2025 has been a deep-dive year for Dave Nicholson from phatmedia, buried in early rave history researching and compiling UK Rave Flyers 1988–1989. Recharged by the scene’s enduring energy and inspired by his collaborators, he heads into 2026 ready to unearth even more of the artwork and stories that shaped the era.

What have you been reading this year?

Mostly research material for the next phatmedia rave flyers book!
Queue Up and Dance by Dave Evans and Dreaming in Yellow by Harry Harrison are two I’m currently deep into, and I keep going back to Kirk Field’s Rave New World for reference. All three are full of details about that early rave era.

Any new favourite films or TV programmes?

Alma’s Not Normal was a big hit in this house, and we’re always rewatching It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.
I’m currently enjoying Blue Lights, The Offer, Alien Earth, and the new series of Fargo, all excellent in very different ways.

As for films, I’ve got a soft spot for horror, so Weapons, 28 Years Later, Companion, and The Substance have all been favourites this year.

Any new favourite tracks, records or releases from the year?

I don’t get to hear much new music unless it’s on 6 Music, but anything from Nia Archives grabs my attention. I’ve been following her for a few years now, and she never disappoints. She really nails that early-to-mid 90s jungle energy and brings it to a new generation. Also been enjoying Dry Cleaning, Kelly Lee Owens, and KH, who’ve all put out interesting stuff recently.

Have you been listening to any podcasts, audiobooks or radio shows?

6 Music is a staple in the house (or Absolute when my wife’s in the car!).
I listen to loads of podcasts, mainly about football, film, or TV. Top Flight Time Machine is a particular favourite. It’s drifted miles away from football these days and is a great daily listen if you don’t mind two blokes chatting rubbish or deep dives into Roy Of The Rovers.

Heard any standout DJ sets or been to memorable parties or events in 2025?

Since moving to Devon and having a small child, my gig-going has definitely slowed down, but I did catch Pete Cannon at last summer’s Rave Story event that Billy Daniel Bunter put on. He’s always got an innovative take on the 90s breakbeat sound.

Also enjoyed Choci and Colin Dale at a New Year’s Day rave at Plymouth Warehouse, put on by my good friend Dom Jay. Proper underground techno sets as I remembered them back in the day.

Have you found any new sources of inspiration or creativity over the last year?

I’ve been massively inspired by the work of Alfie Allen, who designed my first book, UK Rave Flyers 1988–1989. I could never have envisioned the direction he took it in; it totally elevated the project. I’m really excited to see what he does with the next one!

What are your reflections on your book now that it’s out? Has anything surprised you?

It’s been amazing to see how much love there still is for this era, not just from people who were there, but from younger generations discovering it for the first time. The attention to detail people have noticed in the flyers and design side has been a nice surprise, too.

Any general reflections on 2025?

If I thought volume one took time to research and collate, welcome to volumes two and three! But it’s been an incredible year – seeing Rave Flyers 1988–1989 finally come to life and hearing from so many people who’ve connected with it has made it all worth it.

What are you looking forward to in 2026?

Getting properly stuck into the next two volumes of the phatmedia flyer books – covering 1990–1991 and beyond. There’s so much incredible artwork and untold history still to uncover.