The old Ice Factory. I’d like to say that I remember it fondly but I only know tales from family and friends. I went straight to Loft, and I lived laughed loved loft a hell of a lot. I dabbled a bit for Broke @ Ice Factory (I was going through a post-uni crisis). I have been a few gigs held there and I am positively sure I had been to the odd electronic night (unintentionally, I’ve never been that cool). However, the Ice Factory as everyone knew and loved it when it came to its end, wasn’t a huge loss for me. I know it now though, it’s a super cool building, I’ve grown to totally admire it. It truly is a venue. There’s not really a space quite like it in Perth.
Now under new management, Stine Hope & Wayne Dunbar, Ice Factory is seeing a new lease of life (I know, how cliché). With some brilliant events lined up and a new Sunday Social, the venue is becoming more and more important to Perth by the day. Accompanying the actual music venue is; Inspire Rehearsal Rooms, The Velvet Lounge & Studios (prev. Ice Breaker Studios) and Pirrie dance studio. It’s also the home of my office, and a few others’ too. It’s becoming a hub of creativity in Perth, and that’s not me just tooting my own trumpet, I’m alright.
Recently hosting a jam-packed night with Kyle Falconer upstairs, then following that with a HUGE 28th Birthday bash for the Rhumba Club, there’s no stopping the venue. There’s loads going on and it’s definitely a space to watch…
Mella Dee will be master of the decks
As part of his Warehouse Music tour everyone’s favourite Doncaster export Mella Dee will be playing Ice Factory, who’ve bagged the lucky night of Friday 13th December. Renowned Edinburgh promoters Fly Club pair with Perth’s own Voyage to bring an unforgettable night, with Ryan Elliot coming along for the ride. This is Mella Dee’s Perth debut, so this is a party you’ll definitely want to attend.
Facebook event >> https://www.facebook.com/events/376354253026922/
The soulful sounds of Sulta
The master of eccentricity Denis Sulta is set to stop off in Perth for his Scottish Run tour with Fly Club on Saturday 21st December. He’s teased with the Perth crowd in his early days but now the disco-infused DJ is back on a whole new level. Last time around it was a complete sell-out and the demand for Sulta was HOT. Sulta has had an incredible year playing festivals and parties all across the world. He may be one for dropping an unorthodox tune here and there, but he’s certainly not one to be missed.
Facebook Event >> https://www.facebook.com/events/979359229091120/
Boxing Day Bash with Groovement & Voyage
It’s a tradition that’s on track to overtake Christmas, Boxing Day is now well and truly in the hands of Groovement and Voyage – and what a force to be reckoned with.
Test out the new Saturday night sliders you got from Santa (honestly though, I will…) and dance the Xmas family chaos away with the resident DJs on both sides, right where you should be, with your pals on Boxing Day. After a huge night with DJ Bone on Nov 2nd, there’s no doubt in any Perth party-goers mind that this lot deliver a crackin’ night right when we need them to.
Facebook Event >> https://www.facebook.com/events/419095972113155/
Bring in the New Year with Alan Fitzpatrick
The finale to 2019 at Ice Factory. The NightVision team have dropped none other than dark house horse Alan Fitzpatrick as the end of year headliner. This would have meant absolutely nothing to me a few years ago, look at me now (thank you Jo for teaching me everything I know). Joining him on this jam-packed-full-of-talent bill is Perth’s own Clouds, Ronnie Spiteri. Frazi.er, Alan Dobson and Groovement. Dundee’s Le Freak and Friends will also be taking care of the Hogmanay celebrations in the Courtyard.
Facebook Event >> https://www.facebook.com/events/625781284616616/
Sunday Socials Like No Other
During the month of December Perth’s Sunday Social will be back for 3 Christmas themed events. Running on December 1st, December 8th and December 15th.
The Yard Sunday Social is the Sunday event everyone needs in their lives. From live music, street food traders, to face painters, bars to a killa DJ all day. With a roster of previous performers including; Alan Carberry, Sophie & George Staniforth, Petra ‘MyPetRocket’ Jolly and Craig Weir it’s always a day bursting with talent.
The Yard offers the opportunity for local, new and/or less-experienced musicians to take to the stage, for their first step into the world of performance, giving them a wee confidence boost. As well as welcoming some much loved regular musicians to perform, because everyone loves a classic. A brilliant way to showcase new talent and supporting local artists. This Christmas The Yard will also be hosting market stallholders – local designers and makers from around the area. It’s also dug friendly, so you’d be daft to not go.
I’ve now been working with various people at Ice Factory on various different, cool projects*. So it served to fit for this to be my last piece of content as Discovery Music Management. Supporting a venue I know, love and care about. Now moving on to ventures new, my 16-month tenure at DM has come to an end. Through a couple of rebrands, new websites, new marketing materials, press events, gigs, interviews and the articles I did manage to write, it’s been a fucking blast (maybe one of the last times I ever get to swear in my content so fuck it).
However, since starting DM my life has been running like a rollercoaster, projects, businesses, business and now it’s time for me to hand the reigns over. Huge shout out to all the management team I have worked with over the last 16 months, all the writers at DM that make it fabulous. Martin the chief who has always been a brilliant friend and of course, the leading lass, my friend, partner in crime and exceptionally talented Jo Dargie. DM is incredible and has grown so much at the hands of so many amazing people, thank you all for your support.
Maybe I’ll be back for a bit of content or two next year if I have time, we’ll see…
Hollie’s most played in the office so far…
- Bang That // Disclosure
- Here’s Your Trance, Now Dance // Omar S
- Satisfaction (Isak Original Extended) // Benny Benassi, The Biz
- Fearing Love – Club Mix // Serge Devant
- Let It Happen (Soulwax Remix) // Tame Impala
*No money was exchanged for this article