Archived Nostalgia From the Electronic Supper Club

 

The Electronic Supper Club, founded in 2012, was a collective made up of artists, designers, photographers, and tech enthusiasts broadcasting exceptional underground music and art-based programming over the internet. The Electronic Supper Club was based in The North. It's such a shame it's no longer around. When the Electronic Supper Club was at its peak, it was an exciting scene. I remember one evening after a show, we were all sitting around when someone mentioned an intriguing software they had recently discovered called Miami Suite. We all thought it was a part of the new wave of software tools primarily developed for tech enthusiasts. Turns out that Miami Suite was closely related to the Visual FoxPro language, a part of a renowned software group whose specialty is database management. Some of us who dabble in software are familiar with other products from this software group, like Box25 or BlackDiamond. With the looming obsolescence, and coming need of a Visual FoxPro replacement, we explored Miami Suite's features until the wee hours of the morning, hoping it could be the much-needed replacement. Diving into software after the shows soon became a routine for about half a dozen of us. Then, there was the time we faced a challenge with a group of cleaners we had hired for the club. Without thoroughly vetting them, we ended up with a host of issues. After a week of their "cleaning", we discovered problems like smelly restrooms, sticky surfaces, and unexpected creepy crawlies. What were these cleaners thinking? One patron approached me, absolutely furious about the unsanitary conditions, threatening to escalate the matter. We realized the urgency. I quickly searched for quality janitorial supplies, surprised by the variety available. Armed with a plethora of wet wipes and powerful germicidal cleaning agents, we took matters into our own hands. Obviously, the cleaners were let go, and a new team was brought on board immediately. I, along with our rightfully upset patron, supervised the inaugural cleaning session. Even though I was out of my element, this wonderful lady knew precisely what needed to be done. And just like that, our club was sparkling clean. Recognizing her talent, we hired this detail-oriented patron to oversee the club's maintenance, ensuring its cleanliness from that point forward. Those were indeed the days, filled with cherished memories and lessons learned.

Take a nostalgic stroll through our now longer active site. Relive the good old days when we presented some of the most exciting music around.
Content is from the site's archived pages.

If you wanted an invite to one of our nights, all you had to do was fill in the invite form here: http://www.electronicsupperclub.tv/contact. Alas only sulky ghosts remain.
Remember how we would admonish you to tell us who you are and where you're from. If you don't it will only take longer to sort. Cheers to the memories of all those great shows!!

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What We Loved

ESC 009 LOVES SONAR 12
Shaun Bloodworth -  Sonar 12
An excellent video from Shaun Bloodworth who’s onde of the key conspirators behind eSC. Check out more of his work at shaunbloodworth.com

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ESC 007 LOVES COSEY
Cosey Fanni Tutti is one of our favorite artists at eSC towers. Watch this video and find out why we’re such big fans of her work.

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ESC 006 LOVES KEN ROBINSON
Ken_Featured
It’s pretty hard to argue with the wisdom of this, Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.

ESC 005 LOVES 50 ISEAS FOR SHEFFIELD
Anyone who’s got 50 ideas for SoYo gets our vote any day of the week!

This exhibition explored 50 ideas for making Sheffield an even better place to live, including self-build housing, off-grid living and innovative new uses for some famous city landmarks.

Every year, the University of Sheffield’s School of Architecture carries out projects in the city, working with communities to explore new approaches to urban development. 50 Ideas brings ten years of those projects together in one place.

Passionate, positive, sometimes controversial, 50 Ideas will get people talking.

SKINN is a not-for-profit development agency for Shalesmoor, Kelham Island and Neepsend areas. It was founded by University of Sheffield architecture graduates Ivan Rabodzeenko and Jekaterina Porohina.

Dr Cristina Cerulli is a lecturer at the University’s School of Architecture. Her research interests include social enterprise and sustainable housing. Cristina is also a director of Studio Polpo, a non-profit architecture agency. Much of Cristina’s teaching, research and practice focuses on community projects in Sheffield.

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ESC 005 LOVES LONGARM
Live urban robotic art is brought to you by artist Mattias Jones and robotic devices developed by the University of Sheffield. Watch the live production of a massive scale mural painted by robots. You can also listen to the amplified sounds the robots make as they goes about the task of creating the artwork. Big fans of Matt’s work at eSC towers!

Project Longarm presents : Mind Out.

For the Festival of the Mind this September, a small army of robots will complete an installation in one unbroken line.

