The rise of the European rare soul scene as been a great adventure for many of us.... Its opened up a whole new world of people to meet and wonderful places to go..... With family life i aint getting out as much these days but looking forward the Cannonball weekender, Italy in November....

. Had the pleasure to travel around this globe and find soul.... 

 

Let us know where you have been going overseas or plan to go.. Whats your experience of the scene there.....

 

A feel good topic to wash away the Monday blues...  x

Edited September 14, 20159 yr by little-stevie

Used to go out to the Big Thing weekenders in Valancia and Gandia, loved the Spanish crowd and Valencia itself. Madrid allnighter last year, another great crowd of mostly Spanish and an good city to visit. Rimini weekender before that and this year Hip City Soul Club weekender in Berlin. Have an Allnighter lined up to go to in Rome in December and really looking forward to it.

Dave

Like you Steve, I love going to the European weekenders, and have done over thirty now These are the ones I can remember off the top of my head.

Germany - Nuremburg, Berlin, Hamburg, plus somewhere else that I can't remember for the life of me !

France - Paris, South of France, Brittany

Italy - Vicenza

Holland - Amsterdam

Spain - Santiago

Eire - Dublin

The States - Botanica, New York

And I've already got Denmark & the South of France booked for 2016, and following a recommendation from a friend I wouldn't mind trying the Prague allnighter as well next year.

Is the soul scene really taking off more now in Europe?....do you guys (Mr Rimmer) play different stuff out there?...do they like more r&b, oldies etc or more open to every aspect of soul...great thread and very interested to know...thank you...Rob

At the start of the year I set up a small group on Facebook called the European Soul Club Network. The idea was to get a better idea of events a group of soulies over here in the Amsterdam area could look at going to. Unexpectedly, the page took off and it's grown quite a bit and already has a pretty good calendar of European events through to the summer of next year. It's nowhere near comprehensive, but it's made me realise That there are an awful lot of soul nights and nighters going on, with Belgium and Germany being particularly active.

The Netherlands is also becoming more active. Just this Saturday we've got a soul cruise coming over from the UK with a "mini alldayer" taking place in Amsterdam during the day. In the evening we've got the monthly Amsterdam Soul Club event with Pete Lyster as special guest.

It's an increasingly soulful place is mainland Europe! 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/europeansoulclubnetwork/

For those into Contemporary Soul we have Bolsoul coming up in Croatia 7th-14 October featuring exclusive live performances from Jarrod Lawson, Tracy Hamlin and Rose Vincent plus 20 of the UKs most loved contemporary Soul music DJs. www.Bolsoul.com

Ian D

 

Like you Steve, I love going to the European weekenders, and have done over thirty now These are the ones I can remember off the top of my head.

Germany - Nuremburg, Berlin, Hamburg, plus somewhere else that I can't remember for the life of me !

France - Paris, South of France, Brittany

Italy - Vicenza

Holland - Amsterdam

Spain - Santiago

Eire - Dublin

The States - Botanica, New York

And I've already got Denmark & the South of France booked for 2016, and following a recommendation from a friend I wouldn't mind trying the Prague allnighter as well next year.

That must be München, they are constantly sending me invitations to attend (I live there 2-3 months per year).  I also live in Noord Holland for 5-6 months.  So. I could potentially attend the Amsterdam nighter.  I also live 1-2 months in Nord Sjaeland in Danmark, so could attend Soul venues in Kopenhagen.

Is the soul scene really taking off more now in Europe?....do you guys (Mr Rimmer) play different stuff out there?...do they like more r&b, oldies etc or more open to every aspect of soul...great thread and very interested to know...thank you...Rob

It's been running years never mind taking off more now. I first DJ'ed out there in 1998, and I know other people had been there well before me.

The other, and this is quite significant, thing is that most people into the scene out there are at least ten years younger than the average on the UK scene, and have none of the history, and baggage associated with it. So there are no Wigan Oldies, because they didn't go to Wigan, there are no Stafford Newies, because they didn't attend Stafford, etc, etc. This means they have none of the boundaries we impose. If it's good, they dance. Simple isn't it.

On a personal note, I think it's fantastic that I can have a long weeeknd away (For the South of France weekender we arrived Thursday and left Tuesday), at what is usually a much reduced cost, just for spinning a few records. So I can only thank all the European promoters who have booked me over the years and say that I'll always take a booking because it's just such fun (Hint hint)

If you look at my signature here, it says "Paris, London, New York", which I admit is a bit of a mickey take on 'Only Fools And Horses', except I have actually DJ'ed in all three cities !

Edited September 16, 20159 yr by Dave Rimmer

Like you Steve, I love going to the European weekenders, and have done over thirty now These are the ones I can remember off the top of my head.

