Antwerp Mansion is widely known as a sweaty, crumbling haven for Manchester’s (overflowing) student population and grungy ravers. A wonderful, (wired), welcoming place; hosting musical displays from leading up-and-coming DJs, as well as some of the best that the scene has to offer. Recently, the Panda Riot Crew took over with aims to help local students celebrate their A-Level results, or by the same token get messy enough to forget what grades they got in the first place; they took a different angle this time around dragging us straight into 'FunkyTown' with none other than Craig Charles & Metrodome.
Panda Riot nights in the past have included appearances from the likes of bassline legend Burgaboy and our regional King of bass Chimpo; as well as many more hard hitting names including Strategy and Black Josh. It’s safe to say a key theme to their events is that tasty Mancunian flavour we all know and love, coming not only from the unique, eclectic venues, but also from DJs themselves.
This time round however, with the change of genre came a change in theme, and it was Craig Charles, Liverpool’s legendary Funk & Soul man who mashed up the dance; playing a set that got everybody shaking batty on the dance floor. He dropped a host of tracks, ranging from old school classics to later releases in funk music, having almost everybody stumbling around screaming slightly incorrect lyrics into inflatable microphones, having the time of their lives.
On 18th August 2016 as the masses arrived, geared up in their grooviest outfits ready for a night of boogying, results day’s traumas were put aside; Everyone forgot about the future, instead looking to the 80s, letting their intoxicated minds take them on a journey back in time.
Where did your passion for this genre come from?
Well I was very much influenced by my father. He came to England in the late 50s from British Guiana, so whilst most families were listening to the likes of the Beatles, at home I was listening to Harry Belafonte, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and a whole other host of artists. So I guess from a young age I was just grooving to different beats from this golden era of Black-American music.
Do you think there is a gap for funk and soul in Manchester’s nightlife, which is currently so dominated by underground dance music?
It’s not really a question of whether there is space, as funk and soul is everywhere in Manchester. I think that lots of young people may think that this genre is more old school, but that’s really not the case as there are loads of artists releasing new tracks. My sets are generally a mixture of classic funk and soul tracks, often covered by current leading DJs, with the latest releases.
What do you think of Antwerp as a venue?
I think that there is a really good vibe here. The graffiti and everything gives it its own unique feeling, and no one is scared of getting a bit sweaty on the dancefloor! Even I couldn’t resist leaving the decks for a second to have a blast on an inflatable guitar!
Photography: Josh Bannister
Editor: Paddy Roberts