Loose Theories.

With the summer upon us (or as it has been blessing us recently), the idea of submitting to the government’s guidelines of social distancing parties outdoors doesn’t seem too bad.

Although, in these uncertain times, it may feel to many that the ‘pub garden party’ is a replacement to raving all-night-long in clubs and bars, it is far from it. The sit down experience brings with it an entire culture of it’s own.

Corsica Studio’s new project The Paperworks hides deep into South London’s industrial landscape, squashed between bricked warehouses and empty car parks. This groovy oasis houses weekly sets from local labels and artists, with a line-up including Peckham’s Rye Wax Records and Rhythm Section label.

On Saturday, I had the pleasure to attend Wolf Music’s takeover. Decorated with fairy lights, food stalls and picnic benches, Wolf began the evening with some funky tunes, echoing soulful guitar melodies and disco vocals. The essence of playing vinyl was elaborated in the chilled out settings of The Paperworks’ yard.

While footfall may be directed from club nights to the beer gardens, there is a wider agenda behind hosting these type of events.

Beyond the music industry, these events are boosting the local economy and social environment. People, young and old, are using transport whilst generally working from home. People are travelling to other venues in the area for pre drinks and afters (including family run off-licenses and takeaways who have lost profit in recent months).

But internally, social-distance experiences are giving artists massive support. As the excitement of live streams and digital festivals has died down, new events have become the life line for some artists and labels who are struggling to stay afloat. Furthermore, these events allow labels to promote newly released music that helps re-engage the audience with the power of live sets for upcoming shows and releases.

The rain poured through, but didn’t put a dampner on the evening. The atmosphere grew as the tracks turned to electro-funk with the tempo gradually increasing and heavier, fruitier, melodies arrived. Wolf have the talent to make old tunes sound new and new tunes sound old. They combine a modern culture of house with the vintage love for soul, funk and the classic analogue sound.

When speaking with Matt and Stu about their experiences as DJs during this time, they said they appreciate the different approach Corsica and likewise are taking to club nights, especially after sitting on the sidelines for months. Playing outside allows them to play a different style of music, one better suited than in a club scenario.

It is a time to gather with friends and reminds them that this is a glimmer of hope, a first flurry, for what is about to come next for live music. It is a kick start into playing records that deserve to be heard aloud, beyond the speakers in your bedroom.

It may not be what they want to do, Matt said, but music is environmental and depends on the context, which includes people. These tracks derived from Gospel which is all about community and how people are connected. Music is tribal.

And I say I agree, what is a DJ without a crowd, and vice versa? For the people who appreciate the music, the satisfaction of hearing it live is enough to constitute a sit-down party. With an atmosphere as radiant as The Paperworks, and the circular system of benefits for all involved, I would recommend this to everybody who likes to party.

Written by Chloe Elms