In this new mix series we invite local DJs to get creative with each issue’s theme. For the August Wild issue, Squid takes us on a journey through jungle….
When you think of the word ‘wild’, a squid might not be the first creature that springs to mind. But when the man behind the monkier is Plates and City Beat founder Nick Strang, who is a proud member of the West Yorkshire Jungle Collective too, you get an idea of why it would have been rude not to kick off our new mix series with a selection of tracks from him.
Nick came to Notts as a film student, returning to the city following a few years working in the capital to open up a record shop. This shop is Plates, which following humble beginnings at the Irish Centre, moved to the Malt Cross and quickly gained a reputation for its tune selection, good-time vibes and in-store sessions. Now it exists as a record cutting and workshop facility, housed in Confetti. Alongside this he also runs community underground radio station, City Beat, which broadcasts just up the road from The Carousel.
DJing since the age of 16, you may have heard Squid’s sounds across numerous Notts venues, alongside sets at Soundwave festival in Croatia, Tramlines festival in Sheffield and at Nottingham's Pride festival too.
For our August mix you can expect tracks selected straight from the heart, including personal favourites and key tunes from his collection, recorded from the City Beat studio in Hockley.
“I hope people find the mix a fun and enjoyable listen- either for partying or chilling out at home. I tried to cover all bases as there are a lot of different sounds that make up jungle/rave and I like to give everything fair inclusion. You can expect to hear the earlier influence of breakbeat hardcore alongside the more developed later jungle tunes. This mix might be a good introduction to those looking to get into jungle - I have tried to showcase the rough and raw sound of the early 90s across the spectrum so I hope you enjoy!”
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