OFF is the intrepid new nightlife concept exploding into the Steel Yard next weekend. At a time when we’ve never been more divided, DJ Pagano’s OFF has the commendable goal of bringing us all together – well, within the LGBTQ+ scene at least.
With a dedicated team of DJs and promoters who hail from a range of countries, subcultures and genders, OFF wants to shrug off the shackles of tribalism and infighting, and help us all feel the love. We spoke to superstar mixer and one of OFF’s founders DJ Pagano, to find out more.
Hey Francesco! Tell us about the concept of OFF.
When Firas and I decided to put on a party together, the first thing we discussed was that we wanted to divert from the usual parameters of the popular LGBTQ+ events on offer during the last 10 years. With the team we all agreed that we wanted to do something different, something unusual… something OFF! Then we got wasted and everything felt and looked OFF, and there you go: it’s a party!
Why did you decide to start it?
We had been talking about it for years but for one reason or another we couldn’t do it. Then things changed, the time felt right. So we sat down and contacted some of our favourite people in the industry. Everybody involved has the right attitude and in the end all we want is to have a good time and do something we feel proud of.
What kind of crowd are you expecting?
The ultimate goal is to bring together the East and South London crowds and all niches of the LGBTQ+ scene for a house and techno party. Just like it used to be before it all got fragmented in a million subcultures. The world is divided enough at present and as a community we are under attack in many countries more than ever. So for one night let’s just celebrate who we are without any compromises or fear of being judged. Everyone is welcome if they bring the right party attitude!
And the music?
We will always try to select DJs from the gay and straight scene that you would not usually find in the same line-up. Joining me for the launch night we have the talented Terry Vietheer (a long time affiliate of Little Gay Brothers), the brilliant Hannah Holland (a regular at Panorama Bar/Berghain in Berlin and East London Adonis) and for the closing set we have the gay scene debut of Frederick & Kusse, one of the most dynamic production duos to emerge from the straight scene during the last year. To spice things up we have on board the very creative artists Nullo (the collaboration between Parma Ham and Salvia). These are all very talented individuals, but it also helps that they are all lovely people too!
And finally, what are your plans for the future?
Let’s all have a good time at this first party, and if the people ask for more, we’ll give them more! In the meantime I have a crazy DJ schedule for the end of the year and the beginning of 2020 that will see me trotting from Europe to the USA and back. It’s definitely all going OFF!
DJ Pagano’s OFF is on Saturday 14th December at The Steel Yard, AllHallows Lane, EC4R 3UE. Earlybird and first release tickets sold out, second release tickets £17.50, available now. QXTickets.com
OFF-Meet the Team
NADIM AOUN
Former Beyond and Heaven promoter, Nadim Aoun has promoted some iconic production-led parties over the years including 12 hour Ministry of Sound marathons. He joins the team to help bring another angle on an already perfect concept.
SERGIO SARDO
Trough London extraordinaire, Sergio Sardo, joins the team, bringing his signature erotica to the night. OFF London welcomes all, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get down and dirty in the Steel Yard arches while we party.
NULLO
Gorgeous duo Parma and Salvia are NULLO, defying genre and gender as they bring their unique visual and sonorous form of art to the Steel Yard.
JESUS
Live, laugh, love! Jesus (no not that one) is joining Off to bring his philosophy of life – loving the concept of having a queer space where everyone is welcome, where techno plays loud and with a vibrant rave atmosphere, and being part of all of this.
CHRIS LINE
Chris Line is the friendly face you’ll love to know. As he joins the team, taking over entry duties, he proves you don’t have to be as mean as Sven from Berghain to run a club door properly.
MIKELE CORZATO
Having managed the likes of WE Party and Matinee, and promoted A:M Afterhours in it’s prime, Mikele Corzato is a keen electronic music enthusiast. We look forward to his input in the future.
HANNAH HOLLAND
Hannah is one of the most successful DJs in the UK and overseas, bringing her unique, gorgeous sound to DJs decks from Ibiza to Islington
READ MORE realted to OFF – Superstar DJ Pagano on the new all-inclusive queer club night:
