Secretsundaze founders Giles Smith and James Priestley announces separation after 21 years
The duo cited a desire for more creative and professional freedom as a reason for the split
After a remarkable 21-year journey, Giles Smith and James Priestley, the DJ duo behind the popular London party Secretsundaze, have decided to part ways.
In a heartfelt social media post shared on 18th May, the duo expressed their gratitude for the years of service and cited a desire for more creative and professional freedom as a reason for the split.
The post read: "We've each been through a lot of personal change and growth recently so after all these years of service together, felt a desire to move forward with more creative and professional freedom.”
“When we started the party with Kristophe and Will back in 2002 on Brick Lane, little did we think we'd be here two decades later. There was no master plan and it just flowed and felt natural. It's been a truly beautiful ride and we feel genuinely blessed to have been the trusted pilots."
There have been so many life affirming, fun, beautiful, crazy shared experiences over this time and most importantly many deep & meaningful connections forged with other human beings. Thank you to all the dancers, artists, security, sound engineers, artist liaisons, cloakroom & bathroom attendants. Every single person that has showed up and participated - thank you from the bottom of our hearts. "
The statement adds that Smith has chosen to focus on new creative endeavours, including delving deeper into production and embarking on a solo NTS Radio residency.
Meanwhile, Priestley will assume "full creative control" of Secretsundaze, according to the post he will focus on building the "principles and foundations but bringing them to the present, be that through his DJ sets as Secretsundaze, a renewed focus and direction for productions and collaborations as well as leading the Spirit of Sundaze Ensemble, label and party forward.”
The news comes after Sucretsundaze announced two new festivals taking place in London this summer. Parties at London's The Pickle Factory and Barcelona's Atlantic Club are still set to go ahead next month, as well as a day festival in London on 8th July.
Earlier this month, Secretsundaze released a documentary celebrating its history spanning two decades. You can watch Hearts Not Hype below.
Read Secretsundaze's full statement below.
