This introduction is actually something of a re-introduction. The Alter lads, led by Nick and Jamie Collins, put on their first parties at Wire just over a year ago: murky, mid-week underground raves featuring Tin Man, Oliver Ho and Matt Walsh whose success allowed them to move onto Mint Club for a few more glamorous affairs. This September, they’re back in our basement. We chatted to Nick, who goes under the moniker Animist for his resident DJ sets at Alter, ahead of Saturday’s first event with Berlin’s Marcel Fengler.
Tell us a bit about yourselves – who is behind the running of Alter?
We’re a bunch of mates! We’re made up of mostly current and ex-Leeds students.
When did the night form? How did your first few events go?
We launched the event in February of 2015, initially at Wire as a mid-week party, then moved to Mint on weekends. Having put on some memorable parties and built up a incredible family of like-minded ravers, we’re super excited to embark on the next chapter and return to Wire, this time with a new monthly weekend residency.
What was your vision for the event in the beginning? Was there a specific inspiration when setting it up?
The name alludes to altered states of consciousness, total immersion, and psychedelia. Conceptually, we’ve tried to capture and bottle those rare and elusive moments when you find yourself completely lost in the music. We approach the branding, bookings, programming, and artwork with this in mind.
Your lineups have been dominated by Berghain residents and artists operating out of Berlin (Efdemin, Function, Mathew Jonson etc). Tell us about your experiences clubbing in the German capital. What makes it so special for you? Are you able to reproduce the experience at home?
Our bookings have been made on the basis of how well they align with our ethos first and foremost. It’s no coincidence that a lot of them happen to be from or based in Berlin! Berlin is a unique city with a unique history and set of conditions which have enabled the scene to flourish in the way that it has. Our own experiences in the city have been memorable, eye-opening and inspiring.
What was your access point into the techno genre? Do you remember when you first fell for it?
I have to credit Fabric for that. #savefabric
You seem to be intent on helping people to lose their minds during the club night. Is this tripped out atmosphere the essence of clubbing for you? Do you seek escapism above anything?
I think it’s certainly a big part of the clubbing experience. There is something primal and and transcendent in coming together and losing yourself in repetitive electronic music.
Have you got any plans to keep up the Transit releases? How did you find setting up a label?
The label has been put on hold for now but we could certainly revive it at some point. It’s very much a labour of love and we are currently juggling a few projects.
How has Leeds influenced what you do, in both musical and party-throwing terms? What do you enjoy most about doing parties here?
We’ve been going for over a year now and have learnt so much about this business. What we love about Leeds is the unpretentious, up for it crowds. All the artists we’ve booked have commented on how much they’ve enjoyed playing at our parties.
What has been your proudest moment as a promoter with Alter?
The birthday party has been our highlight so far. It was an incredible party, not just musically but in terms of the vibe and the energy people brought. Everyone singing happy birthday at the end after Phase’s last tune was a proud moment indeed.
What are you listening to at the moment? Is there any new music that we should be on?
There’s so much good music out there. The output of relative newcomers, Artefakt and Boston168 is outstanding, and worth a mention.
What do you think is the future of techno? It has always been a futuristic genre – but do you think there will come a point when producers, DJs and promoters stop looking forward? What is the purpose of techno in 2016?
There is something quite timeless about the 4:4 rhythm and I don’t see it going out of fashion any time soon. One of the things I love about techno is its ability to innovate and assimilate new ideas and apply it to this underlying framework. I don’t think artists or musicians will ever stop looking forward. Culture would grind to a standstill if they did. Whenever you see nostalgia nights harking back to a golden age popping up in any given musical genre, that’s usually indicative of a lack of new ideas and hence the genre’s decline. However, new things always come up in their place – underground and counter cultural movements see to that. I see techno as well and truly in this category, precisely because it’s so forward looking.
