FROM THE HOTTEST ARTISTIC CLUB NIGHTS TO TRAILBLAZING NIGHTLIFE COLLECTIVES: A GUIDE TO LO-LOW'S LONDON
- Cornelia Falknäs
- Mar 17
- 7 min read
Hi, I’m LO-LOW, a music enthusiast, DJ, and producer in development, channelling electrifying sets that foster freedom of expression, community, and plenty of sweat on the dancefloor. A self-confessed club kid and music enthusiast, I found my way into the world of music through journalism, writing for CLASH Magazine, and have played at venues and club nights such as FOLD, Phonox, and Riposte.
I was born and bred in East London, Newham, but now I reside a bit further out in zone 4, in an area based on the boarder of East London and Essex.
Who or what is your ultimate source of inspiration?
I’m inspired by a multitude of things from music to art to film. But mostly by my intention and purpose, to want to give back to the world something of positive change and the opportunity to uplift groups queer / BIPOC who get overlooked in the mainstream or who don’t always get their flowers. I want to influence and encourage people to take up space.
According to you, what makes London's nightlife unique?
The eclectic selection of music events you can get here, ranging from techno to sound systems or drum and bass. London has always been a pioneer for forward thinking sounds and taste.
What’s your favourite club?
FOLD – every time I’ve taken some time away from the club, once I’m back it always has me saying aloud how much I’ve missed it. As one of the clubs with the best sound systems in the capital in front and behind the booth, it truly has one of the cleanest you’ll find. Plus, they house some of the most iconic parties in London such as Tech Couture, Boudica and UNFOLD.
Which are your favourite club nights, and why?
My favourite club nights are homegrown and cultivated by the queer community I exist in, such as Club Are and Playbody. Both events put extra focus and detail into their artistic elements, such as the installations at Club Are and architectural design at Playbody, which really adds an elevated feel to them both – and provides the audience with a full sensory experience.
At the last Playbody I attended they had TSUNIMAN play on a “human booth” which was a sight to see and pushed the boundary lines of party concepts. Combined with finely curated music line ups featuring local and international talents, they make for the perfect day and night out.
[La Fomo note: Club Are's next night is on 22 March, it's all sold out online, but there will be a limited amount of tickets on the door for trans, FLINTA, queer and POC attendees. Find more information here!]
What's a night out you'll never forget?
Tech Couture is another one of my must-go to events. Their parties always bring the sexiest and cutest vibes and definitely have one of the hottest crowds in London.
The event they co-hosted in collaboration with the queer Amsterdam party and collective De Reünie last year at FOLD had such a bubbly and vibrant energy in the club and just felt so freeing. People fully let loose on the dance floor and the atmosphere was truly immaculate. Fusing together the sounds of techno and house musically we were spoiled with stellar sets from Cybersex, LACCHESI, Amoral, Debbie and TEKNA.
Which club nights are currently on your radar?
Uhaul Dyke Rescue is a FLINTA party I got to play at New Year’s Eve (in an actual garage). It was a special feeling and good omen to bring in 2025 with them. The energy at FLINTA events just hits different, there’s been a lack of these parties which caters to us so it’s great to see more popping up. Plus the founders Ali and Lucy were sweethearts.
There’s also Bumpah, a bass focused rave, collective and platform which is centring queer BIPOC artists. Founded by Thempress, CHEZA LUCINA and Princess xixi, it’s been getting great traction, selling out and fills this gap in the queer scene which has definitely been missing. I need to get myself to one of their events soon.
There’s Drip too, a new event which will be fusing together ballroom/voguing and techno which gets me eagerly excited.
Left: Uhaul Dyke Rescue's garage rave via their Instagram. Right: From Bumpah, photo by @tp_laid.
Which collectives should we all follow?
This list could be never-ending, but apart from those I've already mentioned, these are the ones which spring to mind:
What's a club night you're gutted you missed?
