Mike Skinner and Murkage Dave break down Tonga

Clubbing force Murkage have embarked on a new adventure with Mike Skinner to bring something completely different to the nightlife scene down South in the shape of a party bass night called Tonga.  

Synonymous with garage, grime and house, Murkage has become one of the most recognisable names in Manchester when it comes to partying. Partner this with one of the most musically creative minds of our generation in Skinner, and you're onto something.

The launch of Tonga was massive, with the demand since has been next level. Ahead of the event this weekend, we found out from Skinner and Murkage Dave himself what we can expect from Tonga at the Dalston Victoria in London. 

So for the uninitiated, what exactly does Tonga represent in terms of vibe, and what can people expect at the shows?

More people on stage than in the crowd. We wheel up every tune, basically.

What was the eureka moment that made you guys think to start the party?

Connecting at The Murkage Club in Manchester and realising we did the same thing. The realisation that if we were struck down, we would come back more powerful than you can imagine. 

We've read that it's a reaction against the snobbier aspects of bass music, and that the sounds are much rowdier than what is sometimes associated with that...

We think we said chin stroking. We're not about chin stroking, we're about straight edge stage diving. 

What is the thinking behind hosting the parties in Dalston specifically?

We wanted to be in Dalston but not in Dalston if that makes any sense. We're not on the hipster magaluf strip.

If you had to name-check five songs that have influenced the starting of the clubnight, not necessarily jams you'd play at the event, what would you pick?

'A Flag In The Water' Mike Skinner

'GT Turbo' Mella Dee (below)

'Punani' Kyze and Giggs

'Cult' Oscar #worldpeace

'Meltdown' (flava D remix) Distro

'Attak' Rustie feat Danny Brown 

Your other project the D.O.T has just released a slick new video for 'Shake Your Body' (SHAKE UP YOUR BUSINESS AND POUT), highlighting the importance of bees alongside bashment culture in Jamaica. Why were these two themes selected?

It's kind of impressionist. But it says something about what people think of as high and of as low culture. the bashment thing reminds me of high culture more than it does low culture actually. It's close to a saddlers wells production than any nightclub I've been to before.

What else can we expect from your musical collaborations in the upcoming months?

Just a few more d.o.t things and maybe a Murkage/Mike thing. Just keeping it nice and loose and working month to month.

And finally 2014 is drawing to an end. Who has impressed you this year musically?

DJ Khaled's acting was a suprise to us. I feel it's something that unites us as a movement. Check out his performance in the Hold You Down video (above).

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