interview: Addie Kenogbon photo: Fabrice Gagos Illustration: Karla Novak
On the House It was only when the world came to a crashing halt and gig venues, clubs and record shops were forced to shut their doors, that people realised just how important music is in bringing us all together. But out of that dark period came the resurrection of Myhouse Yourhouse. Part-online gig, part community and part virtual venue, it entertained over 80,000 listeners during the last twelve months, raising huge amounts for charity in the process. Addie Kenogbon talked to creator and Notts DJ Alex Traska and DJ and events organiser Jaaki Denton to find out just how this Nottingham subculture became a beacon for mental health awareness, hope and togetherness... The emotional and mental health benefits of music is something that has sparked debate for centuries. But, if you’re still sceptical of its all-encompassing powers, you need only look to the current pandemic to really see how music has been a driving force for togetherness and lifting spirits across the globe. Whether that’s the now iconic images of Italians playing instruments and singing from their balconies at the start of the pandemic last year, or the many bands and musicians that live streamed DJ sets, live performances and festivals to millions across social media. You’d be hard pushed to find someone whose
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mental health hasn’t been affected by the pandemic over the past year, but according to recent research by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the Industry organisation for recorded music in the UK, 94% of Brits stated that music had helped to lift their mood during lockdown, while 91% of those surveyed said they felt music had helped them to escape and forget their problems. Here in Nottingham, one particular subculture has been especially instrumental in helping to lift the spirits of music lovers across the city, providing a haven for them to come together, in the name of music from the comfort of their homes.
Nottingham’s underground house scene is one that has roots as far reaching as the early nineties, with the city often regarded as one of the global epicentres of deep house. But, as the pandemic ravaged the nation, a series of lockdowns over the past year forced many venues across the city to close their doors, and a void was left within the city and the hearts of Nottingham’s underground house community. Once boasting an electric calendar of regular events, the city’s nightlife came to a halt, and with it many were left feeling lost without the comforts of the community they had called home for so many years.