The FunkyHouse Club Leeds: Meet the man behind the Hedkandi-era club nights taking over a ‘hidden gem’ venue

DJ Mark Tillotson is the founder of The FunkyHouse Club Leeds, which is set to host internationally-acclaimed artists in a series of events this year.

It’s found a home at Archive on Kirkstall Road, a coffee house and bar with a hidden events space. 

The first event on Saturday April 6 is headlined by acclaimed vocalist Lisa Millet, who will be performing hits including Soul Heaven, Sleep Talk and Bad Habit.

Mark told the Yorkshire Evening post: “Archive was the perfect venue, it’s a little bistro and cafe to the front and the food is really scrumptious, then it’s got an events space at the back.

“It really is a hidden gem. For me, the clubs and the bars in the city centre have got a younger crowd - I’ve ventured out of the way because we’ve got a niche, older market. 

“We sold it out in just under 72 hours.”

Mark launched Funky Boudoir club nights in Leeds in 2004 and was a resident Hedkandi DJ for more than a decade. 

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He’s got a passion for vocal Funky House music and was encouraged to set up a new club night by his friends. 

Mark said he has been blown away by the response so far and he's busy planning the next events.

There will be a summer special at Archive on Saturday July 6, with a special guest who has collaborated with the likes of David Guetta and Armin Van Helden.

Mark added: “I’ve got my normal 9-5 day job, but DJing has always been a hobby and I’ve always had a passion for that sort of music.

“My night specifically does what it says on the tin and I think that’s what will set us apart. 

"People can expect full-on, vocal funky house music with artists who sing songs that people know and love."