Substanz

Originally scheduled to be an outdoor, day-to-night-time party in the grounds of Kelburn Castle near Largs in Ayrshire, licensing restrictions have forced the Substanz party on September 3rd indoors. However, the night remains an enticing proposition thanks to a line-up boasting the talents of Clive Henry, Circo Loco resident and formerly one-half of production duo, Peace Division, Brummie DJ/producer and all-round hot prospect, Subb-An as well as Sheffield legend, Chris Duckenfield, not to mention Glasgow’s own, Silicone Soul, MASH and of course the Substanz residents.  In the run-up to the event, Pulse’s Colin Chapman caught up with promoter/organiser Pat Gallagher.

Pulse: Can you tell us a bit about Substanz? How long how you been organising events and where have you held them? Who are the resident DJs’ and what type of music do they focus on? Substanz:  My business partner, Barry started Substanz about eleven years ago, holding one-off parties in Falkirk and at Loch Lomond. I met him and joined Substanz about four years after, initially helping with these events, then with the opening of two secret after-hours venues in Glasgow’s east end, which were extremely successful. This past year and a half has seen us move closer to a new venue closer to the city centre which has proved so popular that we have to turn people away every week.  Barry and I are the residents as well as Scott Byrne, a DJ who’s been involved in Glasgow’s club scene for a number of years now. The music centres on house and techno but within this varies depending on the night we’re hosting; you can bet that we like to build it up and deliver it perfectly for the crowd and their reaction creates an amazing vibe, the kind you only really get from an underground night like ours.

Your main emphasis seems to be on after-parties – which nights in Glasgow have you organised these for and who have you had play at them? Have their guest DJs made appearances at Substanz and if so who?  Both Barry and I love Glasgow’s house and techno scene and have been fortunate to host some talented DJs over the past eighteen months including Ben Klock, Spencer Parker, Maetrik/Maceo Plex, Craig Richards, Slam, Dominic Capello and many more well respected names.

In a city where club licenses only run till 3am, how important do you think it is to have an after-party scene? What kind of feedback have you had from clubbers, DJs and promoters in Glasgow?  It’s really important; it gives people a place to go where they’re safe and can have a good time, surrounded by like-minded people. The licensing laws in Glasgow are stale and prehistoric, there needs to be some change because the city’s hospitality scene isn’t benefitting and neither are the public. We have a great crowd; it’s more like a big family, we don’t allow idiots or tolerate any bad behaviour and people appreciate that, so there’s always a fun and friendly atmosphere. The clubbers love our nights and people regularly tell us how much they enjoy Substanz. Promoters and DJ’s share our mindset and most, if not all have passed through our doors at some point or another.

Tell us a bit more about your forthcoming night at The Arches – how did it come about? It was originally planned to be held in the grounds of Kelburn Castle near Largs, wasn’t it? What was the reason for the change of venue?  I had the idea of holding an event at Kelburn Castle for some time and had been waiting for the right time to organise it. It’s a great venue and with what we had planned, I think the atmosphere and the night would have been something amazing. Unfortunately, we’ve been forced to change venue because the local council have received a complaint about the state of a 200 year-old pine tree in the grounds and have to carry out an assessment to see if it’s unsafe. The Earl of Glasgow who owns the castle wants to try to save it so no events can go ahead until things have been sorted out. It’s unfortunate but these things happen; personally I hope they can save the tree so that we can all get the chance to dance round it some time in the future!

 You’ve got Clive Henry, Subb-an, Silicone Soul and MASH playing at The Arches - what were your reasons for booking them?  Silicone Soul and MASH are extremely talented DJs who we’ve been listening to for years and have played some of the best sets I’ve heard. Subb-an is someone special; his mixes and tracks are nothing short of superb and Clive Henry, well there’s no explanation needed, he’s a legend!

What are your future plans for Substanz? Are more large-scale events in the pipeline?  There’s a lot more in the pipeline, a lot more, be afraid!  

Substanz Kelburn Party
The Arches, Glasgow
Saturday September 3rd
11pm-3am
For tickets and info, head here

Listen to Subb An on Pulse