Let us set the scene, it’s a Saturday, and we’re making the three-hour trek up to Liverpool because some legend from Listen Up Biz (big up Owen) dropped an offer from Visit Liverpool in our inbox that we couldn’t refuse, one night, three raves and a new city we’d never explored before. We weren’t going to say no, so we hopped on the train to spend a night seeing what the ‘Capital of the North’s’ electronic-music scene was saying.
In typical Broke fashion, we arrived at our first venue and two laps around the block later, wondering why no security or guests were gathered at the entrance we’d found our way to on Google Maps, Izzy checked the tickets and clocked that ‘Surround 360 presents: Schak’ was actually the day before, so back to our hotel we go because it’s baltic in the UK right now.
After a couple of tinnies, we head to our next venue, Spray Shop, for an extended Shonky set. Nestled in Liverpool’s industrial district, the trek to this venue is something straight out of a ’90s rave handbook, navigating our way through the back alleys and a seemingly endless stream of metal shutters before spotting Spray Shop’s warm and inviting orange sign.
Descending into the underground bunker is an experience in itself, the sound system covers every inch of the venue, you’re met with beat-aligned neon lights and a taste of what the event holds before even reaching the warm embrace of a room packed with ready ravers.
Arriving early, we watch the space fill out, starting with ten, then twenty, then fifty, reading the crowd (which we can tell you was fucking immense, Liverpool is where it’s at), supporting DJ KOKO’s beats begin to really flow, and that brain tingling sensation that makes or breaks a Broke Approved venue draws us to the decks like a magnet. Top that off with a tremendous team (shout out to our Broke bestie Colin) who took care of us and every single attendee on the night.
Bracing the cold, we pulled ourselves away from the cosy collection of dance-music lovers inconspicuously gathered under Liverpool’s pavements to hit our third venue (which turned out to be next door), Invisible Wind Factory for SHY FX. Long story short, we lasted 15 minutes and one ciggie before we unchecked our coats and headed back to the hidden gem we’d discovered one door over because we simply couldn’t pull ourselves away.
By the time we’re back, the place is packed, and the energy of the crowd is something special, mirroring the same love and passion for innovative electronic music as the venue’s owner and crew. We’re treated to the last of KOKO’s mixes before Shonky takes to the decks and sends everyone into a seemingly 3-hour long trance. Before we know it, the lights are coming on, ravers are returning to reality, and we’re heading to the exit, gagging for a repeat of what we just witnessed.
Sprayshop isn’t just another venue, it’s truly the beating heart of Liverpool’s budding rave scene, but we’ll let you discover it for yourself…
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