Touching Bass is an undeniable force in the scene. More of a family than just a collective, the last year has seen them engage in various dances of different forms, embark on a visual project, expand their label, and much more. For the core duo, Errol and Alex Rita, 2024 brought the joys and challenges of parenthood.
“It’s certainly felt like a significant year,” Errol expresses with a smile. When CLASH connects with them, they are in Copenhagen, reconnecting with club culture in the city, where Alex has family. This serves as a convenient stop on their travels, which include club gigs in Korea, performances in Australia, and a trip to Brazil. This impressive duo shows no signs of slowing down.
“I think 2024 has brought together many plans, with various endeavors we've been developing over the past few years becoming visible to the public. As a team, we've always embraced the mindset that 'bigger isn't always better,' so now we’re focusing solely on 'better'! We definitely prioritize quality over quantity. Although we've hosted fewer events this year, it has allowed us to explore avenues we’ve always wanted to delve into.”
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It’s challenging to categorize Touching Bass into a specific genre – it’s more about the feeling and connection. While they are often associated with London’s vibrant jazz scene, this is only one aspect of their diverse work. Both have a long-standing passion for broken beat; Errol enjoys edgy techno, while Alex Rita’s Calm Roots project leans towards meditative soundscapes.
Rooted in South London, Touching Bass is a collective oriented around dance and concert series, a record label, and one of the most well-regarded (and longest-running) shows on community-focused online radio station NTS. In Errol’s own words, Touching Bass was created to pursue “an optimistic perspective on what Black British music was, and what it could become.”
Everything is fluid – one week they might host a Notting Hill Carnival celebration, and the next, premiere a short film at the British Library. Among the key highlights for Touching Bass over the past year was Errol’s DJ residencies at various South London venues where he’s established a long-standing connection. By hosting events at Peckham’s Carpet Shop and the renowned Corsica Studios, he welcomed both new and seasoned guests, showcasing his curatorial skill in this club-focused endeavor.
“We need to stay true to our current experiences. I sought an intimate space that felt comfortable for sharing stories. An extraordinary atmosphere emerges in a small setting, where the DJ is at the same level as the dancers. Carpet Shop and Corsica embody that spirit – the sound is fantastic, and the people are wonderful to collaborate with. I’ve worked alongside some of my favorite DJs, ranging from festival headliners to emerging talents. It was truly refreshing.”
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When asked about the different voices in club culture that intrigue him, Errol mentions his appreciation for “brave DJs.” This term prompts him to reflect momentarily before elaborating. “Bravery, in DJing, is being unafraid of silence post-track or making unexpected genre shifts. While I hold deep respect for DJs who specialize in a single genre, my enjoyment of music is more expansive. Jazz offers an improvisational element, allowing exploration, which can yield a more thoughtful experience on the dancefloor. It fosters honesty with the audience, allowing sets to be more adaptable.”
This need for flexibility perhaps links Touching Bass to jazz – its improvisational essence makes it a powerful medium for expressing Black experiences throughout the diaspora. “The spirit and freedom that jazz provides forms the foundation of what we do. However, as a DJ, one continually evolves, seeking out fresh sounds. Currently, audiences are engaging with diverse music styles, which opens opportunities on the dancefloor. The larger the pool of receptive listeners, the more exciting the challenge. We’ve always embraced various dance music forms while conveying a broader message of freedom. The dancefloor remains the ultimate space for people to simply exist and express themselves.”
From their DJ sets to their ever-evolving radio programs, Touching Bass welcomes change and embraces growth. Currently navigating parenthood – “we're learning as we go” – they are adapting and enjoying the journey. “There’s no manual for this… but fortunately, we have a robust support network,” he smiles.
“The way you approach your goals transforms everything. It’s made our work more purposeful,” he continues. “We operate with clear intention. The manner in which we gather people carries intentionality. Musically, the sounds we explore and celebrate examine the Black experience across generations, celebrating the diversity of Black artistry.”
This message about overcoming obstacles resonates with an entire generation of creatives in London and various cities globally. These are challenging times – both financially and emotionally – yet the response from these communities continuously fuels the duo's passion.
“The undeniable resilience of London’s creative individuals who persist in making art despite
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Touching Bass is a significant presence in the scene. Rather than just a collective, it operates more like a family – the last year has seen an array of dances in various forms.