PRESS
Review in the Night Times - August 2007
Richard Batsford (Metro) - 2006
“One of the things you notice about Marc is his infectious joy in playing great tunes. Bouncing around behind the decks, completely at home and willing the crowd on, he is so obviously loving being there that you can’t help but love it too. Always inclusive with an open, warm, cheeky and genuine smile, you instantly know his love for the music and want to join him celebrating life, dancing and quality breaks”
Rob Horrocks - Press Release 2005
“Marc Reck, a prominent breaks DJ and promoter has been confirmed to appear as part of performance event “Like Fxck”. Marc is no stranger to overwhelming reactions from the dance floor through a substantial history of appearances and collaborations at Birmingham clubs including Inter-course, Drop Beats Not Bombs and his current residency at Rockfall. His enthusiasm for embracing the latest technology whilst collaborating with live musicians will make his contribution to Like Fxck a fitting celebratory end to an evening that has been conceived as a new approach to the live entertainment format”
———————————-
Press Quotes on Project X 2
“Project X has taken this notion one stage further for their “omnimedia experience” as part of the Gigbeth Music Festival … a great roster of acts” The Guardian “ever experimental” The Metro
With a disturbing, lurching assault upon the senses, ‘Project X’ is an intelligent and unique show destabilising the established role of the ’spectator’ in performance theatre and drawing you in to an impressively eclectic and complex mix of art forms. - Birmingham Post
Yet another reason to bang the drum for the great music in our city. Enormous, generous and involved musicianship that jumped boundaries effortlessly. Imaginative, playful multimedia presentation. Well thought out, seamless transitions.” Radio To Go
“A phenomenally ambitious project encapsulating some element of everything entertaining you could possibly imagine … eclectic doesn’t quite cut it, neither does the fact that this will probably be one of the most surreal and exciting things to go and see anywhere in the country … Unique, ingenious and exciting.” Bearded Magazine
“Loose knit team of extraordinarily creative multi-media guys who work under the title of Project X Presents … they’ve done one event so far which turned out to be extraordinarily successful – a huge labour of love – very involving, very engaging and they’re planning another one” Robin Valk, Radio to Go
This is one for people who like to get something new out of a night out as well as enjoying what they love.” www.blaggerzguide.co.uk
“I would recommend, in fact I would urge that you visit the Project X Presents site to find our more about what they’re doing because it really does take a lot of explaining, but it also deserves a lot of support.”
“Hugely interesting .. a multi-media deal which takes a lot of organisation.”
It really is a big deal and its really worth following”
“Arguably the most diverse music show around … features music from almost every genre. The show itself develops the usual format for gigs and is staged more like a theatrical show.” Solihull News
“Venue owner kent Davis said: “From this creative cauldron the city’s mega-talented, but dispersed artists will create new hybrids which will be the envy of every metropolis”. Solihull Times
Birmingham Post - November 2007
Stefan Kucharczyk finds clowns, cheerleaders and some cutting-edge music at the Gigbeth festival.
Searching for something ominously titled ‘Project X’ in a warehouse venue in the dark depths of Digbeth on Saturday night, something clearly isn’t right. This pinnacle performance, crowning the Gigbeth weekend, Birmingham’s flagship local music and arts festival, promises a ‘diverse, never-to-be-repeated spectacular’.
But, again, something definitely isn’t quite right.
Is it that demonic clown blowing bubbles into the entrance courtyard? Is it the semi-deranged Bacchic priestesses swirling around us with incense, laurel wreaths and cackling madly as they pour salt on to the floor out of their Wellington boots?
A stroke of genius or pretentious nonsense? The brainchild of Birmingham artist Rich Batsford and drawing together performance theatre, film, dance, comedy, music and a pinch of madness, ‘Project X’ at the Rainbow Warehouse embodies all the elements and attitudes that have made the Gigbeth festival such a cult success.
Breathing life into one of Birmingham’s less salubrious quarters and squeezing the Midlands’ most promising artists into one weekend, Gigbeth puts the family fun firmly to one side and embraces the darker side of the region’s cutting edge, artistic talent.
Anyway, let’s get back to that clown. ‘Project X’ is one continual circus, seamlessly drifting from one experience to the next. With acoustic jam sessions, Islamic drumming from Aashiq al-Rasul and a hilarious dose of vinegar from some of the city’s poets, the Bacchae mingle and the audience warms up to this most unconventional show.
As ambient music plays and autumnal leaves slowly cover the floor, an impressive capoeira display sets a steady beat and strange, shady characters dart through the warehouse theatre’s shadowy background. Building to a frenzied climax, seemingly innocuous spectators suddenly spring to life as part of the performance working to confuse and disorientate. That clown is back. This time he’s chasing a cheerleader who might also be a cat. Weird.
