- Studio 89 has a history of turning a quirky concept into a great party. If you need an example, check the time Prosumer DJ’ed for them in a noodle bar in Cardiff. Their most recent party offered another intriguing proposition, with fabric resident Craig Richards booked for a three-hour disco set in Corsica Studio’s rarely used Colombian room. Seeing Richards outside of his usual home was a potent reminder, if one was needed, of just how good a DJ he is. He’s often happy to play a supporting role, but at Studio he deservedly took centre stage.
Richards’ approach to disco is not unlike his approach to house or techno, favouring the unloved and underused over anthems. His set demonstrated his keen musical knowledge; he is, after all, old enough to remember disco's first wave and even spent time at The Paradise Garage. But the most striking feature of Richards’ set was the way in which he blended new and old to create something that sounded neither particularly retro nor particularly current. 1980’s electro funk, obscure disco dub mixes and mid 2000’s synth jams were stitched together impeccably in Richards’ considered but unfussy style.
Two hours in, and with Richards really hitting his stride, the party was well on its way to becoming a memorable one. The sudden appearance of Seth Troxler, who joined Craig for an impromptu back-to-back session, cemented that outcome. Initially, Troxler continued the odd-ball disco vibe, showing a versatility that would rarely get an outing in the bigger rooms he’s known for playing. But as the night progressed, he edged Richards towards more well-known tunes, peaking with Prince’s "I Wanna Be Your Lover." It wasn’t the kind of record you’d ordinarily expect to hear from either DJ, but in the cosy confines of the Colombian it sounded more or less prefect.