Let the countdown to SW4 festival begin... interview with HeatUK’s Anton Marmot
Reported by HarderFaster
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Submitted 17-08-05 22:01
Most clichés get done to death because there’s more than an element of truth in them. As we all know, it’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for! While his business partner Damo has been interviewed on HF at least three times over the years, this is indeed a first for HeatUK Co-promoter, Anton Marmot. Naturally gregarious and charismatic, Damo is generally regarded as the face of HeatUK promotions. But Heat wouldn’t have existed at all — let alone become one of clubland’s fastest-growing success stories — without Anton. So what exactly does he do? We meet Anton for a liquid lunch at Liverpool Street one sunny London afternoon and learn there’s a lot more than meets the eye to one of the capital’s most laid back promoters. In fact, he was the brains behind the beauty that is the South West Four festival and is one half of the best thing to come out of Walthamstow since E17…
Anton & Jason from Snowball Productions @ South West Four 2004
Damo’s been interviewed on HF several times now, while this is a first for you Anton. Is this indicative of the different roles you play at Heat? For those who don’t know you, please give us some background and tell us what each of you does for Heat.
Damo is larger than life and I guess I’m a bit quieter. I’m involved in the promotional side of things and production. Damo comes to me with certain lineup suggestions and I’ll inject and give my opinion or visa versa. It’s a case of Damo and I bouncing ideas off each other. We both have our strong points — he’s good in certain areas, I’m good at certain areas and together we make a formidable team!
Damo is full on with Heat, while I’m also involved in property management and development. I also spend time with our print and design company ‘Evolution’ which is responsible for all Heat’s artwork and printing. We’re very lucky to have the talented Marc French at our disposal.
HeatUK has been featured on this website many times now and you’ve even made the history of Heat into an industry acclaimed DVD (you can see a trailer at: http://www.southwestfour.com/heat-dvd.html) What else can I possibly ask you about the history of your promotion that hasn’t been asked before? Is there anything that you haven’t been asked before that you wish you had been?
Damo used to hate hard dance?! I used to come home at 8am the next morning and he’d have been at the Walkabout and say, “What are you doing that shit for?!” So one night, I took him along with me and it all made sense…
But seriously, in the last six months or so things have taken quite a different tack for HeatUK. You’ve gone from organising smaller more regular London parties to helping plan larger events in different countries (Ibiza, Amsterdam and Thailand), and you’ve gone from championing what became known as the Heat sound, which was rather hard kick arse trance, to diversifying your musical tastes, leading to you booking some of the world’s top djs. Was there any specific reason for these changes, or has it been a natural progression as you’ve moved onwards an upwards?
I do believe our tenants gave us a good basis for Heat in the beginning. When we threw our first house party and decided to do Heat I remember saying to Damo, “This is your calling in life. This is your thing…” He talks to everyone and he’s so accessible. I’ll never forget it, we were in our bedroom sharing a room together at the time because everything we had went into the building of our house in Walthamstow. Heat wouldn’t exist without either of us, one without the other. We’ve just naturally got bigger and bigger, but we’ve always got our roots. We’ve never liked to be pidgeon-holed. I think we keep people asking the question: “What the hell will those boys do next!?”
Before that, we were managing a bar in Greece and went to Cavo Paridiso to see Carl Cox and he absolutely blew us away! We came back to London and asked, “Why isn’t anyone putting on events like this?” We even rang and made enquiries to the Brixton Academy as soon as we got back. So it’s been a big achievement to have finally got Carl Cox playing for us five years later! We’re absolutely stoked! So, pretty much everything we’ve set out to achieve, we have.
I hear there’s a more recent story from Dance Valley regarding Coxie, a contaminated taxi, Damo and a rather messy Heat resident?
Sorry, but what goes on tour stays on tour!
What, for both of you, has been the main highlight of the last three and a half years?
I couldn’t just say one, there’s a few… the first gig at Camden Palace sold out and we turned away hundreds and only had three weeks to promote that. And the first Brixton Academy New Year’s Eve when Marc French took to the main stage when a year earlier he was playing at the Rock on a Saturday afternoon. The guy was a natural!! And South West Four of course.
Is there anything in particular you’d like HeatUK to achieve before your fourth birthday in September?
Obviously for Clapham to be a successful event in terms of the punters walking away with a big smile having had an amazing day they will not forget for a long time!
You took a group of mad up for it clubbers to Dance Valley last weekend. How did this come about? Did you work at all over the long weekend or party hard with the crew? And what arenas and artists did you check out?
It came out of our relationship with Radical Escapes and Kirk Field. It’s something we’ve been trying to do for over two years and it finally became a reality after doing things like 24 Hours In Amsterdam and other clubbing trips. The artists I checked out were Ian Betts, who played not just one day but two, Sasha and Carl Cox. Of course they were amazing!
