[Dynagroove] in search of positive solutions

Wed Nov 5 22:44:56 PST 2003

For the past several days we have seen a lot of discussion about problems with the house music scene in Los Angeles.  Though it wasn't explicitly stated, I think that the point was to identify the problems so that we can find solutions.  With that in mind, I challenge all of you to turn the discussion towards possible solutions.

Personally, I think one of the most important things to keep in mind is balance.  We have to find the right balance between the artists, the promoters/venue owners, and the consumers of the house music scene.  Each is a vital organ in the body of the house; together they keep it alive, but when one of those organs fails the entire creature can die.

Thus, I believe that in order to keep the house music scene alive -- and perhaps even to help it thrive and grow -- we need to look constructively at the needs of each of those entities.

DJs:

Every DJ needs an audience.  Novice DJs need an opportunity to cut their teeth, and as they become more experienced -- and hopefully better at their art -- they need to move upward in the scene.  As with any profession, there has to be an entry level.

The entry-level slots for house music DJs can be provided in a number of ways, certainly more than I have thought of here.  There can lots of small venues for low- or no-cover.  Or perhaps the venue could reserve the first hour for someone new, or even start the music a little earlier.  (Many of these places are bars, and bars open for happy hour, so perhaps they could try out a newer DJ during happy hour.)  What other avenues can each of you think of to realistically provide "young" DJs an opportunity to be heard and hone their skills, and how do you propose in a *positive* and happy way for us to make it clear that we are providing a training ground (so to speak) for these people and that our entire scene should not be defamed just because we want new DJs to have such opportunities?

Promoters & Venue Owners:

The venue is a business and therefore it needs to make money, end of story.

I once rented out the Hollywood Athletic Club and threw an event that brought in over 1300 people.  There were just two ways that money was made that night:  alcohol and cover charges.  Once people are in the door, the club doesn't make any more money off the cover charge; once the bar is closed, it doesn't make any more money off the alcohol.  Thus, the venues have very little interest in staying open beyond 2 a.m.  If we want the clubs to stay open later, we need to find something that provides them an incentive to do so -- something more than just love of the dance.  What ideas do any of you have?

 Consumers -- the patrons / dancers: 

People need a reason to come to the events.  For some, that may mean providing them with an "old school" environment.  For others, that may mean easing them into house, maybe giving them just a taste of it alongside their 80s, their disco, their trance.  For yet others, that may mean an upscale club, giving the masses a dose of the house and letting them do things their way.  

We have heard some excellent ideas on this one particular issue.  I think that those who say we need to reach out to those outside of the house scene have a valid point.  I was watching Alias a little over a week ago, and I heard a remix of Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler" of all things -- and I loved it!  The more I think about it, the more it leads me to the conviction that if we open our minds and our hearts to those who differ from us, we can make beautiful music together.

I also think that those who want more old school, warehouse-style parties likewise have a good point.  I think that we can do both, perhaps each in moderation.  Maybe this week an underground, sweaty dirty warehouse party, and next week we tear it up on Hollywood Boulevard.

Please allow me to make one parting observation.  From time immemorial, creatures who have failed to evolve have become extinct.  Those who adapt to new environments survive.  That is not to say that we should compromise our principles, it is simply an observation that we must be flexible and interact positively with the world that surrounds us.  Only then will we, the collective house music scene, survive now and into the future.

Peace, love, and happiness,

Alex

a.k.a. FunkyMusicWhiteGirl
Protect your identity with Yahoo! Mail AddressGuard