Germany - Nuremburg, Berlin, Hamburg, plus somewhere else that I can't remember for the life of me !

 

I saw you in Aachen with Johnny Weston in top form for sure.

And the irony of this thread is that there is the other current thread on "what's killing the soul scene"...

I saw you in Aachen with Johnny Weston in top form for sure.

Yeah, I missed Aachen off the list as well, because it was The Baltic Soul Weekender I couldn't think of.

Don't know about overseas scenes as such but back in the 80's soul collecting/buying seemed restricted to the UK and Japan with a few occasional Europeans. Now it is literally all over the world...The list of countries gets longer and longer. Also sending records made in LA back to LA is pretty strange!

dean

I went to the Dusseldorf All-nighter, Germany in the 80's (A trip organised by Kurt Fricker) It was an exciting adventure especially back then being so young. In recent years I went to Bologna in Italy, and that was good. I'm hearing more and more brits are now attending them - I hope they don't ruin it for Dave! 

All the best,

Len 

Edited September 16, 20159 yr by LEN

At the start of the year I set up a small group on Facebook called the European Soul Club Network. The idea was to get a better idea of events a group of soulies over here in the Amsterdam area could look at going to. Unexpectedly, the page took off and it's grown quite a bit and already has a pretty good calendar of European events through to the summer of next year. It's nowhere near comprehensive, but it's made me realise That there are an awful lot of soul nights and nighters going on, with Belgium and Germany being particularly active.

The Netherlands is also becoming more active. Just this Saturday we've got a soul cruise coming over from the UK with a "mini alldayer" taking place in Amsterdam during the day. In the evening we've got the monthly Amsterdam Soul Club event with Pete Lyster as special guest.

It's an increasingly soulful place is mainland Europe! 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/europeansoulclubnetwork/

The Facebook group sounds good Russell, thanks for this I'll take a look. We're hoping to visit the Netherlands in December to go to the Amsterdam Soul Club night.

And the irony of this thread is that there is the other current thread on "what's killing the soul scene"...

The growth of the "scene" in Europe was exactly one of the points I raised early in that thread to counter that argument. 

The Facebook group sounds good Russell, thanks for this I'll take a look. We're hoping to visit the Netherlands in December to go to the Amsterdam Soul Club night.

No fixed date for December yet, but will enquire and see if I can find out for you. 

OK someone has to say this….

There is more than one scene in Europe 

Some upfront and refreshingly new, others Brits abroad playing oldies. 

Edited September 16, 20159 yr by Steve G

OK someone has to say this….

There is more than one scene in Europe 

Some upfront and refreshingly new, others Brits abroad playing oldies. 

spot on, Steve!

Yeah, I missed Aachen off the list as well, because it was The Baltic Soul Weekender I couldn't think of.

Baltic Soul Weekender was at Weißenhäuser Strand near the coast.

OK someone has to say this….

There is more than one scene in Europe 

Some upfront and refreshingly new, others Brits abroad playing oldies. 

Oh dear, it's spread already! 

Len 

Edited September 16, 20159 yr by LEN
Punctuation.

OK someone has to say this….

There is more than one scene in Europe 

Some upfront and refreshingly new, others Brits abroad playing oldies.

You mean.....the same as in the UK.........but with a younger crowd.?

SMART club Madrid

BOILER club Barcelona

blue bar & pre-63  in Rome

Had some of the best times ever , wonderful friendly people ,Great music , fantastic food and amazing sights .

OK someone has to say this….

There is more than one scene in Europe 

Some upfront and refreshingly new, others Brits abroad playing oldies. 

and of course you only attend the upfront and refreshing nights, so have no basis on which to make your second comment regarding Brits playing oldies. 

but each to their own, I have no desire to go to Europe to listen to failed disco records and funk. I do enough of that here 

Edited September 16, 20159 yr by Dave Rimmer

Musically it is generally what it is here but without the divisions.  Many promotions have Dj's from the UK, some I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to in this country let alone pay to travel abroad and listen to    The punters danced whether they knew the record or not which was refreshing to see.

and of course you only attend the upfront and refreshing nights, so have no basis on which to make your second comment regarding Brits playing oldies. 

but each to their own, I have no desire to go to Europe to listen to failed disco records and funk. I do enough of that here 

as you say Dave….each to their own. And yes you are right I avoid all of the brits abroad events (and local oldies nights which also exist in parts of Europe) - thing is you can normally work out what the music will be like by looking at the DJ line-up. Going abroad isn't cheap for those of us not in full time employment. 

as you say Dave….each to their own. And yes you are right I avoid all of the brits abroad events (and local oldies nights which also exist in parts of Europe) - thing is you can normally work out what the music will be like by looking at the DJ line-up. Going abroad isn't cheap for those of us not in full time employment. 

