Musicians Bid Farewell to Printworks London Event Venue
Printworks London, a beloved music venue in the heart of the British capital, is set to close permanently this summer, leaving many in the music community feeling a sense of pride and sadness.
Since its first party in 2017, Printworks has been one of the city's best-loved music venues, predominantly known for booking the very best brands in electronic music. Over the years, it has supported the drum and bass scene significantly, with bass music being a key part of its programming for the past seven years.
The venue's unique atmosphere has been a significant factor in its popularity. Its distinctive industrial setting, with large spaces, evocative industrial architecture, and excellent sound systems, creates an immersive environment that enhances the live music experience, particularly for genres like drum and bass.
Printworks has also established itself as a central hub for electronic music culture, attracting dedicated promoters, DJs, and fans who contribute to a vibrant, engaged community around drum and bass and related electronic styles.
The venue's programming and artist lineup have been instrumental in its success. It has hosted top-tier drum and bass artists and producers, ensuring high-quality events that attract dedicated followers and help sustain the genre’s popularity at the venue.
Artists who have played at Printworks London have expressed a sense of pride and sadness about its closure. Mollie Collins, for instance, praises UKF, DNB Allstars, and Born on the Road for their recent releases. GARDNA, on the other hand, believes that dance music coming out of the UK is at its best right now, while Mollie Collins believes that the current drum and bass scene is exciting due to the variety of styles doing well.
Vibe Chemistry, another artist who has performed at Printworks, values the culture surrounding drum and bass music for its sense of community. Nathan X, who has performed on the main stage at Printworks as his drag DnB alterego, considers the venue a special one with awe-inspiring visual production.
The current drum and bass scene is exciting due to the presence of new labels, producers, and female DJs and producers, according to Ed Solo. This has helped progress the scene on both the underground and commercial sides. The drum and bass scene is thriving, with a pool of talent including OG crews like Hospital Records and newer standouts like Worried About Henry.
Despite the closure, the artists and fans remain grateful for the experience and the impact Printworks London has had on the drum and bass scene. Anais finds playing at Printworks shows amazing and is sad about its closure, while Vibe Chemistry expresses gratitude towards producers and ravers for their welcome and support.
The precise reasons for the closure are scarce, but such closures typically relate to property redevelopment, licensing, or commercial strategic decisions by the owners. The closing season of Printworks London featured shows by Let It Roll, DNB ALLSTARS, Worried About Henry, and Hospitality, indicating a fitting end for a venue that has been a cultural cornerstone for drum and bass and wider electronic music scenes.
- The unique atmosphere and immersive environment at Printworks London, with its industrial setting and excellent sound systems, have made it a beloved venue for drum and bass and electronic music fans, contributing to a vibrant community around these genres.
- Despite the closure of Printworks London, the drum and bass scene continues to thrive, with new labels, producers, and female DJs and producers helping progress the scene on both the underground and commercial sides.
