Q&A : London's rave hub expands with a new look

Uniting like-minded ravers to create a global dance hub

Since March 2014, London Rave Network has been a source of all things rave in the capital, creating a community for dance music, it's promoters, brands, artists, and most importantly, the ravers. Their goal is simple, to connect ravers with the best in dance music the capital has to offer. Now into their fourth year, the ever-growing social page has opted for a re-fresh, under the new name "The Rave Network". The change comes in light of the brand looking to expand their reach in the scene, and build a rave community on a global scale.

We caught up with the team at TRN to find out more about where the page began, it's most memorable moments and what's on the horizon following their re-brand.

What inspired you to begin LRN?

"My friend was DJ’ing at Egg in London and invited me along, it was my first rave and I had the best time! We danced till 6am, the music was amazing and after I wanted to find out about more raves, but wasn’t aware of anything. I asked around and decided to launch a website and social channels, that would list and review upcoming events in London. I definitely didn't expect it to still be going now!"

Most memorable moment so far?

"There has been SO many, not sure where to start! Probably GlobalGathering 2015. Prior to this year I'd attended as a raver, but had always wondered what it's like to be backstage, seeing what goes on! That year we were given press passes with backstage access, and it was amazing. We were stood on one of the stages looking out into the crowd and it was such a crazy feeling; seeing thousands of people dancing, drinking and having a good time!"

What is it about London’s rave scene that stands out for you?

"It's such a great community, I love when we go to a rave, we'll be sat in the smoking area chilling out and you get speaking to someone. You make friends with them and say, 'oh are you going to the next event?' They almost always end up saying yes and before you know it, you're pals! You see them again the next time and end up giving each other a hug and kiss! It's just so friendly. I also love bringing my non-raver friends to London for a night out, because they always leave saying everyone is so welcoming. I've made so many new friends through this, it's amazing, now I can go to any rave and will always know someone there!

So, why the re-brand?
We wanted to open up the network to more people and build our community further, rather than limiting it to just London. By renaming as The Rave Network we're able to reach more DJs, parties, and ravers around the world, bringing them together to showcase the best in global dance music!"

Your favourite venue in London?

"Hmm it's a hard one! We have so many amazing venues and each one has great memories for us. Lightbox is a place we called home for many years, we made friends with all of the promoters and for a good few months we would go there every weekend! Tobacco Dock is just so much fun, and the Cargo terrace has some special memories. I'm yet to visit the new Studio 338, but have heard many good things!"

All time favourite track?
"Ooo, definitely 'Body Language' by M.A.N.D.Y. & Booka Shade. Such a feel-good tune, as soon as it comes on everyone instantly recognises it and starts dancing along! I'm not a fan of the Jax Jones version though..."

Who are your biggest idols/influences in the industry?

"I would say the promoters and artists we work with. We started out through speaking to Jack Dee and his party; OutOut, he was a huge help to intro us to the scene. Our brand also grew up with a few promoters such as YMO, Cutting Edge and Dazed, we all started around the same time and have since watched each other grow. At these parties with people like Jack, Sol, Fem, Luke, Luvstuff, Deeper Purpose, Tatemae, Kieran & Melvin, Mike Oakeshott, Ross Roberts (take a breath) and all the rest of the gang is where we feel the most at home! It's great to see all of the people we've met and worked with along the way succeeding, after the hard work I've seen them put in since the start!"

Standout DJ set you've witnessed?

I can whittle it down to two, the first is Luvstuff b2b Deeper Purpose at Egg London a few years back. It was the craziest b2b I've ever seen! It felt like a battle between two wizards (stay with me), one being a good wizard - playing uplifting tracks and the other being evil, selecting darker tracks. Honestly the atmosphere was insane! The other has to be King Kerri Chandler, one of my all time favourite DJs, at Found festival. It started pouring down and he played the track "rain", everyone was dancing away getting soaked with massive smiles, jumping around with umbrellas, it's stuck in my mind ever since, haha!"

Any big plans in the pipeline for TRN?

"As mentioned earlier, we're looking to connect with people around the world with the re-brand, and showcase even more parties and events, but still keeping a focus on the artists of London, which we've become a great platform for. We're also looking to introduce more content on platforms like Youtube, and a podcast aimed at interviewing brands, DJs & promoters to get a behind the scenes look into the industry."

Finally, what event is up next for you?

"Next up is AMP Lost & Found Festival, Malta. We are so excited for this one, it's a really special vibe. L&F was actually my first abroad festival a few years back, the people are so friendly and everyone is there for a good time. The weather is hot, the music is good and the sunsets are amazing. We always make so many friends and I cannot wait to have some pre-drinks with the ratemyrave team, before heading to Cafe Del Mar!"

Keep up to date with all things rave, via The Rave Network's channels below.