By Holly Hemsley

Young adults enjoying a night out at Stereo

Rahul.mp3 is the Glasgow-based DJ to watch out for, he is part of the LGBTQ+ community, Indian and Scottish. He brings a fresh, distinctively creative point of view to the Glasgow underground music/DJ scene.

I know Rahul.mp3 through mutual friends and have followed his career closely ever since he opened for American rapper CupcakKe at the beginning of the year.

Rahul.mp3 has founded SCANDAL Glasgow, a self-described new age clubbing experience, in February it was featured in British Vogue. Last week I attended my first SCANDAL, and I’ve truly never had a better night out.

A little backstory about me: I’m incredibly socially anxious (although I may not look it!), and for the first two years of being legally allowed to experience club culture, I avoided it like the plague. I’m 22 now and I’ve only just been able to enter some social situations without popping two 10mg Propranolol beforehand. Even still, club nights and raves have to appear safe for me to feel comfortable enough for me to attend. If I manage to get myself there, the perfect atmosphere is absolutely key. If I not having fun I not staying!

Teaming with queer and POC (people of colour) talent, last week’s SCANDAL lineup was initially what drew me to this particular event. Not only did I know the GoGo dancers, but the London performer George Riley was to be performing live, as well as our wonderful host Rahul and a number of intimidatingly cool Glasgow-based DJs. Walking into Stereo, my friend and I were the first to arrive. The theme was glittering in gold, and the club setup reflected just that. Maybe it was the three double tequila pineapples, but I could feel the buzz of the night already.

As more people started to appear, my digital camera came out. Everyone was dressed so stylishly, so unique to them, and as I awkwardly asked for pictures, I was met with only enthusiasm. With a few ass-shaking breaks in between, soon I had snapped photos of all the early arrivals, and it was time for the party to begin.

Soon the room was full, bursting with badass, queer individuals and their friends. The music was perfectly ear-drum-shatteringly loud, giving you that delicious warm hum in your inner ear. The DJs were fierce. The vibe was just right. Then, as if the crowd couldn’t get any more hyped, the GoGo dancers began their mystifying moves on stage. My camera pictures got less in focus, but I didn't care. The third member of my bestie trio had arrived & I was revving up to boogie all night long. And you can bet I did.

With mandatory short breaks to the smoking area sporadically interspersed throughout the night, my friends would leave me alone for brief periods of time to fuel their crippling nicotine addictions. But I wasn't anxious, like, at all! In fact, I kept telling the strangers I had just met exactly how not-anxious I was! Not only did I get lots of pictures of the edgy attendees, I even did some networking with the photographers and talent. All by myself! With only tequila and my out-there outfit to help me.

At some point in the night, I touched euphoria. Reaching to my GoGo dancer friend on stage, she handed me a little green LED ring and I didn't need another drink, just to dance until my feet ached.

This all might sound silly, but for most of my adult life I’ve been very timid; never putting myself out there, and certainly not able to make friends with everyone I thought was chic in the club. But I can't stress how safe I felt. I was surrounded by what felt like my people. The DJ mixes were immaculate, the dancers were hypnotising, the atmosphere of the night was simply addictive. When the lights came on, I actually shouted the words: “No but I want to dance!”

So, if you’re awkward like me, SCANDAL at Stereo hosted by Rahul.mp3 is anxious-girl approved. Rahul baby, you know how to throw a party, and it's one I always want to attend!

Scandal at Stereo - Anxious-girl Approved