Last night I played my biggest party ever. I had a tonne of fun even though the night ended unexpectedly early. Mike B. of Good From (the best night out in Winnipeg) asked me to help him out in the “indie” room. I can’t lie; I was super excited from the beginning.
As hired djs, Mike and I didn’t really have anything to do with the party itself. As it turned out, the demise of the party was a result of a few selfish individuals in combination with poor planning in part of the promoters themselves, as well as with inadequate staffing in Winnipeg Art Gallery.
Mike started things off by playing some punchy dance music that was far less than expected. I didn’t mind at all – practically everything he played is on high rotation in my personal soundtrack. Despite this, no one dances because revellers are lined deeply at the bar trying to consume an equivalent value in drinks as the open-bar tickets. During my first set I noticed heads in the bar line rocking front to back which I took as a good sign that the music was at the very least, infectious. There were a few technical difficulties, but for the most part everyone was smiling, including me.
The dance floor started to fill at the beginning of my next set. I’ve never had that many people dancing to music I’ve played. I tried to show my appreciation by rocking it behind the decks. I’m pumped and couldn’t wait to play more music. More and more people dance, then it’s Mike’s turn and the floor is packed. There is absolutely no room and I’m worried that people are going to crash into the equipment. This is okay for Mike because he’s only using the CD decks which can take a few more bumps than the turntables ever could. Plus, the cables from the turntables are what gave me problems.I went to get a drink and found out one of the bars is shutting down. The liquor commission is there and they don’t like what’s going on. I return the indie room and report what’s going on to Mike. We both think that once the LC leaves and that room is under control, things will be alright. Nope. Soon after, the entire party was shut down at 12:45 because some punters were stealing bottles and bottles of booze. Nice. Happy New Year.
The promoters did their best to keep the party going but the party was still shut down. At one point one of them came into our room and gave us the go to start things back up. Less than a minute later however, either someone from the WAG or from the LC shut us down again.
Thanks to everyone who came, especially those who danced. If you have any concerns or lost any items, you can email thecountdown2007@hotmail.com.
A small sample of some tunes played or tunes that I wanted to play er whatever:
- Original Sinners vs. Neneh Cherry: Buffalo Dance (White Label Mix)
- Apollo Zero: Gwen Stefani featuring Pharell vs Erlend Oye w Kraftwerk & YMO – Yummy Sheltered Life (Apollo Zero Reconstruct)
- White Stripes vs. CeCe Peniston: SevenCeCeArmy
- MSTRKRFT vs. Fergie: MSTRFRG
- Green Velvet: Shake and Pop
- John Dahlback: Don’t Speak
- C.L.A.W.S.: Claws Theme (Passions Remix)
- Crystal Castles: Air War (Casanova Remix)