“Since starting Unorthodox early last year, we’ve sat tight and waited for the moment we can finally bring the community together. The event is titled A Brave New World as we are entering into a new social era and, with that, we are bringing the next generation of drum and bass events. Unorthodox is open to everyone, we are non-exclusionary and we want to show the scene how else drum and bass can be enjoyed. So get your friends together and come party with us!” – Nathan X

LGBTQ+ drum & bass platform Unorthodox will host their first full rave this week.

Following a socially distanced soft launch last September, this Friday, August 20, at Peckham Audio, South London, Nathan X, MC Chickaboo, Emmy, Pinks, Clarkus, Ayebaitari and Undisclosed will host the brand’s official launch party.

Expect the full-strength, post-lockdown energy and fabulous carnage Nathan X imagined when he launched Unorthodox at the start of 2020.

“It was just a small idea at the time, I did a post in a big D&B forum to gage interest,” Nathan told us in an extensive interview last month. “At the time I didn’t think it would be so political but I think it’s the most commented post in that group in all of history! It was mental what happened!”

800+ comments later (most of which of a knucklehead homophobic nature) Unorthodox is Nathan’s response: The first platform in drum & bass dedicated to promoting and supporting queer and non binary artists and creating an inclusive, safe and unified space for all ravers.

“I think D&B just has a bit of a negative stigma attached to it for outsiders of the scene and the wider queer community,” Nathan explained to us last month. “A lot of my queer friends who go to the more standard queer events, such as Heaven, will say, ‘Well it’s a bit rough, I don’t think it’s quite my scene it feels a bit macho.’ That’s the stigma attached to it. That’s the reason why it’s not so integrated and there’s not such a cross over between D&B and the queer scene.”

Progress and change is happening. This week’s Unorthodox event is actually the second LGBTQ+ drum & bass party in the UK capital this month as Ayebaitari also hosted her first Queer Rave in Ridley Road Market Bat, Dalston on August 1. The brave new world begins now.

Tickets and info can be found on the Unorthodox website. We asked each artist involved for a little pre-rave hype….

MC Chickaboo

“I’m very excited about this party! I’m also feeling emotional as it’s the first time this kind of event is happening, I’m extremely proud of the Unorthodox crew and Nathan X for showing such bravery. It’s a movement that’s needed to happen for so long and I’m very grateful to be involved. Queer D&B is here to stay!”

Nathan X

“Since starting Unorthodox early last year, we’ve sat tight and waited for the moment we can finally bring the community together. The event is titled A Brave New World as we are entering into a new social era and, with that, we are bringing the next generation of drum and bass events. Unorthodox is open to everyone, we are non-exclusionary and we want to show the scene how else drum and bass can be enjoyed. So get your friends together and come party with us!”

Clarkus

“Words can’t quite describe my excitement to see our amazing community on the dancefloor at the first proper Unorthodox event! I can’t wait to see all of the other artists perform and bring mine and Pinks’ High energy set at the end of the night!”

Emmy

“I’m looking forward to the show mainly because I love the energy and diversity that comes with any Unorthodox event… Drum and bass with drag? You can’t go wrong! It will really be an evening like no other. There aren’t many queer Drum and Bass events, so the evening will be extra special for the lgbtq community!”

Pinks

“I can’t wait to play and dance at an event where I can safely and unapologetically be myself.”

Ayebaitari

“We definitely need more safe spaces for Queer ravers, so I’m super excited to be playing at this Unorthodox event! More inclusivity and diversity is so needed within the bass music scene, particularly Jungle/ Drum and Bass, which is why I created my own night called Queer Rave too! It is so important and I’m very thrilled to see even more of these movements coming into existence!!!”

Undisclosed

“I’d like to thank Nathan X for the opportunity to perform for such an inspiring brand, I believe the work being done with Unorthodox is extremely important for the scene! Bring on the show!”

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