Northern Exposure Redux: A Familiar Landscape Reconstructed – By James Bleakman

James Bleakman is a self-confessed house music obsessive. Now based in Sydney, Australia, but born and bred in the UK, in Birmingham, he’s recently published a book, titled “1990 – 2000: The Decade That Was House Music”, that documents his journey from teenage Nirvana fan to bedroom DJ to bar / club resident and seasoned clubber. His obsession beginning with a mixtape borrowed by chance, from his older brother, back when he was too young to legally enter any licensed venue. Honing his skills at home, with radio and magazines fuelling his passion, and imagination, for years before the internet, and before he ever stepped foot in a club. The importance of Pete Tong and Danny Rampling’s weekend shows, Mixmag, DJ Mag, Muzik and Saturday night rituals, are all discussed in detail. The tome translates his excitement, and joy, at buying turntables, discovering beat-matching, learning DJ / club names / legends, hearing landmark mixes, shopping for white labels, plus, of course, attending…