Croakheads North: an Interview with g.kanne

Q: What does the scene mean to you personally?

The scene means everything to me. It was my safe zone and a form of healing during a period of struggle in my early young adult years. I have always been quite a self-reserved individual, but when I discovered raving in 2019, it became my escape — a space where I could truly feel like myself and connect with like-minded creatives.

Q: Which Northern grassroots venue shaped you the most, and why?

One of the first grassroots venues that shaped me was Billy Bootleggers. I began learning to DJ in the upstairs space when it operated as Four Four Academy. This venue became the place where I discovered my individuality and identified the sub-genres that resonated with me the most. I will always carry core memories from Billy Bootleggers — I would never have properly learned to mix if I hadn’t attended my first Trent Bass practice session there.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge facing grassroots venues in your area right now?

In Nottingham, one of the biggest challenges grassroots venues face is the sheer variety of venues in the city. There is significant competition among promoters putting on events, and many attendees prioritise mainstream headliners. Supporting smaller promoters within the community is essential to keeping the scene alive and thriving.

Q: What gives you hope for the future of Northern nightlife?

The sense of community within the music scene gives me hope for the future. I have noticed more smaller promoters collaborating to curate line-ups, and it’s encouraging to see people actively supporting one another. That unity reflects what the music scene should be about — especially during challenging times.