QX Preview: Orange

Orange is back this weekend, and juicier than ever!


Sunday night after-hours party Orange is well known as one of the city’s most hedonistic and outrageous nighttime affairs! Even Kate Moss would be shocked, and she’s had more parties than you’ve had hot dinners. Well on July 22nd it’s gonna be even more hedonistic than ever, as one of their DJs Sordid Soundz (aka Ian Donaldson of Bronski Beat) celebrates his birthday.We had a chat with him to get the lowdown!


Hey Ian – it’s nearly your birthday! What’s the best thing you’ve done this year?

Well it’s been a busy year. After twenty years of playing on the scene at clubs like Heaven, Crash, Beyond and all the Soho bars, I had taken a few years off and as a member of the band Bronski Beat since the 90s. I was talked back into producing with Steve Bronski again. That resulted in us re-recording the Age Of Consent, with new vocalist Stephen Granville. My passion for music came back, and I started releasing tracks as Sordid Soundz, got invited to play over in Amsterdam at ADE end of last year. I made contacts and have ended up releasing lots of tracks for different labels this year. The Orange team picked up on what I was doing and invited me to play for them again! Craig, Louise & the team have been so supportive, and I can’t thank them enough! The Birthday bash will see me DJing and a host of different performers doing tracks I currently am releasing.

And what’s the worst thing you’ve done this year?

Trying to organize the gig with several tracks to promote while my mum is visiting and having my kitchen re-done all at the same time!

Gosh. Something we ask all interviewees – what’s your hangover food of choice?

If I can face food, usually a full English always works!

For readers who don’t know, give us an idea of your sound.

I’ve always leaned towards the more funky sound, sometimes disco or a more tough filtered sound. Saying that, I always like to throw in some classics and crowd pleasers.

Finally, talk us through your plan for your set at Orange.

It’s going to be six hours of quality house, mixed with live performances. I managed to get Melleefresh & Billy Newton-Davis to come over from Canada to perform our new tracks. Stephen Granville, Suzanna Dee & Eddy Queens will also be performing tracks I’ve produced so it’s going to be a fun filled night…oh yeah, did I mention it’s my birthday? Lol XXX

Orange is open every Sunday from midnight till 6am in Protocol, part of the Fire complex. £13/£8 conc till 4am. Advance tickets at www.orangenation.co.uk

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