As music lovers, DJs, and producers, we all have our own unique, diverse tastes and preferences when it comes to the music we listen to and the artists we support. And while there’s nothing wrong with booking popular artists, it’s important for promoters to remember that, first and foremost, their role is to curate an experience for their audience.
Photo Credit: Norbert Brown
At the heart of this curation process is the promoter’s identity and vision, so, a series of questions should come to mind. What kind of party do they want to create? What kind of music do they want to showcase? And which DJs and artists align with that vision? These answers should be essential, and be kept at the forefront of our endeavors. By having a clear sense of identity, promoters can distinguish themselves from others in the scene and offer something truly unique to their audience.
But this requires taking risks, a fucking lot of them. It requires stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and being willing to explore new sounds and styles. And, more so, it requires trusting in one’s own taste and instincts, rather than simply going with what’s hot, popular, or trendy.
While it might not seem like the most sensible road financially at first, opening the playing field is paramount to the scene’s success. More and more up-and-coming DJs and producers are leaving behind the craft they love due to the limited opportunities around, and a lot of “legacy” acts are having to play smaller and smaller venues, and not due to the intimate experience created, but due to lower ticket sales. So, in the long run, this would seem like a clear lose-lose situation for everyone involved.
Whenever promoters can do this successfully, they create a space for both established and up-and-coming artists to showcase their talents, and for audiences to discover new sounds and experiences. They will surely become a beacon for the music community, offering a distinctive and memorable experience that can’t be found anywhere else. And more often than not, it will probably pave the way to a more equitable, balanced scene.
So let us challenge ourselves to be like those promoters who have kept it real, who have stayed true to their identity and vision, and who have created truly unique and memorable experiences for their audience. Let us take risks, push boundaries, and trust in our own tastes and instincts. And let us not forget that our role as promoters is to curate an experience, not simply book a lineup of popular artists.
