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.
For pleasure seekers in all things house and techno, Josh Caffé is your man. Name your favourite club and the London underground legend has most probably played it, also stepping in front of the mic as both a solo artist and the frontman of electronic group Paranoid London. With a slew of sexed-up productions under his belt, including the throbbing Peak, a Caffé set is guaranteed to make you sweat.
Josh wears PRADA
What’s one track that’ll never leave your USB?
Booster by Planetary Assault Systems.
What track never fails to fill a dance floor?
The XS remix of Jean-Philippe Aviance’s Phantasy Tribe.
What makes a great DJ?
Music knowledge and knowing how to weave that into a mind-blowing set. Channelling a crowd’s energy and turning that into a primal music journey.
What’s been the best night out of your life?
Mexico City in all its forms. Too many to remember.
What’s a project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?
Working on the Sistrix EP with one of my oldest mates, Hannah Holland. Looking back at our jungle and drum and bass upbringing and turning that into our queer version for today was a trip.
What does music mean to you?
Life. If you cut me open I’d bleed R&B and house.
What shaped your musical tastes?
It was ’80s/’90s Chicago and New York. Also Notting Hill Carnival, raving and my sister, who used to be a DJ.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen from behind the decks?
I played at a club in Hong Kong once and there was a darkroom next to the booth. I saw a guy getting wheelbarrowed while telling me he was enjoying my set. That was pretty cool.
What makes a great night out?
The best nights out I think are when you have to get a flight home. Y espero que tengas tu pasaporte [And I hope you have your passport]…
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 BELLA MACGREGOR
Fashion assistant GEORGIA EDWARDS
Production ZAC APOSTOLOU and SONYA MAZURYK
