Erol Alkan Books History of Legendary London Club Night Trash

DJ and producer Erol Alkan has announced the forthcoming book ‘Trash: A Club, A Sound, A Home,’ which will chronicle the history of the influential club night known as Trash. This publication is slated for release on January 14, 2027, by UK publisher Faber & Faber. The year 2027 marks significant anniversaries for Trash: 30 years since its inception and 20 years since its conclusion. Founded by Alkan in 1997, Trash became a pivotal force in London's underground music scene for nearly a decade, fostering a community around indie rock and electronic music. The club night hosted performances from notable artists such as LCD Soundsystem, Bloc Party, Hot Chip, and The Klaxons. Trash held its final event in 2007 at the renowned club The End. The book will feature Alkan's personal recollections alongside extensive interviews. Over 70 hours of recorded conversations with 39 individuals associated with Trash are included, featuring insights from artists like Justice, Peaches, Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, Felix Da Housecat, and Tiga. Alkan revealed on Instagram that he dedicated the past two years to writing the book, stepping away from remixing and production work, aside from his regular weekend DJ sets. He would reportedly wake at 5 a.m. daily to focus on the writing process. Alkan expressed a desire for the book to illustrate how an event initiated by a 22-year-old from Archway, who had limited prior travel experience, managed to influence the cultural values of both indie clubs and the broader dance music landscape. Recent speculation among fans about a potential revival of the Trash club night, fueled by a cryptic post from the event's official account stating, "There are lights that never fade," has been clarified by Alkan. He explicitly stated that the announcement pertains solely to the book and not a resurgence of the party. Alkan reiterated his firm stance against bringing Trash back, stating, "When Trash ended, I vowed never to bring it back. That vow still stands." To commemorate the book's release, a talk and publication celebration is scheduled for January 11, 2027, at Rough Trade in East London, featuring Erol Alkan and music journalist Kate Hutchinson. Pre-orders for the book are available through Rough Trade, with options including a hand-signed copy and an exclusive CD. The book's creation involved a significant commitment from Alkan, who prioritized its writing over other professional activities for two years, aiming to capture the essence and impact of the club night.