My name is Albert, and today I celebrate one year clean and sober from all mind-bending substances. To understand who I am and where I have come from, we have to go back in time, down the rabbit hole.
I started my first job stacking shelves in Tesco Maryhill back in the early 1990s. I saved up for my first set of Technics 1210 turntables and spent most of my money at 23rd Precinct; every weekend, I was there buying vinyl. By then, I had discovered amphetamines. At age 16, this addiction began to ravage my life for over 30 years.
By 17, I was kicked out of the house because of my addiction and rebellious spirit. I experienced homelessness for many years. My mental and physical health deteriorated rapidly as my addiction spiralled out of control. As years passed, I was sectioned, went to prison, and endured psychosis and depression.
The one thing that kept me going was my love for dance music. Funnily enough, no matter where I was in life, I always had a set of turntables and a bag of vinyl.
One day, someone explained I had a serious problem and offered to take me to a Cocaine Anonymous meeting. I was scared – full of fear and anxiety. These were my first steps into recovery, and I eventually admitted I had issues with drugs. This was a hard pill to swallow (pardon the pun). As time went on, I got some clean time, but I kept relapsing.
In 2019, I met Gary Lawson through a mutual friend. Gary was running the Electronic Glasgow festivals and gave me the opportunity to get involved. He supported me through my addiction and has been a true friend ever since.
This led to Good Clean Fun, which I was involved with on and off for two years – helping Gary set up decks and the PA system, helping out wherever I could.
My clean date is the 30th of January 2025. This was the last time I used any substances. I celebrated my one year clean today.
In the last 12 months, Good Clean Fun has been a massive part of my recovery. Addiction robbed me of my love for dancing and music. Good Clean Fun was the perfect opportunity to get back into the club scene, learn to dance again, and reconnect to the world.
In the last year, I’ve returned to DJing, producing dance music, editing my own dance videos, and doing photography and videography. This has been a massive part of my recovery. Eight months ago, I made the jump from vinyl to digital. An opportunity arose where I began doing regular one-to-one DJ sessions with the one and only Sebastian Rodgers.
Sebastian showed me the technical side of the decks: how to beat match, mix in key, and paint a picture with music. This was vital to my journey. Getting involved with Good Clean Fun helped me meet like-minded people on the dance floor. Meeting the DJs was a privilege that really boosted my confidence. Slowly but surely, my love for dancing and dance music came back.
Good Clean Fun is not just a club event; it is a place of safety from drink and drugs. Everyone involved is just one big happy family; I have found my tribe.
Recently, Gary Lawson asked me to curate and edit three music videos for Made in Glasgow Recordings. The videos were for the new dance EP Mystique, with remixes from Bizzy & Clanger, Gez Varley / Alien in New York, and a Colin McNeil remix. You can watch these on the Made in Glasgow Recordings website and YouTube.
I have only ever been a bedroom DJ/producer and am still learning. I taught myself during COVID. To be asked to do something on this scale is an honour and a privilege. What a way to celebrate one year of sobriety!
I want to thank my brother, Gary Lawson, and my digital DJ tutor, Sebastian Rodgers, for all the love and support they have given me. And to all my DJ heroes who have inspired me and played over the last two and a half years at Good Clean Fun, especially:
- Sebastian & Duncan
- Gary Lawson
- Optimo (Espacio / JG Wilkes)
- ButhoTheWarrior
- Gabor Maté
- Simonotron (Hot Mess)
- Hot Towel
- Sophia
You can listen to Albert’s mix on our Soundcloud here.