As we start a new year here on FOTN, I thought it would be a nice time to utilise the January doom and do something positive, so I’ve written a little homage to the underground dance scene in my home city of Belfast. My two main loves in life are electronic music and dancing, so it’s been lovely to immerse myself in this piece, without the usual time constraints that come with reviewing.

As a self-professed DJ botherer since 1994 (when I was too young to frequent a lot of places, but with a little blagging help from my big brother and his mates) I was coming to Belfast to see the likes of Andrew Weatherall and David Holmes. When I came to write this, my mind was ablaze with content, but I’ve reined myself in because it’s not 1994, it’s 2024 and the present and future are more important.

In September last year my mate got in touch to see if I’d be up for going to see Timmy Stewart and Jordan Nocturne do a DJ set at a local Masonic Hall. I remembered Timmy from the Sugar Sweet days and knew that alongside Iain McCready and David Holmes he was an integral part of building the foundations of Belfast’s vibrant dance scene. I’d been a fan of Jordan’s own productions for some time so it was a no brainer. Suffice to say, their set was nothing short of incredible. Being the DJ botherer that I am, I got chatting to the lads afterwards and that’s how I came to learn more about the genius operation they run that is ‘The Night Institute.’

The Night Institute is an independent, creative community based in Belfast. They throw parties in lots of unlikely venues around Belfast, mostly in the East.

We went along to The Hack Club to experience their NYE party. Another eccentric venue (I love eccentric), a working man’s club, complete with retro decor, cheap booze and more importantly, a cracking dancefloor space and booming sound system. There is a video of me swooning over the bass on said sound system, but that’s pay-per-view and best hidden away. Timmy and Jordan played a blinder, yet again, churning out banger after banger with a special mention to their dropping of Mandinka at midnight. Perfection.

What strikes me most about the pair is both their chemistry and charisma, possibly the smiliest DJs I’ve seen; they clearly adore what they do and this reflects beautifully on the dancefloor. A dancefloor that doesn’t discriminate against age, gender, race, religion, social class or sexual orientation. It’s a wonderful, sweaty hub of love.

It’s an exciting time for me to emerge from my domestic bubble to discover that not only is the Belfast dance scene still alive, but it’s possibly better than it ever was. Between The Night Institute’s regular parties, to their legendary queer parties, to David Holmes taking over Masonic Halls, to DJ Schmutz bringing some amazing DJs to Ulster Sports Club, it’s a fine time to go dancing in Belfast.

It isn’t difficult to see why The Night Institute were nominated for ‘Best British Club Event’ in the DJ Magazine Best of British poll last year. Timmy and Jordan share a passion and drive that’s inspirational and it’s nice to have a platform to shout them out, they deserve all the praise!

Both Timmy Stewart and Jordan Nocturne manage their own record labels, sporting some local talent from the world of electronic music. I have been delving into their offerings on Bandcamp, along with drip feeding links here and there on Bluesky, and there has been some brilliant feedback. It feels like I have a whole new world to explore that’ll keep me out of trouble for a while. I’ll drop some links below. 

They are gearing up to launch The Night Institute label this year too so keep an eye out for that. 

The next Night Institute party will be looked after by the Schmutz lads, whom I’ve also had the pleasure of seeing in action and they’re brilliant. It’s in The Hack Club on Jan 27th.

The Night Institute, Timmy Stewart and Jordan Nocturne are all over your socials so hit them up with a follow. 

All that remains for me, is to say a big fat thank you to The Night Institute and all who sail in her and long may she continue. 

LINKS:

• The Night Institute Website
• Extended Play — Artists (Bandcamp)
• Nocturn Music (Bandcamp)
• Extended Play – Eighty Seven by To The Bone (Bandcamp)
• Back Bones Discography (Discogs)
• Jodan Nocturn (Soundcloud)
• T-BoNE (Soundcloud)

Photos by Niall Murphy Photography