Customer loyalty is an increasingly rare thing when it comes to club nights; however, Discotekken is fast becoming an institution. Those who go to this monthly night in the Twisted Pepper seem to do so religiously, as evidenced by its rapidly approaching first birthday. Discotekken is Louis Scully’s baby, and he has every reason to play the proud father. While as the name suggests disco is the staple diet, Louis and the residents have records for days, so you never know what you’re gonna get: boogie, electro, house, and electro funk are all fair game. Having already brought over guests like DMX Krew and Space Dimension Controller the bar has been set high, something that looks set to continue with the legendary I-F signed up for a 1st birthday basement bash in September. Founder and resident Louis was kind enough to answer a few of our queries.
Club nights are a dime a dozen, and it seems there’s new ones starting up and closing down every other week in this, what made you want to take the plunge?
Nothing beats the freedom that comes with DJing at your own night. I’ve wanted to run a clubnight since I was about 16, and when the opportunity came up I took it & ran. I’m delighted to still be here almost a year later.
You’re coming up to your 1st birthday, why do you think the night has thrived where so many others flounder?
It’s hard to know really. Discotekken is completely unpretentious, which I think people pick up on as soon as they come through the door. It’s about people of all ages & walks of life collectively getting down to music from the last 40 years or so. No chin stroking or facebook-picture-posing is involved.
Speaking of birthdays, anything special in store for the anniversary next month?
Bigtime. We’ve got the legendary I-F joining us from Holland in the Twisted Pepper basement. He reminded the world of Italo Disco’s significance about 10 years ago with his ‘Mixed Up In The Hague’ mixes, and has absolutely rocked it every time I’ve seen him, so this is going to be another biggie.
You’ve brought over some great guests (Space Dimension Controller, DMX Krew….) as well as quality local DJs, Is there a night that stands out for you over the last 11 months?
Having Edmx over was a childhood dream come true, and an incredible night to boot. But to be honest, and I know it’s almost become a cliche to say this but some of our best nights have been with locals & residents spinning. Shane O’Meara’s set in January stands out in particular (“Temp-tay-shun!”), along with Dazboy’s ’90s Hip Hop set in July.
If money and reality were of no concern, how would you’re dream lineup for a gig run? ( Rules: 3 acts, dead or alive )
Hmm. Afrika Bambaataa would kick things off, Ron Hardy would follow him with a marathon set & Larry Levan would hit us with the sleeze in the morning.
What’s the deal with the cat-theme posters? I’m a big fan
Have to give props to graphic desinger Muireann McNulty for that. Everybody loves Lazercat.
What’s next for Diskotekken?
We’re looking into getting Liam Gallagher over to finish off an evening with a rendition of Wonderwall. But more pertinent issues include running more eclectic gigs taking in reggae, hip hop & live bands. We find ourselves a bit Disco / ’80s Boogie heavy sometimes, but there’s more to us than that!
Words: Paddy O’Mahoney
Upcoming gigs
Aug 7th,
Discotekken Lite, Twisted Pepper Box,
Gerry Mollumby (Beatfinder Records/Ri-Ra)
Louis Scully (Discotekken/12Sundays)
Chris O’Donohoe (Discotekken)
September 11th, Discotekken First Birthday, Twisted Pepper Basement,
I-F (Viewlexx / Intergalactic FM)
Louis Scully (Discotekken/12Sundays)
Chris O’Donohoe (Discotekken)