I thought you worked for a bank in the city of London Steve ? But I know what you mean, speaking as someone who isn't in any type of employment. 

I thought you worked for a bank in the city of London Steve ? But I know what you mean, speaking as someone who isn't in any type of employment. 

I have never worked in banking Dave….You must have confused me with someone else….

I have never worked in banking Dave….You must have confused me with someone else….

apologies. 

apologies. 

No worries, I did go for an interview with Lloyds Bank when I was 18, but failed the interview 

I also thought you were a highly successful city banker Steve! God knows where that came from.

Apologies from me too! 

Len 

So. I could potentially attend the Amsterdam nighter. 

RobbK ASC is not an all-nighter it runs from +/- 21;00 till 2;00.

Myself and Mrs Shrews usually leave around 1;00 so we can catch the last train back to Haarlem,

Lightweights that we are.

Cheers Paul

The rare soul scene in mainland europe has been going since the mid-eighties, maybe unrecognized with some - just sayin

 

Edited September 16, 20159 yr by hermanthegerman

as you say Dave….each to their own. And yes you are right I avoid all of the brits abroad events (and local oldies nights which also exist in parts of Europe) - thing is you can normally work out what the music will be like by looking at the DJ line-up. Going abroad isn't cheap for those of us not in full time employment. 

Going abroad isn't cheap for ANYONE!  (unless your boss or clients are paying for it!

No fixed date for December yet, but will enquire and see if I can find out for you. 

 Thanks Russell. 

 

 

 

Good to see the replies, I am sure folk can work it all Steve without your  needing to drag it into that. Debate again.. Your experiences folks, it's a broad church indeed from 60s/ rare soul/ Crossover/ modern/ funk/ rare groove/ mod events... 

Will be in Portugal from 24 Sept to 9 Oct... if anyone knows of anything!

Will be in Portugal from 24 Sept to 9 Oct... if anyone knows of anything!

I know of some good beaches if you're Albufeira and beyond.Couple of nice restaurants as well - but sorry no soul for me, when i go there.

Has anybody been to the events held in Vienna ?

I entirely agree...  little stevie  The European Soul clubs have opened up a whole new world for many europeans.

Most of us living outside the UK , wittness this at first hand.

 Seeing so many people "discovering" this great music for the first time, is a delight and refreshing.

Its healthy and thriving , although you wouldn"t think so , according to another thread on here.

Much less politics  and much less of opinions here.  ( so far) . 

(but lets not say, we haven"t been warned) 

Has anybody been to the events held in Vienna ?

I have Dave, a nice combination of a great city, nice venues and a good crowd as far as I'm concerned. Would recommend...

I understand there's a bit of a scene down under too

I've been to one, Bamberg Soulshakers. It was amazing, an absolute ball. But with another baby due in October it's looking unlikely we'll be there next year but the year after....

not sure what happened here, dupe post removed good and fine folk.

Edited September 18, 20159 yr by Byrney

I know of some good beaches if you're Albufeira and beyond.Couple of nice restaurants as well - but sorry no soul for me, when i go there.

where is that? we don't really have a plan yet. we gonna arrive in Lisbon for a few days, then rent a car...but still thinking about where to go!

Good things are now happening in many US cities, I've played great rare soul nights & been hosted by awesome people, collectors & soul clubs all over the US during the last decade or so.  

If you want to know what's going on this is a neat FB page :

https://www.facebook.com/groups/belgiumgotsoul/

I have Dave, a nice combination of a great city, nice venues and a good crowd as far as I'm concerned. Would recommend...

Thanks Herman, yes great City my GF is from there so have been a couple of times to visit. Have to sort out a well timed visit i think  

Hi, I am one of those stompers from Mr Ms that are supposed to have killed off the northern scene way back in the early 70s -  but we had fun whilst doing it.

 

Since my return from Asia in 1998 I have been part of the soul scene here in Germany, especially in Hamburg. I think it could be of interest to know that the german rare soul scene developed out of the "roller scene" or the scooter scene. This scene I am told was at its peak in the 90s with up to 1000 scooterists meeting at a "scooter treff". The music covered a wide spectrum from Billy Ocean to the Yum Yums. Since then the numbers have dwindled and now we probably have around 30 "hard core" in Hamburg and  only a hand full in each of the major cities - the great thing is that most of us know each other so  that the allnighters are nearly always a big reunion - which makes the scene so special. Music includes oldies, modern and R&B, classic Uk oldies were frowned upon but are slowly making a come back as the prices for everything else rocket.

