Haze is putting Sunderland on the techno music map

A group of enterprising Wearsiders are making waves in the music world with their sell-out club nights.
The next Haze event is at Independent on Saturday, February 27.The next Haze event is at Independent on Saturday, February 27.
The next Haze event is at Independent on Saturday, February 27.

Haze was started two years ago when Carlton Johnston, Loui Brown and Aarron Johnston began organising party nights.

They are now an eight-man strong team, with the addition of Christian Usher, Ben Carter, Joel Henderson, Joe Dunn and Nath Fryatt, and have entertained capacity crowds at numerous venues in the city.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They have come a long way in two years from their first show, which had no promotion other than word of mouth, to their recent Boxing Day event which was one of the biggest house and techno nights ever in the city.

The night had sold out before the doors had opened, with a capacity crowd of 1,800 people attending The Point for a line-up that even got mentioned on Radio 1’s Christmas Eve show.

“It doesn’t matter where you go in the UK, everyone who likes this music knows our brand,” said Aaron.  

“We’ve got DJs messaging us wanting to play for us because they’ve seen what we do and want to be involved.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There was a time when no one would come to play for us in Sunderland. It wasn’t an established city. If it was Newcastle they would have come and played no bother.

“But now we have built up Sunderland’s reputation. We’ve still got a few stepping stones to go, but we’re getting there.”

The success of their nights has led to them being asked to be the official club partner for Manchester’s Parklife festival.

But despite their success they are keen to continue to run nights in Sunderland.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We love Sunderland and our aim has always been putting the city on the map,” said Carlton.

Haze’s next event is a MadTech Records showcase at Independent on Saturday, February 27.

For more information, follow @HazeSunderland on Twitter or like HazeSunderland on Facebook.