I think that it’s fair to say that the Sydney clubbing community can be described as somewhat ‘fickle’. Spoilt for choice with an abundance of new nights opening their doors each and every year, it’s little wonder that so many promoters find themselves struggling to draw in the punters after they’ve had their ever-so-brief fifteen minutes in the spotlight. When you add electronic media influenced goldfish-like attention spans and a certain lack of loyalty to the mix, you have to wonder just why anyone would take the time and make the effort to put on a night…
That said, there always has to be an exception to the rule, and in this case, inconsistency comes to us in the form of Clean and Serene who are proud as punch to be celebrating their third birthday this month. So just how is it that a couple of Brits and a local lad have managed to create one of Sydney’s longest running house nights? Perhaps a quick trip down memory lane is in order…
Whilst playing a club in London (2001), Tarek Bhatti Taz: and Andy Jackson (Jackster) meet for the first time and quickly discover their mutual love of Sydney. The pair quickly formed a friendship and not before long the idea of putting on a night in Sydney was conceived. A vision was shared – to promote a monthly event that was more like a house party for extended friends rather than the over hyped, over promoted and over priced nights touting the usual Sydney scene DJs that seemed to be the norm at the time.
Fast forward six months and the pair are reunited in Sydney. Having found a suitable venue in the form of the Burdekin and agreeing upon a name, Clean and Serene was launched on November 23rd, 2001. The opening night was free, the crowd older, sexier and well and truly up for it.
March 2002 saw the third member of the Clean and Serene crew join in the form of Mike McGrath (Fabmacca). Mike’s old school vocal focused house was the perfect compliment to Andy’s piano based four-on-the-floor / US Garage and Taz’s chunky yet still funky uplifting tracks.
So, some three years down the track, Clean and Serene is as strong as ever, if not more so. Boasting one of the most loyal group of regular punters that Sydney has ever seen, it’s obvious that the guys have to be doing something right. ITM catches up with Andy and Taz and finds out just what is the secret to their success.
First up, congratulations on reaching the ripe old age of three years! I imagine that over the years you guys would have seen a heap of competition come and go so tell me, just what is about Clean and Serene that has seen you stand the test of time?
Andy: I’m not sure really. I think we’ve never fallen into the trap of taking either the night or ourselves too seriously and therefore it’s maintained that feeling of a party thrown by mates for their mates. It’s never been “cool” to come to C&S so we’ve never had to worry about a new night starting that may be deemed cooler than us!
Taz: Agreed… Andy, Mike and I have always remained true to keeping the night exactly as we intended it to be and therefore the punters know exactly what they’re going to get when they walk through the doors of the Mini Bar.
I’ve often heard Clean and Serene’s music policy referred to as ‘batty house’... how would you describe it?
Andy: We call it funky, chunky sexy house… yeah, other people have labeled it “batty house” but the reality is we play what we feel like and ask the same of our guests. Many people have walked away from their first visit saying they didn’t expect the music to be as good (i.e. ‘unbatty’) as it was.
Clean and Serene has been at the Burdekin for a while now and from personal experience the two seem to work really well together. Any theories as to why this is?
Andy: I think it works well because it doesn’t feel like a full on club… everything’s more relaxed and that works with what we’re trying to achieve. The layout also means you can go nuts on the dancefloor or sit down and have a drink (or ten) and a catch up without feeling like you’re in the way. The other advantage of the Burdekin is that you can see some of Sydney’s best DJs (obviously referring to our guests here) play in intimate surroundings on two decks and a mixer… the good old fashioned way!
Friday, November 19th will undoubtedly see the Burdekin packed with punters celebrating and swinging from the rafters. Can you let people know what you’ve planned for the night?
Taz: We have 2 special guest DJs who will be making a welcome return to help with the festivities… John Devecchis (home) and Shamus (Kink). I have it on good authority that Betty will try to pop in too!
Andy: Yep… I’m planning to not smoke and stay completely and utterly sober (cough)
Can you tell me the funniest / coolest / most special moment you can remember over the past three years?
Andy: I seriously struggle to remember most of it! I would have to say the funniest moment had to be when Alex Taylor arrived for Dirty & Delirious in 2003 and didn’t recognise me playing in drag. Being the professional that he is, he introduced himself to me behind the decks before the realisation hit him as I started laughing!
Taz: For anyone who witnessed Dirty & Delirious last year, you know what I’m thinking. For the rest of you, let’s just say the outfits Andy and I wore that night were WRONG!
With three years under your belts, you guys must almost be ready to take on the superclubs? What are the future plans for Clean and Serene?
Andy: Clean & Serene – The Early Years DVD is out at Christmas followed by the board game and the action figurine set.
Taz: Apart from the compilation cds, world tour and music festivals we’ll be touring around Australia… I think you can expect more of the same funkychunkysexyhouse. (Note: I was joking about the first 3!)
Finally, can you name three tracks that sum up the Clean and Serene experience?
Andy: Madonna – Like a Prayer, Elton John – Rocket Man, Earth Wind & Fire – Fantasy… all of which I might add I’ve played at C&S over the last 3 years… batty house my arse!
Taz: Here are 3 choons you can expect to hear me play on our birthday: The Weekend, Dirty Vinyl Pusher and an old C&S fave of mine, Runnin’.
So there you have it readers. If you’ve been lucky enough to have experienced the phenomenon that is Clean and Serene, I’m confident that you’ll need little convincing to come down to the Burdekin to help celebrate what is rapidly becoming a Sydney clubbing institution. For those of you that have somehow not yet had the pleasure of funkychunkysexyhouse, all I’ll say is that it’s better to be late than never. What’s that? Thought so… I’ll see you there.
Clean and Serene 3rd Birthday @ The Burdekin – Friday 19th November featuring Tazman, Jackster, Mike McGrath and special guests John Devecchis (home), Shamus (Kink). For more details check out ITM Whatson.