With a disturbing, lurching assault upon the senses, ‘Project X’ is an intelligent and unique show destabilising the established role of the ’spectator’ in performance theatre and drawing you in to an impressively eclectic and complex mix of art forms.
——————————
Guardian Preview/Listing
Project X - Birmingham -
Say what you like about the smoking ban, but it’s really allowed clubs to find their true natural smell, even if it is an overwhelming combination of Domestos and drying paint. Project X has taken this notion one stage further for their “omnimedia experience” as part of the Gigbeth Music Festival. They’re touting “aroma” amongst the list of sensual attractions alongside DJs, physical theatre, comedy, film and acrobatics. Quite how a pong fits into a six-hour theatrical narrative based around the life of American mythology professor Joseph Campbell remains enticingly vague, although there’s a great roster of acts to help clarify things. Sounds come from breakbeat DJ Marc Reck, there are live sets from punk/indie/ska band Dexter and Qawwali style masters Aashiq Al Rasul, plus top stand-up from Reginald D Hunter. - John Mitchell
—————————-
Joanna Geary
For anyone who didn’t attend Project X Presents at the Rainbow Warehouse, well… I’m sorry, but you really missed out.
It was part of the feast of events on offer as part of Gigbeth and I don’t think I’ve been to anything quite like it before. It mixed so many styles and performances and in a way that just worked really well.
In fact, the night summed up what Birmingham is capable of when it pulls its cultures and its talent together. It’s something we need to do much more of and it’s great to see people in the city trying to make it happen.
Here’s looking forward to the next performance!
———————-
Robin Valk
Yet another reason to bang the drum for the great music in our city. Enormous, generous and involved musicianship that jumped boundaries effortlessly. Imaginative, playful multimedia presentation. Well thought out, seamless transitions. A vibe that took me back 40 years (didn’t smell any patchouli or dope, though), bolstered with 21st Century commitment and technology. Project X, I salute you all. You didn’t go? Don’t say you weren’t warned.
More reviews and photographs here
————————
Press Quotes on Project X - 1
Project X’s event makes most nights out look as adventurous as a trip to the Post Office” The Metro
“Eighteen months in the planning, the night presents five hours of seamless entertainment, with performances crossing over and merging in a multi-sensory assault.” Whats On.
“The Like Fxck event and the Project X Presents collective are an unique proposition, who in an age of standardised cultural product seek to help their audience attain a once in a life time experience by whatever means necessary.” BBC.co.uk
“An eclectic mix of performances .. ranging from classical and rock music to digital art, theatre and stand up. Those with long enough memories may detect the revived spirit of a 1960’s Happening”. Birmingham Post
“A unique entertainment experience for anyone looking to escape the usual Saturday night routine” Birmingham Evening Mail
“This party brings together 50 artists for a five hour pseudo-symphony that segues together everything” The Metro
“The Project X Presents collective – a group of Birmingham-based designers, promoters and performers – aim to break the traditional concert set up with three stages, immersing the audience in a customised environment that builds from a meditative state to a full on dance climax, and covers everything from classical to breakbeat, comedy to dance, all delivered with a strong visual element.” Whats On
————————
———————————————————————————————————————————
Dj Testamonials & Feedback
From : Clare (London artist)
“Completely blown away!! I’ve never seen djing with a live 4 piece string quartet before! I don’t know how we are going to describe this back in London, but be sure that we will be. 
A truly inspiring night. - (On Project X 2)
From : Aart Tanner (Graphic Designer/Producer) -
That was so fuckin amazing mate! Can’t believe you pulled that off without a monitor for half the set! Unbelievable - (on Project X 2)
From : Amrita (Birmingham Musician/Vocalist)
“Really inspired and proud of you all!” (on Project X 2)
From : Elin Morgan (Birmingham Artist)
“My Friends from Uni said to tell you they thought your set was awesome..and so did i! We all really loved the whole night lots - (on Project x 2)
