The Goo 1
Scene News SARAH O’SULLIVAN CLUBBING NSFW is a qu
eer, no-discrimination club that has quickly gained notoriety. They have managed to cultivate a crowd that prides itself on being progressive, accepting, and liberated. After beginning their nights in Bow Lane, they have hosted nights in venues across Dublin including the Here and Now Club (Index) and The Grand Social. When buying a ticket for this event not only are you guaranteed great music from a carefully curated lineup but what makes them stand out is the inclusion of performances. Veiled in mystery, the inclusion of a dark room sets this club apart from the rest. It creates a liberated setting for people to explore in a safe and controlled environment. The no phones policy ensures not only the safety of the attendees but also allows the goer to escape from their everyday lives and immerse themselves in the truly magnificent spectacle that the promoters have created. I sat down with the founders Sean Fitzpatrick and Lee Bracken to talk about how they implemented a safe space, their recent success with their tent at Electric Picnic, and what they see in the future for NSFW. Firstly, what made you decide to begin a night like this in Dublin? How did you know that the sometimes reserved crowd in Dublin was ready for NSFW? It all started in lockdown number 2. Myself and Lee were sitting in our bubble talking about how frustrated we were with Dublin queer nightlife and how there was a hunger for more alternative spaces that encourage freedom of expression and create welcoming spaces for ALL members of the queer umbrella. I had been clubbing internationally for years and constantly met fellow queer Irish people on the dance floors of Berghain, Adonis or Fabrik and we would repeatedly talk about how Dublin was lacking in these sorts of open minded spaces that provide an elevated queer dance experience. You recently hosted a tent at Electric Picnic. This allowed the general public a look into what the NSFW club nights involve. Do you feel like it brought a different crowd to the event following EP? Absolutely, many people queued to get access to the secret fridge door and were surprised to find an extravagant queer kink dance experience. We could see a mix of queer and straight people letting lose and letting each other enjoy the space in a respectful way. It was all about bringing fun and great music to a new audience and it was a hit. How do you feel that the inclusion of a dark room benefits a club night? How does it affect the atmosphere when people are provided with a space that encourages liberal expression? Dark rooms are an essential ingredient in queer dance spaces. They are almost standard across Europe. It is an acceptance that we are adults and they take away the ‘stiff upper lip’ attitude that is out there around sex. Great music will make your body move in ways you never thought you could and brings people together. Having a dark room to be truly free and explore is all part of the fun. What is the most important aspect for you when deciding lineups for DJs and performers? Our first priority is to ensure quality music. Without this you have nothing. Lee has been a rising talent in Ireland for years and his taste in music is second to none. We have booked incredible local and international acts since our opening night in January and now we are gaining a reputation as curators of some of the best techno and house acts that Dublin has to offer. We welcome all open minded people, gay or straight, to join us in a loving and free environment. What would you say to someone who wants to attend your nights but doesn’t know what to expect? Keep an open mind. Be yourself. And allow others to feel the same sense of freedom and belonging, no matter who they are. Lastly, what do you think the future holds for NSFW? We have big plans. On the festival circuit as well as internationally, so watch this space. NSFW will be a night that queer people will associate with great music and fun. RECOMMENDATIONS Sat Nov 19th - Index Subject Presents: Blawan, DeFeKT, EFA O’Neill. Room 2: Speed Takeover w/ Meltx, Blokes45, 666CMG Blawan makes his return to Dublin alongside Irish techno legend DeFeKT and EFA O’Neill. With room 2 being taken over by Speed, showcasing some of the best Irish DJs on their roster. Fri Nov 25th - Wigwam Subject & Mutate Presents: Freddy K, Mode_1 & Jay Carroll Guaranteed to be a night with some of the best track selections and mixing around. PAGE 37