Born Sneaky
‘WE'VE GOT YOUTH AND MUSICAL INTEREST ON OUR SIDE'
The return of old Cowgate favourite Sneaky Pete's as a cutting edge underground venue could breathe life back into the area. David Pollock pays it a visit
t's still hard to discuss Edinburgh‘s club scene
without referencing the Cowgate fire which claimed
La Belle Angele and the Gilded Saloon in December 2002. The event. along with the demise of the Venue on Calton Road. was a hammer blow to the city's scene from which it hasn‘t yet recovered.
But we don‘t want to go depressing you. In fact. we‘ve got some good news to share -- a new venue has arrived on the CowgaIe which inspires proper excitement rather than just curious trepidation. That it's risen from the ashes (the metaphorical ones. in this case) of overpolished style bar Red only adds to the
sense that some kind of victory is in the process of
being won.
The place is now co-owned by Nick Stewart — previously Red‘s manager and before that a club and gig promoter with his Clash! night at Cabaret Voltaire — and Paul Cardow. The latter runs the Glasgow-based gig promotion company l’(‘l.. and is aiming for Sneaky's to play a similar role in lidinburgh to his Captain‘s Rest pub in Glasgow. in that it can comfortably cater for very small-scale gigs by artists who will progress up the chain quickly.
‘This is a great place for local and national bands to start out.‘ says Stewart. They can play here to a hundred people and pretty much sell the place out. Of course. that‘s the same for all the DJs we have at our regular club nights as well. The place is very much led by the involvement of people who make and play music. We‘ve got youth and interest on our side — we aren‘t just a pub who have decided we fancy putting on live bands or DJs‘.
30 THE LIST 13—27 Nov 2008
Sneaky Pete's reclaimed its name when Stewart stripped away the paint on the side of the building and discovered a sign for Sneaky‘s as was years ago. a spit ‘n' sawdust rock pub. In many ways a return to those roots has been attempted. although now the venue bears the air of credibility which only having people in charge who aim to shape trends can bring.
As well as putting on weekly clubs with their own distinct identity. Stewart also has a couple of fine monthly dates on the bill. More familiar house. techno and electro sounds can be heard at each. while the venue is already a key place in lidinburgh to enjoy a cutting edge soundtrack of bassline. ltalo. Baltimore. dubstep and more. There will also be frequent big-
name guest I)Js. with the minimal techno sound of
Soma's Alex Smoke featuring at this fortnight's StepBack. and rising London-based Scots producer Drums of Death having demonstrated the huge potential of this intimate space with a set at the great Playdate last month.
‘lt's really quite scary trying to open somewhere in lidinburgh.’ says Stewart. ‘if you actually want to put on proper gigs and do something worthwhile. particularly when everywhere else is just packing people in and getting them drunk. That‘s not what I want. I want to put on the best possible shows for new audiences. who will hopefully stay with Us for years to come.‘
Alex Smoke plays StepBack at Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh, Fri 21 Nov. See listings for details of regular club nights and gigs.
3%? Cathouse 18th Birthday Weekender Bands, DJs and much more help celebrate Glasgow’s finest rock club. Cathouse, Glasgow, Fri 74 & Sat 75 Nov.
Fantasylands Twelve hours of rave. trance and hardcore, with headliner Ferry Corsten. Royal High/and Centre, Edinburgh, Sat 75 Nov. Fanteaseya Burlesque performance and entry discounts for the ‘fabulously dressed’ promise a night of tarnished glamour. Luna, Edinburgh, Sat 75 Nov. Kapital Edinburgh‘s most unique venue plays host to guest James Holden. The Caves, Edinburgh, Fri 74 Nov. Paul Weller’s Official Aftershow Party Soul and mod classics from Weller’s guitarist Andy Lewis and the Friday Street/Afterglow team. Admiral, Glasgow, Fri 74 Nov. Skins Live Party Live bands Sergeant and Any Colour Black join Arches Dds for this telly tie-in. Arches, Glasgow, Sat 75 Nov. StepBack Guest DJ Alex Smoke joins the StepBack regulars at Edinburgh's finest new underground club. Sneaky Pete ’3, Edinburgh, Fri 27 Nov. Subculture The Subbie’s new Edinburgh date is well- documented elsewhere on these pages, but this appearance by New York's Joe ‘Body and Soul‘ Claussell demands a mention. Sub Club, Glasgow, Sat 22 Nov.
TBC: Together Beat Cancer An impressive line-up of local bands and DJs get together for this charity night. School of Art, Glasgow, Sat 22 Nov.
VEGAS! it's been a bit nomadic of late, but Edinburgh's most swinging night (pictured) is always worth your time. Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Sat 22 Nov.