London’s legendary Ministry of Sound is starting a new chapter in its storied history with the launch of URGE, a night dedicated to pure, stripped-down tech house. The first edition kicks off with a stellar lineup featuring Davide Squillace, Cuartero, Rennie Peters, and Sanne Dammers, with more surprise back-to-back sets planned.
Unlike Ministry’s usual high-production spectacles, URGE takes a minimalist approach: dark, intimate lighting, hypnotic visuals, and a focus on the music rather than over-the-top effects. The idea is to bring the underground back to the forefront, giving clubbers a space to lose themselves in grooves rather than just witnessing a show.
“URGE is about reconnecting with what made house music so special in the first place,” says Ministry’s booker James Linton. “The energy of a sweaty dance floor, DJs feeding off the crowd, and that sense of freedom.”
The move reflects a growing global trend — even big clubs are realizing that audiences crave authenticity and raw vibes, especially as tech house continues to dominate festival and club charts worldwide.
Why it matters:
Tech house has been leading Beatport’s top charts for several years, but some critics argue the sound became too commercial and predictable. Nights like URGE signal a return to deeper, grittier roots, emphasizing percussive rhythms and underground energy over cookie-cutter drops.
📅 First URGE event: October 11, 2025
🎧 Featured DJs: Davide Squillace, Cuartero, Rennie Peters, Sanne Dammers
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