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Optimo (Espacio)
JD TWITCH & JG WILKES

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In late 2012, I was approached by one of @resident\_advisor’s reps about possibly collaborating with @latenitesocialclub for a party series they called *Horizons*. The aim of the series was to highlight small scenes and communities around the world. Prior to us, they had hosted the party in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

 

I couldn’t believe we had caught their attention — and that they chose @latenitesocialclub to host one of these events. As the conversation progressed and we began planning the party, we eventually received a list of DJs RA had lined up for us to choose from. The list included Roy Ayers, Erykah Badu, Louie Vega, Seth Troxler, and many more.

 

As I neared the end of the list, which was in alphabetical order, I passed the O’s and quickly skimmed over what looked like an "O" with an "MO" at the end. I backtracked — did I just read Optimo?

 

Yes! There it was: @optimoespacio. Without any hesitation, I replied to the email with just their name and nothing else, pinching myself in complete disbelief. Not long after, we confirmed the duo’s first performance in Texas and the Southwest.

 

I had been a fan for years. I would watch videos of them playing ridiculous music during their residency at the iconic Glasgow club, @subclub87. I don’t know how many times I closed out a party with The Chain! it always fucking killed.

 

Now we were going to see these guys in person. I can’t explain or even put into coherent words how fucking excited I was.

 

I’d go on to play before them the night of the party. I remember the moment Jonnie walked into the booth and glanced at what I was playing over my shoulder. He looked at me and said, “Oh nice! That’s my mate’s label.” It was a bootleg label from the UK that pressed rare and hard-to-find classics. I couldn’t believe it! of course he knew the person behind that.

 

JD followed shortly after with his computer and went straight to work preparing for their set. Jonnie kindly mixed into my last record, and just like that, their set began.

 

Within minutes, an overwhelming aura filled the room and they were off.  Highlights of the night included Robert Owens, Larry Heard, LCD Soundsystem, Black Sabbath, Bob Marley, Max Romeo. 

 

There are moments of their set that felt like a fever dream. The vibe was so intense and the clubs lighting was somehow following along to every beat and key change. I remember being devastated with the poor turnout. I make it seem worse than it was. Without a doubt, it was way less than what you would expect for this resident advisor supported party, and with headline artists like Optimo. The beauty of it all was the fact that the OG’s played as if it were the closing set of their 13 year long residency at Sub Club in Glasgow. 

 

I got to spend some time with the fellas after the party. Jonnie was in his wild ways then and wanted to come party with me. Keith came over and shut that down quickly. He was looking after his boy with so much love. 

 

About a month after the party I received a message from Jonnie, thanking me and confirming that they both had a wonderful time and that they wanted to come back soon. We would make that happen in May if 2014. They would agree to play my Thursday night party called BUMPSWING at a small intimate venue in downtown El Paso. The reason I will tell this part of the story is to show how kind, generous, genuine, caring, loving, and humble these guys are. We had almost no budget. The budget would barely cover one person. When i explained to Jonnie what the situation was he spoke to Keith and they both decided to accept the offer and they made their way back to El Paso. 

 

You must understand that through every single second of this I am in complete disbelief again that our humble little scene will have another opportunity to experience these two masters behind the turntables. 

 

Ive come to know that many of us who would refer to ourselves as ravers, house heads or party kids, we’re all lost and alone at one point. Music would be our common denominator. Not just house music or electronic music at all for that matter. Being introduced to Arthur Russell, David Bowie during his Ziggy years, Roxy Music, Kate Bush, The Carpenters, Liquid Liquid, Ministry, The Clash. These are parts of ourselves that we would rarely be able to bring to the dance floor with us. JD & JG gracefully weave these life experiences together when they play. 

 

Earlier this week Keith Mclvor aka JD Twitch of Optimo (Espacio) shared news of an inoperable brain tumor. It’s selfish and almost inappropriate for me to say that I am hurt and sad that this would happen to someone as important and as kind as Keith. To Keith, I can only send my deepest love and gratitude. To your family, I thank you. To Jonnie, you boys showed me a deeper love. 

 

Optimo (Espacio) forever! 

- Joe 

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