Covid may not be completely over, but thankfully most clubs around the world have been able to open up again in recent months to welcome clubbers back. That old adage of ‘you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone’ certainly applied to club and festival events, which much of the world was deprived of for two years during the pandemic.
Our Top 100 Clubs poll helps our rejuvenating international scene to re-focus on the fantastic venues scattered around this planet. And there certainly are some amazing night-spots worldwide; they’re all generally curated, sculpted and run with an unfeasible amount of loving care and attention, in order to bring you the latest electronic music sounds for all manner of different persuasions. So how have your favourite clubs fared this year? The full results rundown begins on page 39, and yes — we have a new winner for 2022.
One underground club-night that has been hugely influential on DJ Mag UK’s doorstep over the past decade and a half is Rupture, helmed by DJs Mantra and Double O. We’re shining a light on their influence this issue by hosting them on the cover, as an appreciation for helping bring through a whole raft of new talent and also contribute to the return of a focus on the roots of jungle for the thriving drum & bass scene.
Elsewhere, we have a fantastic piece on Italo, the buzz genre of the summer (page 100); hook up with Chicago legend Ron Trent to talk about his inspirational new album (p107); meet Moonchild Sanelly, who’s broken out internationally from South Africa with her expressive and direct vocal performances — and much, much more. As ever, hope you enjoy the issue.
Carl Loben
Editor