Brixton Academy New Year’s Eve
You’ve always focussed on throwing the biggest best party possible. Do you still follow this mantra, or now that you’re more experience are there other factors that you take into consideration?
We always throw a party like it was our first party in the backyard. It’s Heat’s ethos so to speak!
As we speak the last tickets are selling out for the HeatUK boat party. You’ve sold it out without any major advertising — how on earth is this possible?!
It just goes to show how strong word of mouth is and the loyalty and following we have.
It’s been a long time since you’ve organised a Saturday afternoon party in the capital, yet this was the Heat flagship for a long time. Can Heat regulars who miss the good old days look forward to any Saturday arvo events on the horizon any time in the near future?
Yes! Come August the 27th we’re throwing the biggest Saturday afternoon bash of all time!!
You’ve recently surprised fans by adding Astrix to the SW4 lineup, and even more recently Lisa Lashes. Why the new additions when you already had such an awesome lineup? And do you have any other surprises up your sleeves?
I think with Heat we try and cater for all tastes, especially with an event like SW4. With Astrix, there’s a lot of talk of psy-trance moving into hard dance. I saw Astrix live at Psychedelic Academy and it went off, we just had to book him. I guess being an original Samsara goer might have something to do with it, there’s something about my roots!
Anton with ex-Heat Promoters Adam & Keno
SW4 must be a marathon event to organise, both logistically, physically, administratively… and then on the day itself. Has this been easier the second time round, or are you still making mistakes and learning from them? Is there anything you’d do differently if you do the event next year?
I think the first time for anything there is a steep learning curve and I think we did a brilliant event last year. I’ve had some awesome feedback and used that to plan this year’s event. Last year we only had nine weeks unbelievably but this year we’ve had months and it’s been a concentrated effort, and as you do things more and more they become easier.
Last year’s SW4 was, to many people, a perfect day: the weather was fantastic, the music was spot on and the crowd was a manageable size. How do you plan on topping that in 2005? Why did you decide to increase the capacity to 20,000 people? Please tell me you’re going to have more than twice as many portaloos!
Basically last year was sold out and we knew from word of mouth this year more people wanted to go and we wanted to cater for everyone. This year we’re playing with a bigger artist lineup, adding the likes of the great Carl Cox, there’s going to be more intelligent sound, we’re installing the legendary V-DOS linear ray system and the production will blow your mind! And yes there will be more portaloos.
The weather was so good last year that the event ran out of water at one stage. What procedures are you putting in place to make sure that there’s going to be enough facilities onsite this year? And dare I ask what’s going to happen if it rains?
In our first year water may have run out in a few bars and was shipped in very quickly from cash and carry, but there was always a water supply from taps around the site and other bars. We nearly had a riot on our hand when we ran out of beer. I remember Danny Newman from Get Loaded ringing me quite concerned when he found out we had gone through most of the stock for his day as well…
Let’s not mention the rain!
Sasha @ South West Four 2004
But seriously… what are you going to do?
The weather forecast’s looking good already and will be nothing but glorious sunshine!
The dance scene is a very different place to where it was when you started out nearly four years ago. What are the major trends you’ve observed in that time? Are there any changes you’d like to make to the industry if you could?
I think the internet has had quite a huge effect. I think HarderFaster started out about the same time! Ever since then we’ve had a good relationship.
I’ll drink to that! So how did SW4 come about in the first place?
Basically we’d done Brixton Academy for two years and I was thinking, “What’s the next step?” I went away and did a bit of research, put a few feelers out and had a guy call me named Andrew Mattley, who’s a legend when it comes to outdoor events. I went for a meeting with Andrew and I spoke to Damo about it and he wasn’t keen. There wasn’t enough time… but then Markus Wallace, who’s good friends with Sasha, spoke to him and he was well up for it and cancelled another gig he had on that day, and once the headline was cemented the rest of the lineup just fell into place.
As well as that we needed something for the second day, so getting in with Turnmills who were looking at the Happy Mondays worked well. It was a case that we all needed each other, without one part the whole weekend wouldn’t have existed.
And now the whole weekend has become the Metro Weekender. Fair play guys! Club politics: do you roll up your sleeves and get right in, or prefer to sit back and watch from the sidelines?
I’ve learnt to get a bit numb to it all and let it pass. Luckily I have other things going on in my life besides clubland and always looked at it as a hobby that I love. Although there’s a few idiots out there, there are also a few legends who keep it real, like Billy Daniel Bunter, Richard from Raindance and Enrico from Antiworld.
Anton & Heat Resident Ian Betts
Yes, best we don’t go there… Heat started out as what can only be called an underground club, but in a very short space of time has hit the big time in the mainstream. Do you plan on following this more commercial path, or do you think it’s important to still keep your roots in the underground?
We’ll always keep our roots in the underground but will always push it forward. If that makes any sense…
You’ve already started planning your fourth birthday party at Brixton Academy in September. Do you have any news for fans to get them buying those early bird tickets?
