Being massive Hed Kandi fans, and being avid followers of the glamorous nights in Manchester, London and Ibiza over the past couple of years, we were extremely excited when we heard the brand had started to host a new monthly residency at our local club, Evolve in little old Leamington Spa.

On arrival (after a few cheeky beverages in a couple of local drinking holes!!) we were ushered to the main dance floor to the back of the club. We wasted no time and beeline for resident Hed Kandi DJ Andy Warburton for a chat before he hit the decks. On entry to the back room we were unsure of what to expect, pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. Hed Kandi had not been sparse with the décor. The room had been swanked up to the nine with the Hed Kandi theme running throughout.

Evolve is a good size, with a a good sized room on entry to the club playing house classics, a huge main room with a number of raised platforms and acres of dancing space with a split level so everyone could have a good view of the DJ box. Upstairs was a plush looking VIP area overlooking the main dance floor with RnB music playing for those that prefer a little alternative to house. A good number of bars around the club ensured that you were constantly topped up and queuing was not really an issue.

Andy Warburton and the crew welcomed us. Andy was more than happy to talk to us and came across extremely down to earth. Being a local lad himself, originally from Solihull, he said he was excited to be playing in Leamington, just to put the area a little more on the clubbers map. “It’s such a great venue with a large capacity which is perfect for a Hed Kandi night”. I asked Andy what was the best thing about being a resident for a brand that is known the world over? “The best bits of playing Hed Kandi nights are the awesome clubbers on the dance floor that make a night a party and Leamington is no exception just look at the great crowd”. He also pointed out he likes to play in these new venues to help spread the Hed Kandi vibe and bring the Hed Kandi addiction to the wider audience. “One of the best things about being a Hed Kandi resident is being part of such a hugely growing night, over the last few years it has snowballed out of control with so many nights that have proved to be so popular all over the world”! There is no let up for a Hed Kandi resident and Andy was off the following day to play in Holland, before jetting off to the one and only Island of Ibiza for the start of the summer season.

The night kicked off with Chris Bailey, AJ Gibson, Oldershaw and Dunne all dropping a mix of deep, funky and electro funk for the masses before Andy took the crowd to their pre weekend high. The crowd’s response to the music throughout the night was amazing a real feel good vibe all over the venue you could literally feel it. The clubbers obviously came for the top tunes and high quality DJing. The night was completed by the appearance of legend that is ‘Pav’ taking centre stage on the podium adding his golden touch to the mixes by executing excellent percussion which made it a thoroughly good night had by all.

It’s rumoured that Funky House is dead, well if this night is anything to go by its alive and kicking. The funky sound and the Hed Kandi brand have infecting all the corners of the UK and the World. Keep your eyes and ears alert as the Hed Kandi residents are in the studios and producing tunes that will keep us little funksters hopping on the dance floor for years to come. Although little Leamington Spa is not a town you would associate with large dance brands, it will be no time at all before this night becomes road blocked. One thing is for sure you will catch us at the front at the next event or even on percussion if you’re lucky!!

Check the diary for more awesome nights to come!!