Clubs

WHERE TO GET IN THE HOLIDAY MOOD THIS HOGMANAY:

"I'M totally up for it and looking forward to getting down with the Scottish crew this New Year's Eve. We are gonna go deep y'awl." So promises Edinburgh's Jason Robertson, better known these days as house producer/DJ Aqua Bassino, Famous for blending elements jazz, soul and blues into his deep house mixes, Robertson is set to return from a four year stay in Spain to headline The Newsroom NYE Party, on Leith Street, alongside Craig Smith, Harry Bennett and Ross Hutchison.

"This year is made all the more special because I'll be DJing with my closest friends. It's gonna be a party out of this world," says Robertson.

It'll be a fitting end to a busy year for the clubbing legend. "I've got a lot going on at the moment," he reveals. "I just put out a track with Chez Damier under my own name, Jason Robertson. The track is called Me Realizo, check it out.

"I don't want to let the cat out of the bag too much, but I've been working with vocalist Paul Randolph and focusing on my own projects while living in Spain. Now however, I'm back and they're ready to be unleashed, I'll be dropping some of those jams at the Hogmanay bash at The Newsroom."

The return of Aqua Bassino to his native city is just one of the highlights of Edinburgh's Hogmanay clubbing scene.
At The Voodoo Rooms there's a two for one welcome. As The Ballroom gets funked up classic stylee for Motherfunk, Shebang Rave Unit will take over The Speakeasy. With an all female cast of DJs intent on a ripping good party, this is a night surely not to be missed.

Not too far away you'll find City Nightclub, on Market Street. To mark the end of one year and the start of the next they will be dazzling crowds with a display of pyrotechnics, confetti showers and UV balloons along with a host of special guests, including breaks n' beatz stars Pendulum, who will be bringing in the New Year. They'll be joined by Kissy Sellout and the steadfast sounds of the Colours DJs.

On Holyrood Road you can catch the Bongo Club NYE Special, featuring a collective DJ pool selected from the Bongo's club roster. The percussive vibe will continue deep into the Cowgate as the cavernous Caves welcome the Departure Lounge Hogmanay Party. With artists such as the Rumba Caliente Afro Latin Orchestra, Norndog Brass Band and The Edinburgh Samba School joining Astro Boy, Jiminez, Mr Zimbabwe and DJ Wastepicker, expect a night of inspired tribal groove and a world themed vibe.

Elsewhere, there's an even more stripped down and minimal night at The Store (formerly The GRV) where Edinburgh's quality techno night, Substance, boasts one of the most eagerly anticipated festive line ups. Resident DJ Gavin Richardson is joined by two kings of the techno scene, Surgeon and Neil Landstrumm. Slabs of hefty techno guaranteed.
At Cabaret Voltaire, the Karnival NYE Party will feature no less than 25 DJs including the best in underground sounds from the likes of Dean Newton (Subliminal), Ryan Ellis (Karnival), Matt Edwards (Karnival), Darrell Harding (Pulse) and Andy Problems (Pulse).

Arguably Edinburgh's hardest working DJ, John Hutchison can be found headlining Moulin Rouge at Po Na Na this Hogmanay. Promoting sexy sounds to get down and dirty too, Hutchison promises a night of classics old and new to keep things hot inside,  even if  it's cold outside.
Fancy a bargain? Tokyo Blu will be headlining at the stylish One Below on Rutland Street on the 31st. The venue is hosting a very special masquerade party and has offered Evening News Clubland readers the chance to gain entry to the night's festivities for *half price - that's a bargain £10 instead of £20. To take advantage of this offer, tickets must be purchased before 30 December by calling 0131-221 9978 and quoting Edinburgh Evening News Clubland.
So, search out a mask - the more flamboyant the better and have a Happy New Year!
*Offer subject to availability.