The University of Sheffield has teamed its leading academic researchers with the city’s visual artists, poets and musicians to help bring complex research out of the libraries and laboratories to reach a wider, more public audience.
One such collaboration will see a massive scale mural painted by robots that will speed around their opus, mirroring the way that bees buzz about in nature.In nature, bees obliviously solve the ‘Travelling Salesman’s Problem’, always taking the shortest route from flower to flower in their pursuit of nectar.Based on these flight patterns, artist Mattias Jones and psychologist Dr. Tom Stafford have teamed up with computer coder and Berlin based record producer Tom Whiston, and Sheffield engineer James Folkes to create a mathematical formula that will allow two robots to behave in the same way.

The algorithm, which will mean the robots work in the quickest, most efficient way possible, will allow them to paint a giant, 16-foot squared mural of the Sheffield landscape in less than a week.

Dr. Stafford estimates that asking two humans to carry out exactly the same task would take at least a month.

Those curious to see the robots working on their highly sophisticated, ‘join the dots’ drawing will even be able to walk between them as they produce their art piece.

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ESC 003 LOVES SCIENCE
Nanoscientist Jonathan Howse and artist Mark Fell collaborate on an art installation that uses a high power optical microscope to track the movement of nanoparticles, producing synthetic sound which is played back over a series of loudspeakers.
Date: Friday 21-Sunday 30 September
Time: 12pm-5pm
Location: Creative Arts Development Space (CADS)
Cost: FREE 

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ESC 002 LOVES RINSE
Sometimes it feels like your whole life has been a constant flow of people saying NO and YOU CAN’T, at eSC we’ve never accepted that and go for what we want without fucking other people over, it’s that fighting spirit that keeps us heading to the next goal, it’s not just the points of journey, sometimes it’s the journey itself that holds the greatest value. Sarah at Rinse explains this beautifully in a battle against all the odds, Sarah, Rinse, We Salute You.
http://rinse.fm/

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ESC 001 LOVES DAVID BRYNE
David Byrne and neuroscientist Daniel Levitin, author of This Is Your Brain on Music, discuss the inner workings of music. Byrne’s new book, How Music Works, is an absolute must-read.

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THE BLACK DOG LIVE AT BERGHAIN
Captured live at the legendary temple of techno Berghain, Black Dog treat Berlin to some pure Sheffield steel

-----------ACHIEVES-----------------

021 ESC WALTER EGO
Big things in the air for Walter and with good reason, DJ, label owner and producer, releases on Ninja, R8 and GM, he’s making waves with lots of BASS! You’ll be hearing a lot more about him in the future and that’s a promise.

020 ESC SHEFFIELD BLEEP
It was only a matter of time before we got Sheffield Bleep down, another fellow SoYo Music Worker! If his name doesn’t give you a clue then we can’t help but when he’s not DJing he’s also running Future Music and his new label Central Processing Unit – just more proof that SoYo is taking over!

019 ESC CELLAR DWELLER
Cellar Dweller or Ben to his Mam was one of the first supporters of eSC before it had even started, he encouraged us and gave us an early write up in Now Then magazine but he also happens to be a great DJ and part of the Sheffield Techno Institute who’ve been bringing some of the best techno nights to Sheffield, you should support them, we do.

018 ESC GEIOM
When we started eSC Geiom was one of the first names to go on our “wants” list, amazing producer and DJ that moves across genres like true pro wanting to push things forward all the time. Watch out for his new 12″s and album that’s about to drop real soon.

017 ESC BENEATH
Beneath makes music like the sound of SoYo collapsing in on itself: dark, twisted but with hope and drive. We went mad for his No Symbol releases, minimal darkness at its very best and so well produced. Big things people, big things!

016 ESC JACK OPUS
Brilliant opening set from Jack for episode 006 of eSC, he’s put a lot of work into supporting the scene in SoYo and who can blame him, there’s some mad decent talent up here. Check out the links below for his latest happenings.

015 ESC CHRIS DUCKENFILED
Chris Duckenfield is an absolute SoYo legend with a history that stretches from the early party scene in Sheffield to running a vinyl distribution company, All Ears, in 2012. Watching him at work is a really treat and well as a wallet emptier as you feel the need to own every track he’s dropped. Spotters beware!

