How many times have you gone out to that party with a “dope lineup” expecting to have a brilliant night only to come back home wanting something different or something more? How many times have you seen the DJ that should actually be playing at the party watching just like everyone else? Yeah me too, millions of times now. The new standard isn’t about who can actually play it’s about who can generate the most likes on social media and convince promoters they are cool enough to get kids to attend the event. Now I know a good amount of people are going to be offended by what I am writing, and in return I’ll just say sometimes the truth hurts but indeed it must be said.
It’s understandable that promoters would want to attract as many people as possible to their events, but simply booking someone because they are your friend (who can’t bang, has terrible taste in music, and will ruin the event because of it) will play for fifty dollars, and a drink tab. Here’s why it’s whack, you for the prospect of saving a few dollars have compromised your party with bad music, bad programming, and bad talent. Just because your friend can bring twenty five people through the door doesn’t mean he or she should be playing. Make them a Goddamned host; I promise those twenty five people will still come out.
Often times promoters do what is comfortable and easy just to ensure they will make a profit. This does nothing for the scene except line their pockets. How many times can you see the same headlining DJ in one year? Just because that big DJ is your friend doesn’t mean you have to host them seven consecutive years in a row on the same weekend every year. There is far more talent out there that should be heard. If you are one of these promoters who books the same talent year after year, you are either tone deaf, have no flavor, or afraid to try something different. I’d say if you feel as strongly about your brand as you say you do then surely you believe that you have enough trust of your following to bring anyone you feel.
Yes I understand that hosting parties is a risk, and a business as well. However, it is about showing people something that is unfamiliar, something that is uncomfortable. When you decide to take these variables away the events become stale. The freshness of something mystical is lost. Let’s get back to basics and start taking chances again. After all that’s what the Underground has always been about.