Mad Racket 12th Birthday

Celebrating its 12th Birthday this October is Sydney’s very own Mad Racket. While many parties have struggled to stay afloat, Racket continues to go from strength to strength, gaining momentum and new followers with every party while maintaining the vibe and crew that has been essential in it’s success. The four Racketeers - Zootie, Jimmi James, Ken Cloud and Simon Caldwell - have continued to bring fresh (and classic!) sounds to Sydney audiences with the help of local, interstate and international artists handpicked to compliment the Racket ethos. Pulse’s Casey van Reyk caught up with Simon Caldwell ahead of this week’s party to chat about Mad Racket’s humble beginnings, it’s ever-so bright future and the growing memory-bank of good times had.

Pulse: 12 years of Mad Racket! Can you believe it? Simon Caldwell: Not really... I suppose it is a long time in nightclub world. Nightclub years are like dog years I think.

Tell us about the Racket crew. Has it always been the 4 of you? Yes always the same four - Jimmi, Ken, Zootie and me. We have been together longer than the Beatles I believe. We don't mention Yoko.

What was the first Racket like and who played? The first one was at Waverley Squash Club in Bondi Junction, hence the name. Just the four of us played. Unfortunately they didn't let us on the courts, despite the fact that we were all dressed very sportily.

Are you still seeing some of the same faces, 12 years on? Yes there are a few beautiful, well-aged people who still grace the dancefloor after all this time.

Do you think the Sydney music scene has affected Racket in anyway, or have you guys always done your own thing? I think we've pretty much done our own thing, and stayed a bit separate to the mainstream club scene.

Have you got any personal favourites in terms of parties or sets? After so many parties it's hard to pick favourites, but there are a few standouts among many good ones. The Herbert formal at our first New Year's party and Jamie Lidell playing live on the bowling green.

Who would you love to see play at Racket? Mike Banks.

So the birthday party is this Saturday, what have you got in store? We have a great guest, Daniel Bell. We've wanted to get him at Racket for a long time, so we are really looking forward to that. We are pressing our high school uniforms in readiness. Plus the Locker Lounge is open, featuring Jamie Lloyd, Noel Boogie and 'The' Sinclair. I'm not sure who's bringing the cake...

Are you ready for 12 more years? Umm... we'll see. The math’s is scary!

Daniel Bell headlines Mad Racket's 12th Birthday this Saturday the 23rd of October at the Marrickville Bowling Club. Check out the event page for more info.