Lee Pattison, also known as Thrilogy, is a stalwart of the scene in Bristol and the south west. One of the minds behind Rave on Avon and head of label Fate And Fiction – we were lucky enough to be able to ask him a few questions!
Hey Lee, thanks for taking the time to talk to us. For those who are unfamiliar with you, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Originally from Surrey and going to hardcore raves at 15, I fell in love with dance music. In 1994 I moved to Bristol for university and the lure of Lakota. My friends and I were regularly driving for two hours to go to our clubbing mecca. So I thought, why not move there..?!?
After a year, I bought my own Technics and I’ve been playing records in sweaty clubs and on dancefloors for over 26 years. My PLAY house night, in part, helped shape Bristol’s now infamous club scene with parties originating in Lakota, The Level and Thekla. I also enjoyed a busy international DJ career with Deepgroove, winning Muzik Magazine and DJ Magazine Awards and our productions gracing the likes of Junior Boys Own, Cocoon, Rekids, Made To Play, Underwater, MBF and also a techno album with Jamie Anderson on Germany’s exalted Harthouse imprint.
You’ve recently had one of your latest tunes “Tonight” released on your own Fate And Fiction Recordings. Can you tell us about how you started Fate And Fiction and the ethos behind it?
I’ve always loved vinyl and what could be more exciting than playing your own tracks on your own label? There’s also such a wealth of talent in Bristol that I’ve never really had to look further afield for amazing music to put out. If you check out our Bandcamp store you can pick up all the releases and some great merch- we have t-shirts, sweaters and even pink slipmats..
As I understand it, you are one of the main people behind Rave on Avon, how did you get to set it up? What was it like running Rave on Avon this year in the midst of a pandemic? And how did the live stream with 1020 go (a station very close to our hearts!)?
Years ago I helped out at BrisFest and Rave On Avon was kind of the after-party. Eventually, it morphed into the multi-venue day and night festival we have now. This is the second year that we have had to cancel the event due to the pandemic. It really is gutting, however, we did manage to do radio weekenders that were online sets from our favourite artists on the same weekend as the festival. This year we were able to do it live at the 1020 studios which was really lovely.
In your eyes, how has the dance scene in Bristol changed over the years? What clubs and nights have come into prominence and who are some of the top local artists/promoters/labels you’d recommend people to check out?
The Bristol scene is always changing and vibrant. It’s very much what I love about the city. There are always people wanting to put on unique and banging parties. It will be interesting to see what happens towards the end of the year, as I think there’s quite a few of the usual suspects with some very big plans. I know there are some amazing new venues going to open up, so watch this space.
As for artists and labels, I’m loving pretty much all the Dr Banana bits, Gallegos is smashing it, Banoffee Pies are always on point and everyone should visit Idle Hands as often as possible.
How has Covid affected Bristol musically?
It’s royally fucked it, like every city in the world. But the scene is resilient and a level playing field might be a good thing. There are some very strong emerging artists that have used their time wisely.
Can you tell us about some of your fond memories from playing out?
Playing at We Love…Space in Ibiza after Ivan Smagghe and closing the main room after Jeff Mills was pretty incredible.
What are your plans for the end of 2021 and into 2022?
I have a Thrilogy album nearly finished, quite a few singles and the label has just signed some red hot, new artists. Also we are planning a few special, one-off Rave On Avon parties in October, November and December, so look out for the limited tickets.
Keep up to date with everything Lee is doing by following his various socials!
Socials:
Thrilogy –
Fate And Fiction –
Rave on Avon –
Interview by: Tom Allman