Satoshi Tomiie, Shindig at WHQ

Simon Armstrong, Evening Chronicle

HAVING blown out the candles on their 17th birthday cake earlier this month, the Shindig crew are heading away from Digital and making the short trip across the city centre to WHQ.

The house music night has welcomed pretty much every A-list DJ worth his salt (or should that be huge paycheck?) since the early 90s – but few of those big names have won over the hearts of the regulars like Satoshi Tomiie.

The Japanese-born, New York-based spinner quickly endeared himself after making his debut at the night’s former home, Foundation, a decade ago.

Instrumental in shaping the dark progressive house sound, he has won legions of fans worldwide.

Love in Traffic, released in 2001, quickly became a dancefloor anthem and saw Tomiie’s profile rocket.

Featuring the vocals of former Sneaker Pimps star Kelli Ali, the track attained classic status and there’ll be many a fan hoping to hear it in the early hours of Monday morning.

After studying piano for 10 years, Tomiie developed a love of hip-hop before becoming entranced with the house sounds coming out of Chicago.

He first found fame in 1989 with the seminal vocal track Tears, a joint effort with legendary US DJ Frankie Knuckles.

Recent years have seen Satoshi move towards a more stripped down, techier sound, as showcased on last year’s double mix CD for Renaissance’s Masters Series.

Still a force to be reckoned with as a producer, it featured a number of his own cuts including Madrugada, under his Mes alias.

Sunday’s event will be the third Tweakin’ event Shindig have hosted at WHQ, with the smaller venue providing an exciting alternative to their regular home at Digital.

As ever, support comes from Shindig’s own Scott Bradford, Neil Bainbridge and Scooby.

Shindig Presents Tweakin’ at WHQ, Carliol Square, Newcastle, Sunday, 10.30pm-4am. Advance tickets £10, more on the door.