting impression on those who experienced it.
Although Plastic People is now closed, its ideology of putting music first and its diverse musical offerings continue to inspire DJs, producers, and punters who carry the spirit of the club with them.
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It was home to the UK bass scene
Plastic People was a London club that was home to the UK bass scene. It was located on Oxford Street and was known for its focus on music and its eclectic programming. The club was founded and directed by Ade Fakile, who wanted to create a space with an acoustically neutral sound system, putting the music first and creating an immersive experience for the dancers. The club attracted a crowd that was dedicated to the dance floor and had a legendary reputation built on sonic purism.
The club hosted a variety of nights, including FWD>>, Co-Op, Balance, Nonsense, Trash, and CDR. It was known for its diverse music policy, with DJs playing everything from garage and dubstep to house and grime, jazz, soul, disco, and techno. The sound system was described as "audiophile," and the club had a pitch-black interior with only a small red light above the DJ booth, creating an intimate and immersive atmosphere.
Plastic People played a significant role in the development of UK bass music, with many notable artists and DJs playing there, such as Four Tet, Caribou, Floating Points, Radio 1's Benji B, RBMA's Benny Blanco, Tony Nwachukwu, Sean McAuliffe, and Paul Camo. The club also hosted nights for emerging sounds, such as the broken beat sound of Co-Op and the indie disco Trash.
The club had a lasting impact on the UK music scene, with many DJs, producers, and punters carrying the philosophy of putting the music first beyond its doors. Plastic People's influence extended beyond its existence, shaping modern British clubbing and leaving a lasting legacy on the UK's musical landscape.
The club closed its doors permanently, with no plans to reopen on a different site. However, its impact on the UK bass scene and modern British clubbing culture is undeniable, and it remains remembered and celebrated by those who experienced it.
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Plastic People is now closed
Plastic People, the London club that once thrived on Oxford Street, is now closed. The club was a haven for music lovers, with a focus on sonic purism and an acoustically neutral sound system that made it legendary. In its dimly lit basement, the club hosted diverse nights like Co-Op, FWD>, Balance, Nonsense, Trash and CDR, attracting a community of like-minded individuals who cherished the music and the connection it fostered.
The club's founder and resident DJ, Ade Fakile, cultivated an eclectic and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging DJs to play whatever they wanted, from rare jazz records to weighty reggae dubplates. This freedom and passion for music inspired many, including Floating Points, who recalled the unique experience of hearing a Pharoah Sanders record played in the club. Plastic People's impact extended beyond its walls, influencing the UK bass scene and shaping modern British clubbing culture.
The club's final weekend featured marathon sets by Four Tet, Caribou, and Floating Points, followed by a private party with Fakile and renowned DJs from Radio 1 and RBMA. Although Plastic People's closure is final, its legacy endures through the DJs, producers, and punters it inspired. The club's dedication to musical excellence and its role in shaping UK music scenes will not be forgotten.
Plastic People's original home on Oxford Street was marked by a DJ booth crafted from old washing machines, setting the tone for the club's unconventional and eclectic spirit. The venue's unique character, from its pitch-black setting to its powerful sound system, created an immersive experience that left an indelible mark on those who graced its dance floor. The club's ability to attract a diverse range of talent, from up-and-coming artists to established names, further solidified its reputation as a pivotal force in London's musical landscape.
While the physical space of Plastic People may be gone, its impact on the city's cultural fabric remains. The club's influence can still be felt in the work of the DJs, producers, and promoters who graced its stage, carrying forward the spirit of sonic exploration and community that defined Plastic People. As the club's memory lives on, it continues to inspire and shape London's ever-evolving musical identity, leaving an enduring mark on the city it once called home.
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Frequently asked questions
The Plastic People club was located in London, UK.
Plastic People closed its doors in 2015 and currently, there are no plans to reopen the club or move it to a different site.
Plastic People was a club that put music first. It was known for its diverse music scene, attracting a crowd that wanted to focus purely on the music. It was also known for its excellent sound system.
The founder and resident DJ of Plastic People was Ade Fakile.
Plastic People was home to legendary nights such as FWD>, Co-Op, Balance, Nonsense, Trash, and CDR. It also hosted JME's birthday bash, which was attended by Skepta and God's Gift.