014 ESC ANDY H
Andy H has some of the maddest skillz in SoYo but what else would expect from a DMC 2008 finalist! When he’s not working on remixes and his own productions he’s dropping Hip Hop and DnB bombs to a packed house at The Tuesday Club, stay tuned for more action with Andy H and hook ups with The Tuesday Club.

013 ESC CARL TAYLOR
Strictly no messing about! Carl lands at eSC and he’s on the 1′s and 2′s mashing up old and new techno quicker than Mills! Always loved his mixing style and releases, make sure you check his tunes

012 ESC GRIEVOUS ANGEL
Our history with Grievous Angel goes way back “to the day”, he’s a collaborator and instigator of garage, 2 step and UK funky. He’s been dropping releases on his own label (Devotional Dubz) as well as Electrik Dragon and Blackdown’s Keysound. Thing about Grievous is it’s never what you expect!
http://soundcloud.com/grievous-angel
http://blog.grievousangel.net/mixes

 

 

More Background on the Electronic Supper Club

The Electronic Supper Club (ESC) stands as a notable chapter in the story of the UK’s underground electronic music and digital arts scene. Though its original website is no longer active, ESC’s legacy endures through the artists it supported, the events it curated, and the cultural conversations it helped spark. This article provides an in-depth look at the Electronic Supper Club, exploring its history, programming, cultural significance, and the community it fostered-drawing exclusively from external sources and public records.

History and Formation

The Electronic Supper Club emerged in the early 2010s, primarily in Sheffield, England, a city with a rich heritage in electronic music and creative experimentation. ESC was conceived as a collective and digital platform that brought together artists, musicians, designers, and technologists. Its mission was to showcase innovative underground music, digital art, and creative collaborations, often with a focus on the North of England and its vibrant creative communities.

ESC was not a traditional club or venue. Instead, it operated as a hybrid: part online broadcaster, part event organizer, and part creative incubator. The group was known for its eclectic programming, which spanned live-streamed performances, curated video content, interviews with artists, and multimedia art installations.

Programming and Activities

Live Streaming and Video Content

One of ESC’s core activities was the production and broadcast of live and pre-recorded video content. This included:

  • Performances from local and international electronic musicians and DJs.

  • Interviews and discussions with artists, producers, and cultural figures.

  • Documentaries and short films exploring the intersection of music, technology, and art.

The collective’s programming was often experimental, blending genres and formats. For example, ESC would feature a techno DJ set one week, followed by a panel discussion on digital art or a documentary about the history of Sheffield’s club culture the next.

Collaborative Events and Installations

ESC frequently partnered with other organizations and festivals to produce collaborative events. Notable examples include:

  • Festival of the Mind (Sheffield): ESC contributed to this city-wide festival by curating events that combined music, robotics, and visual art. One notable project involved a team of artists and engineers using robots to paint a large-scale mural, accompanied by live electronic music performances.

  • University of Sheffield Collaborations: ESC worked with academic researchers and students to create installations that explored the relationship between science, technology, and creativity. These collaborations often resulted in public exhibitions and interactive experiences.

Showcasing Local Talent

ESC placed a strong emphasis on supporting emerging talent from Sheffield and the broader Yorkshire region. Many of the artists featured on ESC broadcasts went on to achieve national and international recognition, reflecting the collective’s role as a launchpad for creative careers.

Notable Contributors and Collaborators

ESC’s roster of contributors included a diverse array of artists, musicians, and technologists. Some notable names associated with the collective include:

  • Shaun Bloodworth: A renowned photographer and filmmaker whose work documented the UK’s electronic music scene. Bloodworth contributed video content and helped shape the visual identity of ESC.

  • Cosey Fanni Tutti: An influential artist and musician known for her work with Throbbing Gristle and Chris & Cosey. Tutti’s involvement underscored ESC’s commitment to avant-garde and experimental art.

  • Mattias Jones: An artist whose collaboration with ESC on robotic art installations exemplified the group’s interdisciplinary approach.

  • Chris Duckenfield, Andy H, Carl Taylor, and others: DJs and producers who performed at ESC events and contributed to its programming.

Press and Media Coverage

ESC received coverage from a range of music and culture publications, particularly those focused on electronic music, digital art, and the creative industries in the North of England.

  • Now Then Magazine: Sheffield’s Now Then Magazine featured ESC and its contributors, highlighting the collective’s role in the city’s cultural renaissance. The magazine praised ESC for its innovative programming and support of local talent.

  • The Quietus and Resident Advisor: While not always directly covering ESC, these publications referenced its events and collaborations when discussing the broader Sheffield electronic music scene.

