London dance music institution, fabric, has spent 2019 celebrating its 20th anniversary. The nightclub, located in Farringdon in central London, has taken its world-renowned music programming on the road.
Next weekend marks fabric’s first Australian instalment, with a massive party set to take over The Paddock at Federation Square.
A number of the club’s resident DJs are coming along for the ride, including UK label manager and producer Bobby Connolly. Better known as Bobby., Connolly was selected as one of fabric’s new residents for 2019.
“I’m over the moon,” he says. “I’ve never been to Australia and it’s always been a place I’ve wanted to visit. Especially Melbourne – every Australian I’ve ever met has told me how much I’m going to love it, so I’m excited to see what all the fuss is about.
“I’d always hoped the music would bring me Down Under and, lo and behold, it has. The fact that it’s with my fabric family makes the whole thing even dreamier.”
The lineup for fabric’s XX event in Melbourne also includes long-time fabric party-starters Ricardo Villalobos and Craig Richards, with Canadian techno artist Mathew Jonson also set to perform live.
“You only have to look at the lineup to see how special this show is going to be,” Connolly says. “It’s a big deal, not only for fabric but also for Melbourne. It’s a rare opportunity to catch some of the best in the business doing their thing, and also a chance to feel the force of fabric outside of Farringdon.”
When he’s not DJing and producing, Connolly runs two labels. His first, Needs, was founded in 2017 as a not-for-profit enterprise that raises awareness and funds for a variety of causes.
Connolly hosts the monthly event Pleasure Club at North London’s The Lion and Lamb. Twelve months ago, Pleasure Club branched out to become Connolly’s second label.
“Currently I’m focusing on my record labels, as well as working on music and collaborations,” he says. “I have a remix and solo EP coming up on Pleasure Club early next year, and also an EP with my good friend Adam Curtain under our Extra Terrestrial alias. This, and DJing at the weekends, is keeping me fairly busy.”
It’s a lot to manage for Connolly, who’s an in-demand festival DJ and has appeared at the likes of Glastonbury and Burning Man in recent years.
“I like to keep busy,” he says. “Time management is a skill I’ve developed over the years. One of the biggest things I’ve learnt is when to say no – in the past I’ve been victim of taking on too much and spreading myself too thin.
“The key is being more selective with projects so that everything gets the right amount of attention. Also working with the right people so that the workload is shared. I’m still working it out. It’s an ongoing, never-ending process.”
Connolly has operated as a lone ranger for the majority of his time in the music industry. The ongoing relationship with fabric has given him a steady base of support.
“[I’ve always been] working alone and never feeling affiliated with anything except for my own projects,” he says. “To feel a part of something as prestigious as fabric is a great honour and it’s a wonderful feeling to have their love and support. Playing there regularly is a dream come true. It’s the most professional experience as a DJ and a wonderful platform to be able to share music.”
To see Bobby. in action and get a taste of London’s most iconic night club, pencil Saturday December 7 into your diary.
“For someone in Melbourne, it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. This kind of lineup doesn’t happen every weekend. It’s a chance to catch the very best in your city. The vibe is guaranteed. It’s no doubt going to be a very special occasion.”
Bobby. will perform as part of fabric XX on Saturday December 7 at The Paddock at Federation Square. Tickets on sale now via Eventbrite.
