For this instalment of Lubrikant, I’ll be sharing some news from my former colleagues in the 580 office above the Lock Tavern in Chalk Farm, with a new mix to be found at the end of the mailer. During my time at The Lock, I was booking the musical programme amongst other things, and was lucky enough to work alongside a close cohort of charming go-getters who remain amongst my closest friends to this day.

First up, Daniel Avery has just released a collaborative new book, with French photographer Keffer. Named ‘Techno Is Boring’, it pairs wistful vignettes with some furtively taken and often amusing nightlife imagery. It’s nice to read a deft and lighthearted personal insider’s account of a world that can be taken so seriously at times, but is full of inherent whimsy and tragicomedy. The salient effect of the book is that techno, or nightlife in general, are far from boring, but there’s so much more profundity to be found in the culture that surrounds it and how this can enrich one’s life and friendships back in the ‘real’ world. If you know what I mean by that. Pick it up via Velocity Press HERE.

Rusty AKA Personality Crisis started working at the Lock around the same time as me, in 2006. He never ceased to amaze me how much high-quality artwork he was able to produce against relatively tight deadlines, and it feels like he’s at the peak of his powers right now contributing his talents to the likes of the Super8 family of restaurants (Mountain, Brat and Smoking Goat, co-conceived by former Lock colleague Ben Chapman), The Gun, Lanzarote, Convenanza Festival and many more. There’s currently an exhibition of his works on at the FAWW Gallery kiosk in Market Square, Spitalfields. Some of the work is also on sale HERE.

Big news from our mate Nick Stephens, who’s the former manager of the Lock (also starting around the same time as me in 2006!), and current landlord of two of London’s finest boozers The Compton Arms and The (actual) Gun, ie not the plagiaristic monstrosity in Spitalfields. He’s been grafting out all-manner of oddball diamonds for a few years now, via his regular Netil Radio and ROVR shows, and his unforgettable (for everyone else) impromptu appearances behind the decks at The Gun. So it was about time for a proper club booking to come along in the form of Wigflex’s aptly titled Survival Of The Wrongest night at Corsica Studios. We’ll be down the front to offer the requisite immoral support. Tickets available HERE.

And finally, I have another DJ set to share. This was actually my first ever gig at The Gun, back in August 2024, playing back to back with the landlord himself! This was a 3-hour bank-holiday warm-up set before none other than Lena Willikens, who went on to tear the proverbial roof off. I’ve never seen the place on such ebullient form with an atomosphere that would put most nightclubs to shame. There’s something about the simple pleasure of dancing on a pub sofa that will never go out of fashion. It was very special to play alongside a great mate, and I think you’ll enjoy the set. As ever, the full tracklist can be found on Soundcloud by following the link below.

That’s all from me for now. Please do pass on or share the mailout with anyone that you feel might enjoy it.

Casper