Tasha runs the Neighbourhood record label and techno party since ten years. She is a dope and experienced dj too. Enjoy!
Hello Tasha how are you and what have you been up to recently?
Hey Marco & Dario, hope you’re all good. I’m ok, it’s been a heavy few months, with coronavirus, lockdown and recently the horrific racist murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery that we’ve witnessed in the US.
I went to the BLM peaceful protests in London and in the small town where I am living at the moment, they were really positive, emotional and unified. The resistance has been extremely powerful and must keep going. I have been taking a look at my actions and how we have been conditioned by white supremacy. It’s important to recognise our own racial bias so that we can start to dismantle the existing racist system that serves to protect white people. I have been reading a lot. I write this today on Windrush day. The Windrush generation created the culture and music in Britain that we love today. I’ve been listening to these excellent interviews with members of the Windrush generation, their children and grandchildren, huge big ups to the legend DJ Flight who produced this series, strongly recommend checking it out https://pod.link/1518310698
You live in London. How would you describe the city and music scene there at the moment?
I don’t live in London anymore but when I went to protest in Parliament Square the unity I felt was much like when I moved there and I hadn’t felt that for some time. When I moved to London 14 years ago the music scene and community was extremely vibrant. Multiculturalism has contributed to London’s incredible history of music. The music scene is on hold at the moment, much like everything else with no clubs, no parties happening. There is a lack of decent, small clubs. I think I’ll never stop pining for Plastic People tbh! Licensing conditions have impacted on the freedom you feel in many of the London clubs. However, Fold is fantastic, my favourite, the crew are like family and they have built a strong community which is amazing and you can express yourself freely. There are lots of amazing producers and DJ’s in London. I do think the whole music scene in general is a mess and needs a reset and rebuild.
Neighbourhood is your event series and record label. How did the project start and what are your plans for the future?
Neighbourhood started in 2010 at Plastic People in London when i wanted to go it alone promoting parties, my own venture. The label was born in 2016, I wanted to release friends‘ music that wasn’t getting out there at the time, it took me a few years to actually do it! The label runs alongside the party.
Plans for the future, well, clubs and parties are not happening right now and for a while longer yet! The last party before the lockdown was the 10 years celebrations, which was very special.
I’ve been slowly sorting the next few releases on the label, and working on The Hive Vol 2 as well.
What annoys you or has pissed you off lately?
Racists. Tories. Our bigoted PM.
What excites you besides music?
My friends, missing them all big time! My dogs! Long walks in the forest & at the beach with the dogs! Meditation, I wouldn’t say it excites me but it helps me a lot.
Anything coming up you want to share with us? Any shout-outs or final statements?
Just want to say thank you to you both for inviting me to do an Ilian Tape Podcast, it’s an honour, shout out to everyone listening, I hope it brings some good vibes, big ups x