HOTMILK - Manchester's Baddest Bashment?

Since relocating to the North-West in '06 HOTMILK's monthly session has consistently remained a must-reach dance in my diary. I hold my hand up to taking a schooling in Reggae and Dancehall from selectors/soundboys Joey B, Irish Mash and the Riddim Master (now reppin Freshneck down South). Shouts to Jean-Luc and Big Man Sam K working hard keeping the vibes right over the years.

Strictly quality control Rocksteady/Roots/Lovers/Dancehall/Ragga/Bashment/Up-to-the-time and beyond (Grime/Dirty South/Bassline) keep the dance bubbling till the early hours, however, unlike many other events the resident sound's untouchable selection are the attraction - accessible yet extensive knowledge and coverage of Jamaican styles, educating yet entertaining - deepest dubwise to rowdiest bashment! Irish Mash aka Eoin Macmanus' amazingly eye-catching flyer designs(see below) add another level to the brand balancing humour, colour and a keen eye for relevant images; (i've got an old one featuring Shabba Ranks riding a stick-horse) making him in-demand for more than just his selecting.

Bigtime vocalists and guest DJ's from local to international have passed through the club including Warrior Queen, Tippa Irie, Deadly Dragon, the Heatwave, Toddla T and Tappa Benz but some of the best sessions are arguably when Guiding Star Hi-Fi handle the controls alone jugglin' Jamaican tune old to new all night long alongside local MC's/Hosts who can jump on a big riddim when the dance is at it's liveliest.

This month's session Friday April 9th (make note every 2nd Friday@the Roadhouse, Newton Street, Mcr) features Guiding Star drawing nuff of the roughest, toughest 80's Digikal, 90's dancehall + up-to-the-time check Mash's weighty soundtape for a taste of what to expect. On the night the original Mr Fox shall be holdin down the microphone h.o.t. from the recent collab ep with Zed Bias and Mj Cole...



It was a pleasure to invite Hotmilk crew Joey B and Irish Mash guest on our Swing Ting Sessions radio show last March '09 for a little friendly fire - Nuff jokes in the studio and many peoples locked-in live! I've uploaded a segment from the archive I'm particularly fond of here ft. Punanny, Peanie Peanie + More.

+ highly recommended is the Roots / Revives session at Dulcimer, Chorlton every 3rd Saturday of the month (pictured 1st).