Horsemeat Disco Interview + Mix

Art & Culture

For seven years and counting, Horse Meat Disco have been packing out nights across Europe, with their residencies in The Eagle in London's Vauxhall, Lisbon's Lux and Berlin's Tape. Inspired by the musical ethos and community spirit of the New York club scene in the 70s and 80s, HMD have garnered a distinct identity and can be relied upon to provide amazing nights with unbeatable sets from the quartet of DJs.

In the run up to their New Years Eve Eastern Electrics Set at The Coronet we caught up with Mr James Hillard to talk the year just gone and what 2012 has instore.
To accompany this, he's put together a December mix to accompany these musings. Check both below and enjoy….

Horse Meat Disco (James Hillard) December 2011 mix by Eastern Electrics on Mixcloud

Firstly… we're very privileged that you're prising yourselves away from the beloved Eagle to come and join us further up the river on NYE. Horse Meat Disco – I'm sure you've been over the name a million times before but for the uninitiated amongst the Eastern Electrics crowd (there's not many of em!) can you tell us where the name comes from.

'It came from a partially obscured headline in a newspaper which read Horse Meat Discovered In Salami. It was quite a revelation and a eureka moment. Who'd have thought it would lead to where it has.'

There's four of you, how does that work!? I notice a couple of you are off in New York at the moment. Is it a case whoever shouts loudest or is nothing like that in the Horse Meat democracy?

'We try to be as fair as possible about sharing out the work. lukily there is enough to go around but 4 djs with egos and bills to pay can sometimes make for interesting exchanges.'

You're from different places in the world, what brought you together?

'Quite simply our love of clubs and music.'

You've championed disco for years, how did you feel about the huge attention of disco bubbling back up into the overground sounds over the past few years?

'It's great. I mean it keeps us working and you can't complain if more and more people dicover music that you truly love. I'd rather go into a bar now and hear disco that some other contemporary rubbish.'

You take your inspiration from New York club scene in the 70's and 80's… if we could offer you the power of time travel back to live the rest of your lives out in this era would you take it or are you quite happy just where you are?

'Of course i'd love to go back and see what it was like. Although you can pay homage you can never relive the moments when the music was coming out was so fresh and new. If i could go back then i would definitely have to check out the Garage, The Saint, Pyramid club, Fire Island and so many more. They were interesting and exciting times for music, gay liberation, fashion and night life. Espcially in New York.'

What's so special about the Eagle that keeps you going back week after week?

'Its home! Everyone involved is family! Its the perfect venue for the party and we couldn't envisage us doing HMD anywhere else.'

You are playing with us for NYE – what's been your best ever NYE so far? Quite a tall order I know.

'All NYEs are a blur! I think i have fun at them but i couldn't tell you which one was the best.'

What will you be bringing to our NYE soiree? Can you pick us your top 5 New Year jams that you'll be busting out for us?

'We'll bring the party. We not to scared to bust out the hits on NYE. I think the important thing on NYE is not to take it too seriously and just make sure everyone has a good time even.

5 jams mmm lets see.'

Candi Stanton – 'Young Hearts Run Free.'

Jean Carne – 'Was That All It Was'

Donna Summer – 'Bad Girls'

Shirley Bassey – 'Copacabana'

Change – 'Glow Of Love'

2012 in HMD world – what have we got to look forward to?

'Original music coming out, lots more touring, inanne updates on facebook and great parties at the Eagle every sunday. We're talking to some major legends to play at the club so watch this space. 2012 could be the year of the legend!'

HMD – replace the words to describe your years/experience as Horse Meat Disco.

'Happy Memories Daily!'

Eastern Electrics NYE 2011

Bloc:

Laurent Garnier 4 Hour Set (!!)
Mount Kimbie (live)

mulletover:
Anja Schneider (mobilee)
Geddes

Warm:

Tensnake (live)
Horse Meat Disco,
Warm Residents

Snowbombing: Secret Room – Winter Forest Lounge & Disco
Luca C (Hot Creations/Crosstown Rebels)
Ali Love (Hot Creations)
Donkeyboss (Return To The Future)
Danny Raper (2020 Vision)
Oscar & Croz (Farr Festival/Eastern Electrics)
Urban Knights
Straightola & Laith M

The Coronet
28 New Kent Rd,
Elephant & Castle,
London SE1 6TJ

-All £15 – £32.50 tix now gone.

£36.50 already selling fast

– Standard Tickets £40

Tickets Available From:
The Ransom Note