Curves presents - 25yrs - Nectax, melba

We’re not really quite sure how this has happened, but apparently, we turn 25 in November. Celebrations seem appropriate, perhaps even compulsory.

As the longest running Drum and Bass event in the Northeast, and possibly the known world,* we’ve hosted some of the scene’s very best. From Break to Black Sun Empire, Raiden to Jubei, we’ve championed the deeper, darker, more experimental corners of the scene for as long as we’ve existed. We’ve never done this for profit. We never will. Our focus is staying true to what the underground is about.

We’re nothing without our amazing crowd. You’ll find a mix of ages and backgrounds and a common theme of unity, inclusion, respect and fun. We believe in grassroots talent, building local communities and including everybody who loves this music; so if you’ve heard of us, but you haven’t managed to come along yet, now is the time. We’d love to see you.

On Saturday the 22nd of November, we return to our beloved home at the Lubberfiend with Nectax, Melba, Sunraze and our residents, Lukey B, Ruckuz and Spectra.

Nectax is a force of nature in the Jungle Drum and Bass scene. His debut album, “State of Play,” released on the revered Over/Shadow music, showcases his versatility and talent as a producer. As well as being responsible for modern classics like Voychek and Bodytalk, he’s also collaborated with artists like our resident savage, Grief and local sonic explosives expert, Scudd. The energy of his live DJ sets has established him as one of the most exciting and versatile artists to create and play this music. He combines classic jungle with modern production techniques to create a sound that is gaining him fans from across multiple generations of ravers, DJs and music lovers. As a huge fan of the event, Ollie often tells us how much he’s enjoyed coming to our parties, so we can’t wait to have him on the other side of the decks. He’ll be performing a strictly jungle drum and bass set that you won’t want to miss.

Melba has been at the heart of the Newcastle underground for several years, blending styles like Footwork, Techno, Drum and Bass, Hardcore and everything in between. Alongside her work with Stereo45 and several of the city’s most important underground venues, she also has releases on Hooversound and Hypercolour. As another huge fan of the event, it’s a pleasure to welcome her to deliver a rare, 100 percent Jungle and Drum and Bass set.

Support comes from our wonderful residents, Lukey B, Ruckuz and Spectra, who between them, as well as having a combined age of over 3 million years and a record collection that needs its own postcode, have been known to play quite well together. We’ll be playing a celebratory set of our favourite Curves anthems from over the years. If you’re already a fan of our event, this is one you won’t want to miss. We won’t be pulling any punches.

Warming you up is our friend SunRaze. A stalwart of the local scene and one of the driving forces behind the NCLBeats show on Method Radio. If you’re a regular in the Northeast underground, you’ll have seen him at events all over the region, including Bloom, Sweet and Sour and Lindisfarne. Sunraze is a versatile DJ who specialises in all things Liquid Funk, and a little bit more.

Sound will be provided by the mighty Funktion 1 rig, so you can expect the kind of weight and clarity you would find in a superclub, but for about a third of the price and without any of the nonsense. The bar offers some of the best craft ales, pilsners and ciders you can buy, plus a wide range of bottles, cans, spirits, wine and alcohol free treats. Independent venues need all the support they can get, so skip the predrinks and come for 11.

Everyone is welcome at Curves, and we encourage people who may not usually feel comfortable at dance music events to come and party with us. Over the years, people have congratulated us on our welcoming, tolerant, inclusive vibe. We’re proud of that, and we thank each and every person who has come and played, partied, chatted, danced, hugged, screamed, cheered or even just nodded appreciatively from the corner as they get their breath back.

25 years is a long time. Let’s celebrate in style. Curves crew. You know what to do.