Yes! Look out for Eddie Halliwell, GoodGreef and our legendary production. If ya think that’s good, wait to see what’s going to happen on NYE!
What advice would you give wannabe promoters out there? Do you think it’s still possible for someone to wander off the streets and organise a few parties, or would a business studies degree be useful?
It ain’t just a case of handing out a few flyers and you can have every business degree in the world and that still probably wouldn’t do it! Damo used to be a security guard and I used to be an electrician. It’s something that might not necessarily pay and you have to be prepared for a lot of blood, sweat and tears! Enough said!
Having such a hectic lifestyle must play hell with other facets of your life. How on earth do you manage to run other businesses? And a personal life?
I’m very good at delegating and have a very good team around me, whether it be for the houses, print and graphic design or Clapham Common. I’d just like to give a big thanks to my partner Damo, Pat, Marc, Ian, Spencer, Alf, Steve, Royce, Scott, Wayne, Michael, Phil, Verity, Keno, Parko, Malik, Tom Jenkins, Andrew Mattley, Matt Priest, all at Turnmills and Metro and our manager Scotty Hedges!
Back @ home in Sydney, Australia
Ah that’s sweet. But what about your personal life? You must have some dirt for the HF massive?
I thought that’s what a personal life was — to keep personal!
Darn! OK, moving right along… You’ve been involved in planning large events in several continents now. Is there anywhere you’d like to take Heat to next? Do you both plan on staying in the UK for the duration, or are you looking at greener pastures?
We already do our travel events in other continents. I think you’ve always got to be looking for greener pastures in the long run! Putting an event on in another country is hard to have the same input and ethos. If we were to do it, it would have to be done right. At the moment I’ve got my hands pretty full in the UK, but there’s definitely a possibility in the future!
Our glasses are almost empty and it’s high time I headed back to the office. But I’ve still got no dirt on these guys. Come on Anton, tell us something dodgy about Damo.
Damo’s so great at getting people on board. He could sell snow to the eskimos! He loves his p*ss and he loves his crack ons even more. He’s very passionate. He’s great at what he does and most importantly, he does Heat for all the right reasons.
And, I thought as I walked back to work, so does Anton. Bring on the August bank holiday weekend and SW4!
All photos courtesy of HeatUK.
South West Four - HeatUK
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On:
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Saturday 27th August 2005
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At:
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Clapham Common [map]
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From:
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12:00 – 22:00
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Cost:
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Saver - £25+BF / £30+BF Thereafter
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Website:
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www.southwestfour.com/
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Ticket Info:
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Ticket information is available through the Official South West 4 website.
Tickets are also available directly through TicketMaster.co.uk.
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Buy Online:
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Click here to buy tickets
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More:
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London’s biggest outdoor dance event the SOUTH WEST FOUR festival returns for a second year running as part of the METRO WEEKENDER on SAT 27TH AUGUST on Clapham Common for one day of full on festival vibes!
This summer’s SOUTH WEST FOUR will be bigger, better and much, much stronger than last years’ event. Split into 3 DISTINCT ARENAS: the MAIN OUTDOOR ARENA will play host to three of the BIGGEST DJs club land has to offer: SASHA who returns to headline for his second year, the one and only CARL COX and the legendary JOHN DIGWEED! Three DJ’s who really need no introduction at all. Joining them will be the SHAPESHIFTERS and ERIC PRYDZ who have both achieved No.1 artists in the UK and hot talent JAMES ZABIELA!
ARENA TWO will see Ibiza’s legendary ‘SPACE TERRACE’ recreated on Clapham Common. Anyone who’s ever set foot in Ibiza or knows their house music will know the SPACE TERRACE who’s legendary day time sessions have won the venue the ‘best club in the world’ title on many occasions. STEVE LAWER will host the arena and it will also feature THE LAST EVER FESTIVAL SET from one of the UK pioneers of acid house music DANNY RAMPLING alongside the hottest names in house NIC FANCLIULLI and SPACE RESIDENTS JOSE DIVINA and SIN PLOMO sunglasses at the ready!
Rounding off the festival will be the HEAT ARENA. Heat Events are the promoters behind the SOUTH WEST FOUR festival and are truly one of London club lands biggest success stories to date. Having started off throwing backyard parties in North London to selling out major venues across London to throwing LONDON’S BIGGEST OUTDOOR DANCE EVENT, the HEAT ARENA will play host to the harder sounds that the club has nurtured since its inception and will feature DJs and artists such as TALL PAUL, JOHN OO FLEMING, K90 and many, many more!
And if the thought of dancing in a field with 20,000 other like minded clubbers doesn’t quite get the juices flowing, the party continues until 6am at CARLING BRIXTON ACADEMY - The Official SOUTH WEST FOUR AFTER PARTY for 4,500 party people!
It's a giant party, with a giant lineup, in a giant field!
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