From : Carlos (Jump Shake Rattle n Roll Promoter/Resident)
“Great time, beautiful work, well done you lot!” - (on Project X 2)
From : Mark Smallman (Custom Made Promotor)
“Well done for last night. Great set!” - (on djing the reopening of the Que Club at Drop Beats Not Bombs)
From : Ali Mack (Holistic Therapist)
“You did a great job. Like a feather, a structure so complex, yet light as it effortlessly floats. - (on djing the reopening of the Que Club at Drop Beats Not Bombs)
From : Dodgy Greg (Subvert Promoter/Resident)
“You played a blinder last night mate. All agreed you slayed the place. Just listening to your “Mr Elephant Mixtape for friends” coming down…Lovely ;)” - (on djing Boogie’s 40th/Stupid Underground)
From : Ric Woodall (Night Times editor + Breakthru promoter) - “I had an absolute Riot, great night out. Met many nice people, Derek and boogie were good, but Marc Reck’s set was something else..truly talented guy” - (on djing Custom Made 2)
From : Mark and Shona (Custom Made) - “Marc, You dirty little bastard!! What an amazing set!! You got the entire room dancing and hanging off the rafters! Never seen so much energy in one room for a long time…..on a Sunday too!! Marc Reck ROCKS ” - (on djing Custom Made 2)
From : Becca Thomas (Birmingham Dance Collective) - “thank you so much for last night! my favourite dancefloor moment has to be dancing (and singing, if my memory serves) with pyn to that song from chicago. and the muppets of course, they were good too. hope i haven’t just destroyed your rep as a hardcore breaks dj.. - (on djing Custom Made 2)
Kelsang loves “Mr Elephant’s Mixtape for Friends” so much that he wants to shake mr elephant’s trunk!:p - Kelsang (Electronic Producer/Dj)
Yes Phatty, thanks for the pics, that was a wicked party, man! One love, Jam Jah on Mr Elephant 1
Last night was the closest I have seen to an outdoor free party atmosphere indoors, nice one - Reked DSI on Mr Elephant 2
This events so damn good PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE make it a monthly one!!! - Opensphere DSI on Mr Elephant 2
Thank you Mr Elephant for stomping all over Funkatronic. Make no mistake you alone made the crowd react the way they did, with music selection, mixing and lets not forget flashing that charasmatic trunk of yours. Funkatronic was most impressed by the whole package that is Marc Rekk and would hope that future tings can gwarn!! cos you’ve definately got the Funkatronic flava. Mr Elephant what can i say? keep doin what it is that you do cos its always class.
One Love - Dani C (Funkatronic Promoter & Resident)
Hey Marc wicked show @ Drop Beats. Spitting feathers untill 1st of June @ FUNKATRONIC - One Love - Dani C (Funkatronic Promoter & Resident)
we rocked a fat one! - Vj Chromatouch on our Drop Beats set
Hi Marc, loved your set at Peace not War…. shame I lost the dancers due to time!!!… but enjoyed the whole thing anyways! My mates and I were the last one’s dancing in the place!! Peace and love x - Lisa Wetton (Physically Speaking Dance)
Yo Mr. Elephant man, last saturday was proper good. everyone was swinging their trunks like there’s no tomorrow. - Dj Olly Boon (Eardrum) - Mr Elephant 1
it was a really good nite, the samba band was great and the final hour with you and lopan on the decks was superb - Toby (Sexual Allstars)
Was a pleasure working with you. Had a wicked night. Jock (Evolve) - Mr Elephant 1
WHOOOAAAA, what a f***** bad bwoy night last night. Muchness big ups and massive respects. Soon come the next one. Kelsang
What a fucking crazy mashup! Marc, that was totally badass! Everyone played killer sets and you could really hear the difference in style, then that last hour was fucking CHAOS! Thanks again - Captain Smithers (Crash Repeat)
What a night… really enjoyed playin with you dude, hope we can do similar stuff in the future. peace Mooncup (Percussionist) Mr Elephant 1
Wicked night, I had a brilliant time, samba central rocked. Thanks Mr Elephant! - Mr Elephant 1
Best night ive been to in ages. More than just a terrific breaks night - dances, masque parades, mask making, samba carnival, free veggie food. absolutely amazing. Rich (Project X Presents/Gag Club) - Mr Elephant 1
Marc FUCKIN ROCKS IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! - J Break - (Cyberian Nights/After Dark/Florida)
Marc is a legend, his DJ skills are as good - if not better - than most of the ‘famous’ overpriced DJs i have worked with - Tom Dunstan aka Automaton /Dj Deft, (Earko Promotor, Breaks Dj/Producer.