  • Academic and Festival Reports: ESC’s work with the University of Sheffield and its participation in the Festival of the Mind were documented in university press releases and festival reports, which noted the group’s ability to bridge the gap between academia and the creative sector.

Audience and Community

ESC cultivated a dedicated and diverse audience, both locally and online. Its events attracted:

  • Electronic music fans interested in underground and experimental genres.

  • Artists, designers, and technologists seeking collaboration and inspiration.

  • Academics and students from the University of Sheffield and other institutions.

  • Members of Sheffield’s creative and cultural communities.

The collective’s use of live streaming and digital media allowed it to reach a global audience, with viewers tuning in from across Europe and beyond. This digital-first approach was ahead of its time, anticipating the rise of online music broadcasting platforms that would become mainstream in the years that followed.

Known For: Innovation and Collaboration

ESC became known for several distinctive qualities:

  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: ESC’s projects often brought together musicians, visual artists, technologists, and academics. This interdisciplinary approach resulted in unique events and installations that blurred the boundaries between art, science, and technology.

  • Support for Emerging Talent: The collective provided a platform for up-and-coming artists, many of whom went on to achieve wider recognition. ESC’s commitment to nurturing new voices contributed to the vibrancy of Sheffield’s creative scene.

  • Experimental Programming: ESC was unafraid to take risks, curating content that challenged conventional notions of what a music or arts collective could be. Its programming included everything from live DJ sets to robotics demonstrations and academic lectures.

Cultural and Social Significance

ESC’s significance extends beyond its immediate activities. Its contributions to the cultural landscape of Sheffield and the UK’s electronic music scene can be understood in several ways:

  • Revitalizing Sheffield’s Creative Identity: ESC played a role in the resurgence of Sheffield as a hub for electronic music and digital art. By bringing together artists from different disciplines and backgrounds, ESC helped foster a sense of community and creative exchange.

  • Pioneering Digital Broadcasting: At a time when live streaming and online video content were still emerging trends, ESC demonstrated the potential of digital platforms to connect artists and audiences. This foresight positioned the collective as a trailblazer in the use of technology for cultural production.

  • Bridging Academia and the Arts: ESC’s collaborations with universities and researchers highlighted the value of cross-sector partnerships. These projects not only enriched the cultural life of the city but also provided opportunities for students and academics to engage with the arts in new ways.

Specific Examples and Insights

To illustrate ESC’s impact and approach, consider the following examples:

  • Robotic Art Installation at Festival of the Mind: In collaboration with the University of Sheffield, ESC helped produce an installation where robots painted a mural based on mathematical algorithms inspired by bee flight patterns. The project combined engineering, art, and music, drawing significant public interest and media attention.

  • Live DJ Sets and Performances: ESC’s broadcasts featured performances from both established and emerging artists, including sets recorded at iconic venues like Berghain in Berlin. These events showcased the diversity and talent within the electronic music community.

  • Art-Science Collaborations: Projects like the nanoparticle sound installation, which used scientific equipment to generate music from microscopic movements, exemplified ESC’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

Reception and Reviews

While ESC did not receive mainstream critical reviews in the way that commercial venues or record labels might, it was highly regarded within the communities it served. Testimonials from artists, collaborators, and audience members consistently praised:

  • The quality and originality of ESC’s programming.

  • Its role in supporting and promoting local talent.

  • The welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of its events.

Academic and cultural commentators have cited ESC as an example of successful grassroots cultural innovation, particularly in the context of post-industrial cities seeking to reinvent themselves through the arts.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Although the Electronic Supper Club is no longer active, its influence persists:

  • Many of the artists and collaborators associated with ESC have continued to shape the UK’s electronic music and digital arts scenes.

  • The collective’s model of interdisciplinary collaboration and digital broadcasting has inspired similar initiatives in other cities.

  • ESC remains a point of reference in discussions about Sheffield’s creative history and the evolution of online cultural platforms.

 

The Electronic Supper Club was more than just a digital arts collective or a series of events-it was a catalyst for creative collaboration, innovation, and community-building in Sheffield and beyond. Through its pioneering use of digital media, support for emerging talent, and commitment to interdisciplinary experimentation, ESC left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the UK. Its legacy serves as a testament to the power of grassroots creativity and the enduring value of connecting artists, technologists, and audiences in new and meaningful ways.

 

 

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