Early UK Rave Culture Film 'Beats' Surfaces

Picture the Scottish free party rave scene in 1994.

A black and white photo of a crowd with the words little south on the bottom

Produced by Steven Soderbergh, directed by Brian Welsh ( Black Mirror ) and written by Welsh and Kieran Hurley, the coming of age film takes place in Scotland during the summer of 1994 and follows two friends who dive headfirst into the free party scene.

Making their film debut, the movie's lead actors Cristian Ortega and Lorn Macdonald play best mates Johnno and Spanner - two enthusiastic ravers with a deep bond who are on the cusp of adulthood. Soon to be separated, Johnno and Spanner decide to spend their last summer together living it up at the rave and participating in the UK's massive counter-cultural youth movement.

The soundtrack features tracks from The Belleville Three, Carl Craig, Leftfield, The Prodigy, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Plastikman, LFO, Hudson Mohawke and Orbital.

The film first premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival and will screen at the Dublin International Film Festival and Glasgow Film Festival and before its UK release on May 17 2019.

Credit: Mixmag

The little south logo is on a blue background.

Written by

Editorial Team • 27 January 2019
by Editorial Team 12 June 2025
Lee Drift is a well-known artist across the South West and has gained international attention through his performances worldwide. With this episode he returns to create a summer podcast mix featuring his distinctive tech house sound. Lee discusses his upcoming summer plans, which include the release of new music on WildCard Records and an intention to expand his live DJ sets throughout the region.
by Editorial Team 31 May 2025
We welcome no stranger to the South West house music habitat, James Farley who creates the warm foundations with his latest podcast mix. Here James talks about the highlights of his year such as visiting Amsterdam's ADE festival and his exciting summer playing for DancersHip and Sewann events in Plymouth. This episode is slick as ever and full of fine house music.
by Editorial Team 15 May 2025
Danae B presents a notable house music mix that includes several firm favourite tracks. We catch up where she revealed that she is currently working with a vocalist to enhance the experience of her live DJ sets.
by Editorial Team 7 May 2025
On August 2nd, 2025, the Guillemot venue in Westward Ho! will host a special event featuring prominent figures in the Jungle and Drum and Bass music scenes, Fabio and Grooverider. This evening is being organised by Devon Sessions and will showcase the distinctive sounds that characterised late 80s and early 90s jungle, bringing a nostalgic experience to the North Devon coast.
by Editorial Team 2 May 2025
Lady C is bringing you an incredible house mix that's perfect for soaking up the summer ambience, whether you're chilling outside in the sun or by the sparkling Cornish sea! This slick house mix is infused with polished 80's synth influences and highlights her love for the saxophone within a tune. But that's not all, Lady C is also diving into her own music production and has some tracks in the works!
by Editorial Team 28 April 2025
Sick & Naughty Records, known for organising a variety of successful drum and bass events in the South West, has announced the return of its renowned boat parties in Falmouth on June 21st, 2025. These events have historically attracted a significant following, featuring performances from notable D&B residents such as Devinyl, Leroy, and Hopeso keeping things afloat.
Show More