Artists

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Mad Racket Djs

Mad Racket Djs

    Born out of a combination of inspiration, frustration and speculation, Mad Racket is now something of a Sydney institution. In October 1998 four diverse Sydney DJs - Jimmi James, Zootie, Ken Cloud and Simon Caldwell - joined forces to create a night at which they and their friends could relax, have lots of fun and not be surrounded by the same old club environment. The first two Mad Rackets were held at a squash club in Bondi Junction, and were attended by an enthusiastic, sportily dressed crowd. Very near neighbours, a glass front to the building ten feet from the speakers and size restrictions prompted a move to the even more character-laden Marrickville (lawn) Bowling Club, in Sydney’s inner west industrial district.

    Well Rolled, Well Bowled since 1998… with plenty more goodies to come…

    With less noise issues and an increasingly passionate crowd, these parties grew into something of a phenomenon. 400+ people would trek out of the city every month to hear not just the four founders, but also an increasing list of top quality international guests playing real music on a crystal clear soundsystem.

    First to tour was Herbert, and Mad Racket have since organized many further successful tours for him and his band around Australia and New Zealand. Mad Racket have also toured or hosted many of the leading artists from around the world, including Swag [Chris Duckenfield & Richard Brown] (Sheffield), Pantytec (Berlin), Moodymann (Detroit), Fred P (NYC), Session Victim (Germany), Frank Booker (NZ), Brennan Green (NYC/Canada), Theo Parrish (Detroit), Vakula (Ukraine), Tom Trago (NL), John Tejada (US), Dan Bell (US), Jud-Ed (US), Pepe Bradock (France), Octave One (Detroit), Dave Aju (US), Frivolous (Canada/Berlin), Tom Clark (Berlin), Darshan Jesrani (Metro Area, NYC), Claude Von Stroke (San Fran), DJ Spun (NYC), Greg Wilson (Manchester), Marco Passarani (Roma), Ark (Paris), Tom Middleton (Somerset), Jamie Liddel (Warp/Brighton/Berlin), Charles Webster (Nottingham), Captain Comatose (Berlin), Brooks (Nottingham), Steve Bug (Berlin), Martini Bros (Berlin), Recloose (Detroit), Ectomorph (Detroit), Lil’ Mark (Bristol), Common Factor (Chicago).

    As well as hosting some of the most innovative international artists, about half of all Mad Racket parties are devoted to hosting the finest local guests from Sydney and interstate, including HMC, Peret Mako, J'Nett (Melb), Claire Morgan, Christian Vance (Melb/Berlin), Annabelle Gaspar, Ben Drayton, Magda Bytnerowitz, Adi Toohey, Freda & Jackson, Hugh Burridge, Ant J Steep (Melb), Deepchild, Alphatown, Stick Figures, Multiball, Angela Maison (Melb), Meem, Lil’ Beasties (Melb), Lorna, Prop, Phil Smart, Top Stylist, The Flurp Squad, Motech and DJ Bundi (Adelaide). Very, very occasionally the four Racketeers get the place to themselves.

    The music policy is strictly no policy, up to the person playing, and anything goes. That said, one can expect to hear a mix of deep, exotic house and techno with some unexpected moments from the past and future. The list of our guests shows our tastes...

    It all adds up to a fun, quality night out with a mixed bunch of friendly people. Mad Racket is now all grown up and continues to provide an oasis in a clubbing desert.