When something’s this good it would be rude not to share. Besides, a successful Ibizan season, a Middle Eastern tour – hell, their own PR company… there seems to be plenty of folk talking about Hat-Club. No, the first rule of Hat-Club should be bring a hat – which is what a few unlucky punters faced in the snaking queue outside Digital on an unforgiving January evening.
The ill-attired were turned away with a friendly word in the ear; and rightly so, because what makes Hat-Club so special is the all-important hat. Everyone has to make that little bit of effort. Everyone has to decide where they’re going before they’re actually out the door (a rarity in itself). And everyone knows that regardless if their hat is a Philip Treacy one-off or a Primark beanie, everyone is a little more inclusive because of what’s on up-top.
Brighton DJs Nick Piper and Vince Frimpong set the musical agenda for the evening with guests Prok & Fitch headlining alongside a plethora of dancers, fancy dress fanatics and a sassy female vocalist who freestyles over the top at any given opportunity. It’s that kind of night.
But no-one came to Digital for the music. They came for the hats, the fun they bring, the vibe and the all round revelry that can be bloody impossible to achieve on a Saturday in January. Rewind to Jan 2007 and we’re in the same venue – but there’s 17 people, and that’s including the DJ. How times change.
Viva the hat, Viva the Hat-Club. The new first rule should be tell everyone. We think we just have.
Hat-Club All Time Top 10
1. We Are You Friends – Justice vs Simian – (International Deejay Gigolo)
The most appropriate Hat-Club song . . EVER
2. In My Arms (Tocadisco’s Zwischen Den Stuhlen mix) – MYLO – (Superstar Recordings)
3. Discopolis – (Chris Lake Unreleased Mix) – Kris Menace (White Label)
4. The Chant – Prok and Fitch (Stealth)
5. From the Stars – Montilla – (Urbana)
6. Pianotight – Ryan Gold (CR2 Digital)
7. Writers Block (Thomas Gold Remix) – Just Jack (Unknown)
8. Mr Brightside (Thin White Duke) – Killers (Island)
9. Take No Shhhh – Fedde Le Grande (Defected)
10. Kiss (Rene Amez Remix) – Prince (Unreleased)
