Mark Knight talks returning to Joshua Brooks for Extended Open to Close Set! Interview w/ Kai Jasper
House music heavyweight Mark Knight is set to return to one of his most cherished venues, Joshua Brooks, on Saturday, February 7, delivering a rare six-hour open-to-close DJ set that promises a deep, story-driven journey through house music’s many sounds.
The Toolroom Records co-founder and internationally respected DJ described Joshua Brooks as a global favourite, praising its stripped back ethos and focus on music over spectacle. “It’s just a room of people, music, and nothing else,” Knight said. “That’s the essence of what clubbing should be, one DJ, one night, one story.”
Knight explained that intimate venues like Joshua Brooks allow DJs to reconnect with the original spirit of club culture, where community and musical storytelling took precedence over production and celebrity. He contrasted this with what he described as the increasingly “corporate” nature of mega-clubs, arguing that smaller spaces retain the soul and social connection that defined early house music culture.
The extended six-hour format, gives him the freedom to explore a wider musical spectrum than a typical headline slot. Starting at slower tempos and gradually building energy, he plans to move fluidly between disco, house, tech house, touches of techno, and classic records. It allows him to play music people didn’t know they wanted to hear, calling long form sets the most creatively fulfilling aspect of DJing.
Knight emphasised the key to mastering these marathon performances. Reading the psychology of the room, knowing when to shift energy, and avoiding musical stagnation are skills that only develop over time. “You can’t buy experience, and you can’t shortcut it,” he said.
Beyond the DJ booth, Knight reflected on the longevity of Toolroom Records, which he founded in 2003. He attributed the label’s continued relevance to consistency, quality, and resisting the urge to chase trends. “If you believe in what you do and love it, how can it be wrong?” he said, adding that most of the music he plays comes directly from his own labels or productions, creating a cohesive musical ecosystem.
Knight also discussed how club performances influence his studio output, allowing him to take more creative risks and produce records designed to punctuate long sets at different moments of the night. This philosophy is evident in his recent release Fighting Love, which blends classic house influences with a modern club sensibility.
Looking back on decades in electronic music – from the late 1980s to today – Knight expressed concern about the decline of grassroots venues and urged the next generation to carve out their own spaces rather than rely on large corporate clubs. “Clubs like Joshua Brooks are a dying breed, and they should be celebrated,” he said. .
Mark Knight will perform at Joshua Brooks, Manchester, on February 7, from 10pm to 4am. Tickets are available via the venue’s website and Skiddle.
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