22/09/2025
So this weekend just passed one of the biggest influences on my life sadly passed away. If you know me or have been on online this weekend you will know I’m talking about the one and only JD Twitch aka Keith McIvor and one half of Optimo (Espacio)
It was back in early 2004 that my good friend Dave Sinclair convinced me to go to Optimo at the Sub Club one Sunday night, a night would change the trajectory of my entire life. Within 2 or 3 weeks I had a new group of friends some of which I’m still friends with 20 years later, a month of 2 in I bought a set of Technics 1210’s, then a few months later I started using Ableton and Keith actually came to my house and gave me my first lesson. A year after my first Optimo I started my own night on a Tuesday with Dave called Killer Kitsch.
Keith came to play Killer Kitsch 3 times over the years and despite me offering him a fee he did every single one for FREE. After me going to Optimo for a year and a half he guest listed me for life…..Bad business sense ? NO….Keith was just that nice of a guy.
To finish off here is an excerpt from my last msg to Keith.
Before i came to Optimo in 2004 I had never know many gay or folk within the LGBT community but it was there i was introduced to people like Mozza, Alan Miller, Darren to name a few …and a whole group of other folk who shared my view on life. And it was through the 8 or so years i was at Optimo that were pivotal in my coming out process and realising i was trans. I’ve had 8 or so interviews at the Sandyford and the majority of them have mentioned my time at Optimo.
Keith I LOVE YOU, you are and will always be my idol and without having you in my life be in through Optimo, the brilliant music, your kindness and support i would not be the person I am in 2025.
Nikki xx
