Yesterday, New York slipped into darkness at 4:17 pm.
With the Northern Hemisphere firmly in winter’s grip, I’ve decided to round out the year by revisiting the wonders of summer 2025. Euro summer, that is.
And who better to do that with than touring selector Harri Pepper. A man no stranger to sunny skies and sounds. Hailing from the west coast of Wales, Harri has since settled into a cozy nook of London’s buzzy club scene. An integral part of the 17 Little Portland Street family since day dot and more recently a resident at RinseFM, Harri has also spun in the city’s most iconic rooms, including Fabric, Om, The Cause, Phonox, The Lion and Lamb, The Jazz Cafe, and more.
When I connected with the shaggy-haired bloke, he described his performances as “pushing sound that captures all corners of the body, storytelling with my own signature, taste and flow.” Harri is unafraid to bounce between different tempos and disparate genres, all of which never feel forced.
In open-air settings, Harri’s résumé sparkles too. A fixture at Houghton Festival, the Welshman returns to its storied woodlands year after year, welcomed back by founding father Craig Richards. Elsewhere, he’s a familiar presence at Garbicz, Gottwood, and the mighty Glastonbury.
Between his unwavering search for far-fetched tracks. Harri is a sucker for savica tacos and divine swimming spots. On that note, let’s hop in the Pepper time capsule and drift back to warmer times.
Well, you know, I feel so grateful to say that this summer really was one big pinch-me moment. With so many magical memories, it’s hard to pick just one. Every year, Houghton blows my mind and engrains itself deeper into my heart. Being given the freedom to play all the sounds I love across different stages, throughout one of the most beautiful sites, really means so much to me. Every year, I’m touched by the powerful musical love story it creates. The energy at Terminus truly feels unworldly, wild and hypnotic, with a possessed airiness that takes hold and sends people loose.
I played Terminus early on Friday evening as the golden sun shone through the trees and down into the pit. Shadows of leaves and branches graced the dancers’ faces — it felt like a theatre. The comfort of my family and friends around me, smiling, shaking, and sharing love on the dance floor, filled me with warmth and gave me the biggest smile. I played all sorts of sounds, building the energy up and down while keeping it high and moving: sleazy vocals and loops to keep people hooked, some nutty ones and some made for the sunshine. Playing Aaron Und Pascal’s jazzy roller, “Hidden Place”, with a sunny haze breaking through the trees, felt like a fairy tale.
This is one record that has caught the ear of many this summer. It’s a lullaby that takes you up or down, and I play it on all occasions — to break things down or to build them back up again. It’s a beautiful, twinkly yet haunting piece of music on an excellent album; the whole thing is really lovely.
I found this record at Shake The Foundations, run by my dear friend Sherman. I met Sherman at a flea market and went straight up to him to ask if he had anything Andrew Weatherall-related. He turned around and laughed, saying, “Funny you should ask — Andrew used to be my best mate.” Sherman has been sharing music and stories with me ever since, and I’ve learned so, so much from him. He’s a true gent and has a cosy little shop under Huckle on Lamb’s Conduit Street.
Massive Attack, for me, are real — their music holds such power. I’ve been playing this super gritty track to mash up people’s minds and push the dance. The production is so heavy it cuts through any dance floor and kicks people right back into it. I love the freaky, distorted sounds that lurk in the background, while Mos Def locks into the groove with that slapping kick.
Closing the Into the Burrow Festival yurt this year was a really special way to end festival season. I came in fresh on the Sunday and gave all my love and energy to pull out one last blast from the dancers. I jumped from one sound to another, mixing all sorts of rhythms and moods, then slammed this nutty one in — and the floor erupted.
I’ve really been getting into records I can play at 33 or 45 RPM, depending on my mood and set time, ha! This record is one of those: it’s trippy, bleepy, and rhythmic, and it keeps on giving, constantly changing direction. I bought this at Jelly Records; Kev, the sweet owner, has a “3 for £10” section — always worth checking out!
Haha, this is true — although I do my best to hear people perform and have a good dance. It’s inspiring to listen to all kinds of music, and it feels natural to be part of the dance! One of my most recent favourite nights on the dance floor was this summer at the beautiful Love International Festival. This festival really does what it says on the tin — the love is about! Craig Richards and Ben UFO performed one of the most electric evenings I’ve yet to encounter.
A solid group of friends and I arrived from the very start, even queuing before the music began. I walked in with a bubbly excitement inside me and a slight skip in my step. The light was warm and subtle, with stars peeking through the haze. They began soft and smooth, teasing rhythmic tracks as the floor gradually filled. Their soundtrack built all evening, tastefully crafted with twists and turns, but always with an electric energy that united everyone.
As the sunrise trickled in, I looked around and saw smiles everywhere — friends, musicians, staff, everyone having the best time. Once the sun was fully up, the music was pumping hard, with every track sending the crowd jumping wild — it was turbo! Craig and Ben all night long at Barbarellas Discotheque — stuff for the books.
Ahhh, this would be my dear Lukas Wigflex. I’ve known Lukas across the circuit for the last 15 years — he’s been doing his thing for 20 years now and keeps on going! I first met Lukas back at Gottwood (2013???) — he was bouncing around the artist campsite in some funky Buckfast socks. I remember my mate saying, “That’s Wigflex.” Okay, nice, let’s see what mischief he’s up to.
Then, this year, I invited Lukas to play with me at 17 Little Portland Street. We went for tacos before the gig and got nice and ripe, ready to launch! We went one-for-one from the get-go and clicked like bangers and mash. This has now grown into a silly and beautiful friendship. Since then, we’ve played together almost once a month, and it keeps getting more fun!
Lukas is one of a kind — he really lives and breathes music. I’m so happy to call him a dear friend and music compadre. Lots of fun and games to come!