While New Year's Eve remains an occasion for countdowns, fireworks, glitz and glamour, New Year's Day has taken on a life of its own. Typically one for the more discerning clubber, the first day of each year sees dancefloors packed with people starting January in much the same way as they finished the last, and Bristol's In:Motion wears the crown for consistently delivering the most exciting and innovative ways to usher in a new year.
2017 will be no different. Spread across six rooms and with more than 30 artists performing, Motion Skate Park will be this year's destination for a journey through the record collection of some of the industry's most revered artists. The 14-hour party will be headlined by Ben Klock and Tale of Us, two outstanding outfits at the peak of their powers at two ends of the techno spectrum. Whereas Ben Klock's stellar 2016 has seen him develop his typical relentless techno and acid sets, the Afterlife label bosses have made a synth-driven, melodic sound their own.
Such variation runs right through the In:Motion line-up, which also includes a live performance from KiNK, and a set from Glaswegian party-starter Jackmaster. All four are fresh from dominating polls from Resident Advisor, DJ Mag and Mixmag, and with good reason.
Alongside more established names are some of dance music's fastest rising stars. Gerd Janson has long been championed as the DJ's DJ but his electic selections of house, techno and disco are now getting the recognition they deserve across the clubbing community. Likewise Helena Hauff, whose sets for Mixmag In:Session and at the Peacock Society have marked her out as a DJ unafraid to take risks.
Steffi will look to bring a slice of Berghain to Bristol and ascendant Ukrainian Nastia continues the multi-faceted ‘Propaganda' project which has captured imaginations across Europe. Elsewhere there are performances from Jeremy Underground, Axel Boman and ItaloJohnson for those seeking a solid groove and some signature house cuts.
It really is an exhaustive list and promises to be an immersive experience inside the Bristol warehouse. 2016 has seen some ups and some more considerable downs but In:Motion's New Year's Day affair is an outstanding start to a hopefully much better year.
In:Motion takes place in Bristol's Motion Skate Park on Sunday 1 January. Head over to RA for more info.
WORDS | Jonno Coll
