Secretsundaze release 20th anniversary documentary, Hearts Not Hype: Watch
Diving into the past, present and future of Giles Smith and James Priestley's legendary parties
A documentary celebrating 20 years of Secretsundaze has been released. You can watch Hearts Not Hype below.
The film charts the birth, launch and evolution of Giles Smith and James Priestley's beloved London party from 2002 to present day, and has been produced in conjunction with Audio-Technica. It retells how the pair cut their dance floor teeth at East Anglian raves and Ibizan clubs, among other places, before starting one of the UK capital's longest-running sessions based on a simple idea.
"We've got our music, got our records, we've got a bunch of friends, let's find a great space and celebrate life, come together and put a party on," said Smith, before the friends and promoters explain their first venue, 93 Feet East, was only available on a Sunday. Seizing the opportunity, events quickly grew in popularity, establishing a reputation for their freewheeling atmosphere and sharp music policy.
From those initial sessions, through to the now-legendary clandestine (and largely illegal) gatherings at The Poet pub, viewers learn how the organisation evolved into the institution we know today, spawning a record label in the process. In addition to looking back, the video also shines a light on the recently-formed Spirit of Sundaze Ensemble, and includes rehearsal footage from just before the outfit's debut live performance at the Southbank Centre in 2022.
Last weekend, Secretsundaze hosted the first of two outdoor events planned for this summer — The Festival of Dance, which took place at 60 Dock Road, The Cause's new London home. A second date, Multi Multi, will take over multiple venues across the city's Hackney Wick area on Saturday 8th July.
