by Benedetta Mancusi
If you’ve ever felt compelled to break into feverish and uncontrollable dancing to bops like ‘It Makes You Forget (Itgehane),’ ‘Starry Night,’ or the global, chart-topping hit ‘(It Goes Like) Nanana,’ then one, you’re not alone, and two, the following news should have already found you: Peggy Gou has announced her biggest London show to date, taking place at Gunnersbury Park on Saturday 17th August 2024.
Peggy Gou is bringing company too – including Brazilian tech house DJ Mochakk, LSDXOXO, Sally C, and Hiver, making this one of the most anticipated electronic live shows in the capital this summer.
Yes, that’s right. It is - almost - that time of the year again.
Time to travel via Elizabeth Line just to enjoy the air con and extra legroom. Time slip into sunscreen-stained blouses. Time to soak up every bit of sunshine bestowed upon us. And, time to go thrift shopping for crop tops, flowy dresses, and shorts. (Other options including renting and shopping from your own closet - just don’t buy new, please).
Speaking of fashion, it was actually the latter that initially lured the South Korean artist into moving to London, where she studied at London College of Fashion (UAL).
Eventually, however, Gou ended up adventuring and finding herself captivated by the city’s hectic, sweaty, and eclectic underground music scene, DJing at different venues in Central and East London.
Years later, she has now earned herself the status of global icon, becoming one of the world’s most recognised names in dance music and beyond. Through her label, Gudu Records, she has also embarked on a rather admirable mission: giving emerging artists - armed with bundles of passion but not a lot of exposure – the treatment she wished she’d received at the beginning of her own career. This includes offering them the opportunity and platform to showcase their talent.
This show comes at a pretty fascinating time for young Londoners. Hedonism and fun seeking appear to have morphed into something new, slightly less boozy and woozy, and more experience-oriented.
With the cost of living crisis currently sending young people to despair, the realisation that we will never be able to be homeowners, as well as a deeper interest in wellness and looking after one’s mental health, Gen Z seem to care less about forking out for overpriced pints and cocktails in pubs or clubs.
Instead they’re opting shake the day off at an independent wine shop, foraging wild garlic in a cemetery, or wearing shades indoors at an underground rave or a concert - depending on one’s inclinations.
Trying to loosen the grip of peer pressure, it is not so much about systematically losing control anymore, but being more intentional about how the money gets spent, and investing it in memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences instead. An experience like Gou’s upcoming concert, indulging in the vibes masterfully crafted by this magician DJ.
As for the venue, pictured above, Gunnersbury Park has solidified its reputation as a beloved outdoor venue in the heart of the city.
Hosting an array of concerts throughout August 2024, including performances by PJ Harvey on August 18, KoRn on August 11, and Tom Grennan on August 10, the park continues to be a hub for diverse music genres. Building on its success from 2023, which saw sold-out shows featuring boygenius, JOJI, and Limp Bizkit, Gunnersbury Park is cementing its status as a hotspot for memorable experiences.
Considering Peggy Gou’s dreamy sound that just makes you want to boogie, there’s no doubt this show will be one to remember.
Edited by Emily Duff