Mattko’s new photobook documents the early 2000’s rave scene

Image by Matthew Smith

Full on, Non Stop, All Over is the upcoming new photobook from Bristol photographer Matthew Smith, also known as Mattko. The book will focus on Smith’s documentation of rave culture between the years 2000 and 2005, and is published by Trip Publishing. It follows Smith’s previous publication, 2017’s Exist To Resist which focussed on the outlawing of raves in the UK.

The book features a forward by Simon Reynolds, and is a 192 page collection of Smith’s photos taken at the time the photographer shifted his focus from the original free party scene to nightclubs. The images have appeared in a number of significant publications, including Mixmag and DJ Mag, and Smith’s work has previously been exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery. Smith had been working for over a decade documenting the scene up until that point. Smith also pens an essay reflecting on the culture of community within the scene. 

Speaking on the book’s release, Smith said he chose to publish Full on, Non Stop, All Over now as a reminder of how the energy of rave provided people with freedom and live interaction, something we have been denied in our present moment. He continues: “I hope this book shines a little light during all this darkness, and that it reminds us of why we need to protect and preserve the best elements of club culture. Because that old saying is true: those who rave together, stay together.”

Full on, Non Stop, All Over is available for preorder here.