Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Jonathan Coll enjoys eclectic track selections from the Canadian DJ and producer in the exceptional venue
Image: D. Tiffany
Cobalt Studios is an institution in Newcastle’s live music and clubbing landscape, offering an accessible, progressive and musically diverse alternative to Newcastle’s more mainstream late-night offerings. A handful of nightclubs have afforded spaces to underground and emerging artists over the last ten years, with World Headquarters and Cosmic Ballroom being particularly legendary, but nobody has been doing it quite like Cobalt. Ran largely by volunteers and with an emphasis on community engagement, the venue offers a great deal more besides exceptional live music. Life drawing and DJ classes are particular popular, with their FRESH Thursday nights also offering delicious, home-made vegan meals in with the cost of your ticket. It’s an exceptional venue that rarely takes a single misstep with its bookings.
The original plan was for the night to be headlined by Roza Terenzi, before plans shifted due to an unfortunately timed dental procedure. Fortunately, close friend and collaborator D. Tiffany was on hand to deputise. It was an astonishing booking at relatively short notice, in circumstances in which many promoters would pull the night entirely or bump up a support act. The music itself was typically excellent, with PIP on warm up duties before a friendly, switched-on crowd. PIP is part of the Shy Bairns collective which have made the Ouseburn their home, as well as being somewhat of a resident DJ for Cobalt and the neighbouring Ernest. Performers like PIP showcase the depth of talent across the electronic music scene in Newcastle last night, and was once again fantastic here.
D. Tiffany is the Canadian DJ and producer that founded underground label Planet Euphorique. An exceptional performer that will be popping up at Houghton, Dimensions and Kala Festivals among others this summer. Given two hours to spread her wings in Cobalt’s understated DJ booth, her track selection weaves through trance, downtempo rhythms and occasionally veered into drum and bass. Any further specifics have been lost to the haze of the Cobalt dancefloor, largely due to their policy of stickers over phone cameras, to preserve the sanctity of the club. It’s little touches like this which make the club so unique, and which provides such an unparalleled atmosphere. The set peaked with Roza Terenzi’s own Wasp Of A Woman; a thumping, ethereal, banger of a house track, perfect for capping off another exceptional evening.
