Erol Alkan has officially announced the release of ‘Trash: A Club, A Sound, A Home’, a comprehensive new book that chronicles the history and cultural impact of his legendary London club night, Trash. As a pivotal figure in the electronic music scene, Alkan’s latest project serves as a deep dive into the decade-long residency that defined a generation of nightlife.
Running every Monday from 1997 to 2007, Trash became a sanctuary for a diverse array of sounds, seamlessly blending indie, electro, post-punk, no wave, and garage rock. The club was instrumental in providing a platform for emerging talent, hosting early, career-defining performances from iconic acts such as LCD Soundsystem, Bloc Party, Hot Chip, and Klaxons.
A Decade of Sonic Innovation
The book is a massive 100,000-word undertaking that combines Alkan’s personal recollections with extensive interviews from 39 key figures who helped shape the club’s identity. This includes contributions from resident DJs, dedicated staff, venue managers, and artists who graced the stage. Notable figures featured in the project include Peaches, Justice, 2manydjs, Scissor Sisters, Felix Da Housecat, Tiga, and Gonzales.
Beyond the written narrative, the project is enriched by over 70 hours of recorded conversations and dozens of previously unseen photographs, offering an intimate look at the energy and atmosphere that made Trash a cultural touchstone.
Celebrating a Legacy
Published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the club’s inception and the 20th anniversary of its closure, the book serves as both a historical document and a celebration of a bygone era. To mark the release, a special launch event is scheduled for January 11 at Rough Trade East in London, which will be hosted by Kate Hutchinson.
For fans of the era and those interested in the evolution of London’s nightlife, ‘Trash: A Club, A Sound, A Home’ offers an unparalleled perspective on a club that truly felt like a home for its community. Pre-orders for the book and tickets for the upcoming conversation and signing event are currently available.