I’m gutted I missed the BASSIANI x FOLD night back in early February, as I know the music would have been next level. Plus ever since I went to the BASSIANI collaboration night at Club Raum last year and watched their resident DJ NDRX close on this hip hop track, which was emotive and political, I’m set on seeing them play again.
Describe your ideal night out in London!
A good quality sound system, a friendly crowd, great (diverse demographically) music curation with a varied selection of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Distillery N17, where they have an in-house rum brewery, definitely springs to mind for their stellar drinks menu.
What’s your advice to someone who is new to London's nightlife?
There’s time to do it all, we’re really spoiled with options post-covid (sometimes I think too much). So just know there’s always another weekend to check out that party you missed. They come around quicker than you think.
What’s on your playlist right now?
I’m one of those people who get hooked on an album and listen to it on repeat. I’ve been listening to John Glacier’s second album Like a Ribbon which was released via the record label Young. I went to see her at Village Underground and it just enhanced my love for her profound lyricism.
Can you tell us about any hidden gems or underrated spots?
I’ve been really enjoying venturing out of my usual playground and heading to South London. Though the journey home may be extended, ORMSIDE Projects and newly opened venue Gaffe are worth the trek alone for their quality sound systems. ORMSIDE especially has become a favoured spot of mine to dip into more leftfield and experimental soundscapes I don’t usually get to hear in my usual spots.
What's your favourite art gallery, and where is the perfect nearby spot for a bite or a drink afterwards?
My favourite art gallery has to be Hayward Gallery, part of the Southbank Centre as it is one of the most malleable spaces I’ve ever seen. With each exhibition I’ve been to I’m always enamoured to see how each artists curates and works with the space. From seeing In The Black Fantastic and Strange Clay to Bridget Riley it’s transformed each time, it’s a whole new space on each visit. The Southbank Centre Food Market is the place to hit afterwards and has a multitude of cuisines from Ethiopian to Thai.
Which place in London is at the top of your list to try out?
I really want to check out The Marquee Moon in Dalston, a hi-fi, cocktail bar and restaurant set up by the teams behind The Cause and All My Friends. I’d like to discover more food spots with intentionally good music, as I want to get into my foodie bag, and from what I’ve seen on Instagram the food looks mouth-wateringly delicious.
Which upcoming events are on your radar, and why are you excited about them?
Tim Burton at The Design Museum, I have my ticket booked and I can’t wait as I’ve been a fan of his for decades – plus I think it’s one of the first times they’ve had an extensive exhibition like this of his works.
I also want to see Linder: Danger Came Smiling at Hayward, before it ends in May, as it gives a feministic perspective about gender and sexuality. I first came across Linder’s work a few years ago at The Horror Show! exhibit at Somerset House, so I am looking forward to seeing more of her pieces in the flesh.
What's the most memorable event you've attended in the past few months, and what made it so memorable?
I have to say Reverb at 180 Strand, as it’s an immersive exhibit which really draws together documentary, installation and listening rooms. I left feeling informed, inspired, and genuinely thinking about how incredible human beings are and how lucky we are for people to be able to translate their creativity / music from their minds into something which is tangible for us to indulge in and enjoy. When I went, I only wished I’d given myself more hours as I could have spent 6 hours instead of the 2.5 hours I had, as I was on poor time management.
What's your relationship to London?
London will always be home for me, and I love it here. But as I have travelled more over the years, I’ve definitely come to realise how chaotic London is and have found a second home in Amsterdam, where I actually do find moments to find calm and be chill. When people who moved here used to mention how busy it was, when I was younger, I never quite understood – but I definitely need a breather every couple of months.
[La Fomo note: Your next chance to catch LO-LOW in London will be at PUDDLE on 12 April. In May, you can also see her on Len Faki's debut night at FOLD, and playing GALA Festival with Club Are. If you can't wait for that long, you can also hear her live stream from Brazil on VENENO 19 March!]