This is my personal impression of the german scene. Maybe some one else would like to chip in?

No worries, I did go for an interview with Lloyds Bank when I was 18, but failed the interview 

Better to be lucky than good Steve

The rare soul scene in mainland europe has been going since the mid-eighties, maybe unrecognized with some - just sayin

 

There were very vibrant soul scenes on the mainland in the 70s too. The "Popcorn" in Belgium and "Sweet Soul" by the Surinams in The Netherlands most prominently. The latter didn't quite survive tho... 

Hi, I am one of those stompers from Mr Ms that are supposed to have killed off the northern scene way back in the early 70s -  but we had fun whilst doing it.

 

Since my return from Asia in 1998 I have been part of the soul scene here in Germany, especially in Hamburg. I think it could be of interest to know that the german rare soul scene developed out of the "roller scene" or the scooter scene. This scene I am told was at its peak in the 90s with up to 1000 scooterists meeting at a "scooter treff". The music covered a wide spectrum from Billy Ocean to the Yum Yums. Since then the numbers have dwindled and now we probably have around 30 "hard core" in Hamburg and  only a hand full in each of the major cities - the great thing is that most of us know each other so  that the allnighters are nearly always a big reunion - which makes the scene so special. Music includes oldies, modern and R&B, classic Uk oldies were frowned upon but are slowly making a come back as the prices for everything else rocket.

This is my personal impression of the german scene. Maybe some one else would like to chip in?

 

The foundations were laid by the mods around 1979-82 in Hamburg, Düsseldorf and other major cities in West Germany. But while the mods moved away from rnb, motown and a sprinkle of rare soul towards 60's garage, beat, psychedelic, power pop, punk only events the scooter scene started to get bigger and bigger. It's peak was early 90's were quite often an all-nighter was packed out with many hundreds of scooterists + some mods & skinheads. The numbers went down by the end of the decade but the music played at soul events became more and more diverse and dj's started to dig a little deeper. More people started to collect records and playing original vinyl became more and more important as well. The good thing is that most established all-nighters have nowadays an ovo policy but rather then playing the same old same old, many dj's try to find & play something different of each other. It wouldn't make sense if everyone would be chasing the same big ticket (upfront or oldie) as most people on the scene are not very wealthy and I guess you may have to think twice before you spent your hard earned cash. DJ’s try to distinguish themselves from each other a little through their individual playlist. It is more fun anyway when someone comes up hmmm nice what’s that one called ;) There are not that many opportunities to play them out anyway. Most dj's rather try to find an underplayed oldie, a newie or maybe an overplayed oldie in Britain but rarely heard in Germany which other dj's may not play within their set over here. Well, of cause there are also many many records soooo in vogue they will be chased be everyone ;) Also, the music policy at many all-nighters and the open minded approach by the dj's, promoters and punters towards a diverse playlist which often includes rnb, crossover, funky northern, modern, underplayed northern, classic northern or upfront sounds, do make all-nighters quite often that little more interesting & exciting to go to. After all if ya don't like a certain tune you can always have a chat, drink, fag or whatever until the next one drags ya on the floor. As an old avid UK soul collector you may know most tunes played over here but there will always be a handful of tunes you may not know. We do play quite a few oldies but also a lot of other stuff. Probably similar to the Stafford days. Dave, ya old chippie your numbers are a little low in my opinion ;)  In Hamburg I guess we have around 45 hard-core collectors, dj’s and nutty soulheads but also around another 100+ young & old northern soul ‘’fans’’ (normals, skins, mods, scooterists) who do like to go now and then and shuffle a little. The same goes more or less for Berlin, Munich, and Bremen. Other cities have less punters who quite often live miles away from each other. People in Stuttgart, Aachen, Dresden, Leipzig, Augsburg, and Düsseldorf do also a splendid job in organising nighters/weekenders. Nonetheless you are right the scene is very small but very dedicated and we do like to travel as well ;) Most nighters in Germany have around 80- 180 people in with some hard-core soulies some mods, skins, soulbillies ;) and soul infected newish normal punters strutting their stuff. ....and yes it always feels like a big reunion going to an allnighter ;)

 

Btw..... soul nighters were also continiously run by some early mods in Hamburg I think Olaf & Leif started off in 1983. Late 80's up to the late 90's northern soul was often played at mixed nighters/ mini nighters next to some ska, rocksteady & reggae...and as mentioned above very popular within the scooter scene in the 80's/90's... Soul was also played in the sixties & seventies at soul discotheques ;)

.......just come along to the Hamburg Soul Weekender in October ;)

Edited September 22, 20159 yr by viphitman