“Marc is a fine, enthusiastic, personable and dedicated promoter and DJ. As one of the co-founders of Project X Presents, his contribution has been invaluable both in terms of his own work as promoter and DJ, and the high quality of the other people whom he as introduced to the group. Rockfall is one of the premier nights in the city and on the cutting edge of the Breaks scene.” Rich Batsford, (Musical Director of Project X Presents)
“Good work on rockfall, managed to get along to the first one and it was an awesome night. Looking forward to going to some more in the future.” - Ed Delerium
“thanks a lot for the party last week, i really enjoyed it” - Dj Flore on Rockfall 2
“Birmingham has been crying out for a breaks night like this, and with the variety of djs you’ve got..” - Netto Fabulous on Rockfall 1
“i had a wicked time, and im pretty sure nearly every other person there did as well!!!” - Netto Fabulous on Rockfall 2
Saturday was truly a wicked night, you should feel very proud that you brought something different to Birmingham. And I’m so glad that there were so many people there to support you! Well done!” - Netto Fabulous On Project X Presents
“Sat night was wicked, well done. Really enjoyed your set - the belly dancer was a fantastic touch!” Nicky Getgood on Project X Presents
“You totally rocked saturday! What a star!!! ” - Dawn O Brien (Khalangi Belly Dance) on Project X Presents
“Marc, your set was incredible on Sat, a fitting end to the evening. Was amazing working with you and been great to get to know you” - Chris Skerrit (Production Manager/Unterwelt Director) on Project X Presents
“Like Fxck - a blinding set! - just wanted to say what a joy it was working with you! - Unterwelt (International Performance Artists) on Project X Presents
Loved performing to your ‘Exodus’ track, it got better and better everytime we heard it!! - Unterwelt (International Performance Artists) on Project X Presents
And what an amazing night ‘Like Fxck’ turned out to be, exceeding the hype and selling out! - Unterwelt (International Performance Artists) on Project X Presents
Look forward to collaborating on future Project X events and let us know if you need some crazy performers for future Rockfall nights etc” - Unterwelt (International Performance Artists) on Project X Presents
“I was looking at your website yesterday and listening to your mixes at work. I love your stuff!! My boyfriend and his mate were so excited by your set, and Paul is a bit of a music nazi. They just kept shouting “TUNE” every song. I suspect he fancies you a little bit!! Anyway I was looking at when you are next playing and I’ve forgotten but if you let me know I’ll come and see you. I think you’re ace and it was wicked meeting you and performing/getting in your way! - Kelly Higgs - Unterwelt on Project X Presents
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful night, chick. I loved your set - especially the first track. I want it! Give it! Nowwwwwwwwwww!!” - Tracy Russon on Project X Presents
“Nice one bro! Good work to you too.. what an amazing night!! - great tune that marley mix bro!! - Jon Smokedog (Sound Engineer/Producer) on Project X Presents
“Project x just wouldnt have been the same without ur rockin’ beats, all that hard work certainly does pay off!” - Mizz Mclure (Frontwoman in Koala Grip) on Project X Presents
“lovin your work, heres to the next one” - Justin (Drummer/Sound Engineer of Project X) on Project X Presents
“totally love you to bits. you are a hippy a homeboy AND a funky dread!” - Leon Chromactouch (Vj) on Project X Presents
“there’s no one better for the job of bringing the show to a climax with energy, thought and good vibes.” - Rich Batsford, (Musical Director) on Project X Presents
“much enjoyed your radio show today - Lyndall was fancing around the flat to “the tune”! And thanks again for ending the Project X gig the best way possible” - Rich Batsford, (Musical Director)
“You’re a sweet and lovely man, Marc, and it’s always a pleasure to see you - both in ‘real life’ and on the worldwidecybernet” - Jules Gray (Singer/Songwriter)
“It really is a piece of work Marc.. a journey of contrasting styles and musical vigour that’s perfectly mixed, brilliantly chosen and superbly thought out.
The ppl I did play it to, once I got home, agreed – they’ve been privvy so far to a completely different ‘Marc Reck’ and this, as it did me, hit them by storm.
But, what a journey, all tied in at the end by that amazing Sigur Ross track which brings the whole ‘music’ experience to a huge close and leaves you somewhat in awe. I listened to it with Jack as we drove thru all weathers down the M54. It isn’t that it “just” makes good driving music, even though the double edge thing was that while physically travelling on one journey I was listening simultaneously to another journey. Jack leant forward at one point and turned up the bass and said “God yes, this is it this is” (to get a reaction out of him is pretty amazing and thats the first time I’ve seen him actually moved by what he was hearing).
After that, I must’ve listened to it another 5 times during the course of the weekend.. in all sorts of different states. Its pretty much had the same affect on everyone.. so it can’t be just me reading things into it. Everytime I finished listening to it, someone came into the house asking to play it again. Even Valentino Canziani has never been played in my living room that much and consecutively too. Surly that speaks volumes about its quality. …Your best work yet mate ;)” - Sarah Wilkinson (Graphic Designer/Positive News)
“It comes to mind if you played there they’d be blown away by your expertise” - Sarah Wilkinson (Graphic Designer/Positive News)
“really really enjoyed rockfall.. well done all. Anyway, at the after party, and I asked lots of people, everyone who DIDN’T go to rockfall seemed to have a “mediocre evening” whereas everyone who DID go to rockfall had a brilliant night ..ALL night!!” - Sarah Wilkinson (Graphic Designer/Positive News)
Everyone at the party I went to was totally raving over Rockfall.. saying for example “it was the best event they’d been to for ages,” “the atmosphere was really special,” “the tunes were good all night long and there was never a time you could safely sit down without hearing that you were missing something” - Sarah Wilkinson (Graphic Designer/Positive News)
“if i download anymore of your cd’s though, I’ll have to get a bigger glove compartment.. my car is now full up! - Sarah Wilkinson (Graphic Designer/Positive News)
