Student Bloggers

My name is Miles Fujimoto. I am a professional photographer based in Orange County and Los Angeles, and I am almost a month into the Arcadia Abroad program in London. The UK’s electronic music scene has always been a draw for me, and over one unforgettable weekend, I was immersed in some of the London’s most iconic venues, capturing moments behind the lens and experiencing the energy firsthand. From photographing Cole Knight at LDN East, to shooting Cloonee at Camden Roundhouse, and ending the weekend at Fabric’s 25th anniversary celebration, this weekend was a true highlight of my time studying abroad. Here’s a glimpse of these experiences and what makes London’s nightlife electric.

Night One: Cole Knight at LDN East

LDN East, an underground venue reconstructed from old shipping containers in Canning Town, set the perfect scene for American DJ/Producer Cole Knight’s deeply groovy set. Cole Knight, who’s been making waves in the US with performances at Coachella and Diplo’s Higher Ground, brought her signature sound of deep, grooving house and hypnotic rhythms to London. Her journey, which began in a small rural town south of Chicago, has taken her across the globe, and her DJ set with Dennis Quin at LDN East was a testament to her growth as an artist. Knight's sound, influenced by her travels and personal experiences, resonated with the crowd, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and electrifying. The venue’s industrial feel and new Funktion One sound system amplified her beats, making for a night of powerful connection between the music and the audience.

Night Two: Cloonee at Camden Roundhouse

The next night took me to Camden Roundhouse, one of London’s most historic venues. Originally built in 1847 as a railway engine shed, the Roundhouse has been a hub for iconic performances for decades. Cloonee, a rising star in the tech-house scene, headlined the night with an energetic 3-hour extended set. Since his breakout track ‘The Ciggie’ in 2019, Cloonee has quickly climbed to the top, with major hits like ‘Be Good to Me’ and collaborations with Chris Lake. His ability to deliver infectious beats while keeping the crowd on their feet made this performance one for the books. The Roundhouse, with its vast circular space and legendary status, provided the perfect backdrop for Cloonee’s bold sound for a sold-out event. Furthermore, near his hometown in the UK, his close friends and family were in attendance, making the moments extra special. 

Night Three: Fabric’s 25th Anniversary

No journey through London’s nightlife would be complete without experiencing Fabric. I didn’t have my camera with me this time, as I dropped off all my gear at my flat straight after the Cloonee event. A portion of the team that night invited me out to go to Fabric to end off the night, leading to all of us getting a guestlist wristband to walk straight inside. With their no phone policy, this night was all about soaking in the energy of the legendary venue as a part of the audience. Fabric has long been a beacon of underground electronic music, and its 25th anniversary was nothing short of monumental. Fabric’s history, from its opening in 1999 in a disused meat storage facility, to becoming one of the most celebrated clubs in the world, is a testament to its significance in the electronic music scene. Known for its revolutionary sound system and forward-thinking music curation, the venue was booming with the spirit of celebration of the rich history through their resident DJs. It was an unforgettable night, filled with nostalgia and excitement, as we all danced and celebrated 25 years of this iconic club. The labyrinthine rooms and immersive music bolstered why Fabric holds such an important place in London’s club culture.

Why London?

My decision to study abroad in London was driven by my passion for electronic music and photography. Since February 2024, I started documenting the electronic dance music scene, and London offers unparalleled opportunities to explore and capture the essence of this world. Each of these venues—LDN East, Camden Roundhouse, and Fabric—showcase different facets of the city’s vibrant nightlife. Whether behind the lens or on the dance floor, London’s electronic music scene has given me experiences that I will carry with me long after my time here.

London’s nightlife is a dynamic and diverse world, filled with iconic venues and talented artists. Through my experiences, both as a photographer and an audience member, I’ve witnessed the power of music to connect people and create unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a fan, a photographer, or simply someone looking to explore, London’s electronic music scene is not to be missed. To see more photos and videos from LDN East and Camden Roundhouse, please refer to my Instagram @mindofmoto and for more of my work, please visit mindofmoto.com.