Bakk Heia: A party that makes us miss Manchester.
'Lysergic squelchers, sludgy movers, and 3-legged techno'- all descriptions used to testify the sound of Manchester-based club night and record label Bakk Heia.
Since 2016, founder Jack Tomson (aka Bitzer Maloney) has been booking an eclectic range of cosmic selectors to play for his party at Salford’s worst-kept secret, The White Hotel.
Unlike most promotors, Tomson isn't afraid of booking the industry's unsung heroes. Having hosted legendary names like Jane Fitz, Ivan Smagghe and, more recently, Freerotaion’s Steevio & Suzybee, it might surprise you to hear that Jack isn't a 40-year veteran of the scene. Jack and his crew are some of the best young DJs and producers the North of England has to offer and, in my opinion, this is why Bakk Heia parties are so immensely popular. I’ve been lucky enough to attend two such events, during which I felt like I was interrupting a (dysfunctional) family gathering. It's clear Jack isn't concerned about booking these underrated headliners because he runs the kind of party where the attendees trust the promotor.
Releases from Bakk Heia Records have so far come from two artists, Jorg Kuning and Schuttle. These EPs feature some of the most innovative tracks I have heard in recent years. Jorg, the co-founder of the label, is an incredible artist from Wales. His cosmic productions are as abstract as they are functional. You will find yourself getting lost in complex layers of modular bleeps, all while tapping your toes to his infectious drum patterns. The tempo and style are in the same realm as house and techno, but the line is very blurry. The psychedelic elements are otherworldly and (though I know it's cliché) I must say it’s unlike anything I have ever heard before. What's even more impressive is Jorg’s knowledge of the hardware he uses. I saw him perform a live set at TWH in July 2022, and he oozed confidence when adjusting the intricate knobs and buttons. The whole set was seamless but didn't lose the sense of improvisation I desire from a live set. The other half of this duo, Schuttle, completes the sonics of the Bakk Heia universe. Drawing on elements of Trance, IDM and minimal, his productions are boundary-pushing without losing sight of the blueprints laid by the greats. His latest EP, BH006 is, in part, a playful excursion that combines delicate drum breaks with synthesized bass hits and vocal samples that remind me of a fairytale. It’s also a shamanic chanting acid meltdown that would have any dancefloor synchronised in ritualistic ecstasy. It’s one of my favourite releases of 2023, and I highly recommend it. Both artists similarly push a vibe unique to the North and pair well with one another, all while sounding intrinsically different by virtue of their influences.
Another Bakk Heia event I attended took place when Jane Fitz came to town. We knew little about Jane other than recommendations from friends. After a few fond experiences at the Hotel for nights like High Hoops, we were desperate to go back. When fellow Buckinghamshire-raised and hometown hero Adam Pits announced online that Fitz was his favourite DJ, it put the nail in the coffin and we committed to the night. Bitzer Maloney and Bakk Heia affiliate Herc Morse warmed things up perfectly with a set of ambient soundscapes and low-slung chuggers. The club was almost full before Jane’s set, and the anticipation was building nicely. Around the room groups of friends gathered and giggled together childishly. The ‘here we go again’ expressions on their faces revealed they were regulars to the night and knew we were in for a treat. I can't tell you much about Jane’s marathon set. It’s an emotional roller coaster you’ll just have to experience for yourself.
Thanks for reading! If you haven't already, take your next opportunity to visit a Bakk Heia night. In the meantime, check out their discography to get your fix. To the Bakk Heia crew, keep up the excellent work! Night’s like yours make Manchester what it is.