A DJ set in Sheff Cathedral isn’t exactly your standard Saturday night out, but this October the historic building will welcome one of electronic music’s best-known names. Welsh artist Sasha is set to play a three-hour set beneath the cathedral’s vaulted ceilings, with local progressive house and techno brand Another Life behind the sold-out show. Ahead of the event, ruby deakin caught up with co-founder Dave Lazenby to find out how it all came together.
First off, how did you pull off such a huge gig with one of the UK’s most influential electronic artists?
With a lot of hard work! Joking aside, we’ve already hosted some of the biggest names in the Progressive House scene in Sheffield, including Anthony Pappa, Danny Howells and Dave Seaman – all globally respected DJs. When we started talking to Sasha’s team, they knew we were serious promoters. I also think the chance to play somewhere as iconic and unique as Sheffield Cathedral made it an opportunity that really stood out.
On that note, what made a centuries-old cathedral the perfect venue?
I’d attended both Sasha and John Digweed events at Manchester Cathedral and as a Sheffield lad I could just picture it taking place there. Sheffield Cathedral is such a beautiful building, full of history and character, but it’s also surprisingly versatile. We wanted to create something that felt truly special rather than just another night in a club, and the cathedral gives us the opportunity to do just that. This is bucket list moment for me and I can’t wait.
What can visitors expect from the event, and how will it be a different vibe from a classic club night?
This definitely isn’t your typical club night. We’re working on a combination of one of the greatest DJs in the world, stunning architecture, great sound and subtle lighting to create an atmosphere you simply couldn’t recreate in a conventional venue. We want people to lose themselves in the music while experiencing one of Sheffield’s most iconic buildings in a completely different way.
Sheffield is becoming hugely popular for electronic and dance events, with some massive names selling out big venues – what do you think this says about the city’s changing music scene?
I think it’s a really exciting time for Sheffield and it’s got a new lease of life. Over the last few years we’ve seen some amazing new venues open, and promoters and audiences have really embraced electronic music again hand in hand. The fact that so many major artists are now appearing here proves there’s a genuine appetite for quality events. Sheffielders don’t need to go to Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds to see the big DJs now, they’re coming here again!
What makes Sasha’s music so unique?
Most of my mates will tell you I’ve bored them to tears over the years talking about how good I think Sasha is! I’ve genuinely never seen anyone be able to craft sets that capture the dancefloor and play with emotions so incredibly well. It’s an art form, and he’s simply the very best I’ve ever seen at it. After all these years, he’s also still evolving as an artist, and that’s why people keep coming back to see him time and time again. He’s a genius.
Sasha plays Sheffield Cathedral on 10 October. Head to another-life.uk for more information on that show and other upcoming events.
