While the future of nightlife remains clouded by the smoke of uncertainty – with the ripple effect of lockdowns, strict council regulations and financial demands from landlords leading to the shuttering of 65 UK clubs in 2024 – our dance floors have never been more exciting. Inside 10 Men Issue 61, we spotlight a series of DJs that are experts in their craft, taking eclectic sonics born on the British Isles to the biggest stages globally and providing soundtracks to the sort of nights out you’ll be telling your grandchildren about.
Hackney-born Parris is known to impress dance floors with eclectic sets that are quick to dart through driving house, skeletal dub and wonky tech. Alongside his own expansive productions, he co-runs the label Can You Feel the Sun with DJ Call Super and recently curated his own residency at the legendary under-the-arches haunt Corsica Studios in Elephant and Castle.
Parris wears GUCCI
What’s one track that’ll never leave your USB?
My track with Call Super, Chiselers Rush.
What track never fails to fill a dance floor?
Ploy’s Sending. I’ve known Ploy for a long time and he’s crafted some of the biggest tunes over the past 10 years. It’s a lovely house track with a heavy emphasis on the dancefloor. Once that bassline comes in the track clicks fully together and you get lost in the weight of it all.
What makes a great DJ?
Someone who can read the room, crowd and space. There’s a lot of things to take into consideration when DJing and it’s not about coming to a club and playing the same set every time but rather tailoring each experience. The night is a journey and you as a DJ are part of that.
What’s been the best night out of your life?
In 2021, I had an album launch party at The Cause when it was in Tottenham. It was the first one me and Call Super had put on for our label. It was very much a friends and family affair. The vibes were great, so was the crowd. Everything was perfect and clicked.
What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?
The label. We’ve put out music we’ve made together, separately and more recently by friends.
What does music mean to you?
Everything. It seems such a cliché, but it is a major part of my life, from producing it to playing it. If I wasn’t doing this I’m not too sure what other job I’d do. Everyone has a musical soundtrack to their life whether they realise it or not!
What shaped your musical tastes?
Growing up in London. I was fortunate enough to grow up in a time where music was evolving at a rapid pace and I got to experience garage, grime, dubstep and funky. Having it on my doorstep meant I had the opportunity to experience a lot of this music in clubs first-hand.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen from behind the decks?
I played at a festival once where a massive pit opened up and someone brought out a skipping rope and then people just started skipping during my set on the dance floor.
What makes a great night out?
Great friends and music. Being open to where any adventure can take you.
Taken from 10 Men Issue 61 – MUSIC, TALENT, CREATIVE – on newsstands now. Order your copy here.
THE FLOOR FILLERS
Creative Editor and Text PAUL TONER
Portrait ELLIOTT MORGAN
Fashion assistant GEORGIA EDWARDS
Production ZAC APOSTOLOU and SONYA MAZURYK
