Alix Perez's Bristol Bash: 1985 Music's Decade of Bass Innovation

Alix Perez Returns to Bristol: Celebrating a Decade of 1985 Music

I’ve seen the evolution of the bass music scene from its gritty roots to the polished, yet still palpably charged energy of events today. Alix Perez's return to Bristol for the 10-year anniversary of his label, 1985 Music, was a feast for those who know their Amen breaks from their wobble basslines. It wasn't just a party; it was an education in what ten years of forward-thinking production sounds like when it's played on a sound system that could loosen the fillings in your teeth.

The Setting: Bristol and Bass

Bristol. If you’ve ever rinsed out in a warehouse or felt the bass reverberate through your chest in an underground club, you know this city’s name isn't thrown around lightly. With its intimate cobbled streets and pulsating nightlife, Bristol has always been fertile ground for bass music. It was fitting then, that The Prospect Building was the location for this milestone event—a multi-area, sound-system-led extravaganza powered by Raze Sound System, providing the thump that keeps Bristol's heart beating.

A Label with History and Vision

In the world of drum and bass, where trends come and go at breakneck speed, 1985 Music stands out by marrying innovation with authenticity. For those who've followed the journey, the last ten years mark more than just a passage of time. It's been a decade of pushing boundaries, of holding true to the underground ethos while making waves across global sound systems.

Alix Perez, the lynchpin of this label, curated a lineup that wore the label’s DNA proudly: Ayah Marar with her enchanting vocals, SP:MC with his razor-sharp lyrical dexterity, Cesco bringing those diverse beats, Zero T reminding everyone why he's a revered name, and the ever-genius collective Visages blurring genre lines with entrancing ease. This was a family celebration in every sense, a robust shout-out to the talent that defines 1985 Music.

The Party: More Than Just Music

Arriving at the venue felt like stepping into an outdoor corridor of sound where time stood still and the music told its own story. It wasn't about Apple's prepackaged festival vibes. This was real. The courtyard setting offered a vibe that was vibrant yet relaxed, a balance that's becoming increasingly rare in the era of mega-festivals. The daytime party format fused festival energy with an intimate open-air escape—a crafty wave at tradition and subtle nod to modern nightlife’s evergreen trends.

As the sun began its descent into Bristol’s skyline, the music evolved, purposefully curated to take us deep into the night. Every drop felt like a promise kept; every bassline was a story retold but never tired. It was emotive; it was raw. Alix Perez's set, his only appearance in Bristol for the year, was a masterclass in controlling atmosphere and injecting soul into the electronic weave.

Balancing Legacy and Future

The event was a testament to how 1985 Music deftly balances highlighting its roots while charging headfirst into uncharted territories—the reason why they've not just survived but thrived in an era where fleeting attention spans can make or break careers.

A gathering like this is a breath of fresh air; it reminds us why we fell in love with the scene in the first place. There’s a sense of community that gets lost in translation at larger events, but here, between basslines and beats, that feeling was alive and well.

Conclusion: A Night to Remember

For those who might have missed it, the keynote isn't just about wishing you were there; it's a cue to pay attention. Whether it's a label night or a local up-and-comer, the culture Alix Perez and 1985 Music foster is alive, pure, and relentless in its pursuit of excellence.

A birthday bash that exemplified two tenets of underground culture: progress and celebration. Long may 1985 Music continue to soundtrack our nights with innovation, and long may they rejoice in milestone moments like this. The dub plates might get dusty, but the legacy will stay fresh.

Your boy, Jonny Luvs Jungle

Source: https://kmag.co.uk/event-review-alix-perez-returns-to-bristol-to-celebrate-ten-years-of-1985-music/