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Over the past few years, against the backdrop of the cost of living crisis and austerity, an energised crop of community-focused collectives, promoters, and venues have emerged in the UK capital. Against some tough odds, they are fighting to keep the city’s electronic music scene not only alive, but thriving. Here, Georgia Mulraine looks at how promoters and partygoers are adapting to this new landscape, adjusting their expectations of what going out looks like and, ultimately, asks: what is the future of London clubbing?

Released on 25th May 1984, ‘Smalltown Boy’ launched the gay synth-pop band Bronski Beat into the charts and onto dancefloors with its glorious synths, hi-NRG production and Jimmy Somerville’s soaring falsetto, which sang a story of rejection, pain and escape. Here, with the help of musicians, its iconic video's director and others, Bailey Slater explores how, four decades on, it remains an unflinching anthem of queer liberation

In the midst of the ruinous Thatcher era, Manchester’s Hulme Crescents estate became a haven for squatters, anarchists and acid house ravers, who converged in the hedonistic flat-turned-studio and after-hours club, The Kitchen. Kemi Alemoru speaks to former residents, DJs and familiar guests from the Madchester scene about the lasting impact this space had on the city’s cultural landscape

In early 2009, Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter launched Mister Saturday Night. The party formed the roots of what would eventually become the beloved nightspot Nowadays, a “by us, for us” club that’s become a community hub for NYC’s nightlifers. Following the release of a sprawling box-set to mark the party’s 15th anniversary, and alongside a mix recorded live from the club, Harkin, Carter and a few of the compilation’s featured artists fill us in on what makes Mister Saturday Night so special

Youngsta is one of dubstep’s foundational figures, an integral force in shaping the genre from its earliest days at iconic club night FWD>>. A specialist through and through, he’s stayed true to the sound throughout its evolution, pushing the original minimalist style that’s now seeing a resurgence in interest. Delivering an On Cue mix of stripped-back dubstep ammunition, he also speaks to Rob McCallum about how the sound came to be, the vital impact of his sister, Sarah, overcoming addiction, and his hopes for the future

Through its nurturing of new superstars like Aitch and other young local talent, Manchester’s NQ has become a veritable institution of modern UK rap, helping elevate regional artists across the UK. James Keith meets members of the crew during a recent takeover at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, and heads to NQ’s northern base to discover the secret to its success