Fresh out of first year halls, it’s finally your turn to host the party of the century. Last year, the tenants threw a rager – as did the ones dating back for the last fifteen years. No pressure! Whether you're chasing Lakehouse-level chaos or just trying to avoid a flop, the expectation is the same: Go big or go home.
Whether you’re just keen to host a one-off flat gig, or attempting to try and recreate Project X, Critic Te Ārohi has got you covered. Critic had a korero with third year BCom student, part-time DJ and former tenant of Lakehouse – Atto Still (aka. Huxley), for advice.
If you’re open hosting, you need security – ideally one seccy per entrance to your flat. Atto learnt this the hard way after only hiring one for St Paddy’s, which caused “huge issues”. Even with makeshift fencing, people will find their way in (and they did).
For music, smaller gigs are more forgiving. A DJ might lend out decks if you ask them nicely (and bribe them with a box), but you will still need a PA and subwoofer. For an open host, you’ll need to supply the decks yourself – usually CDJ 2000’s or 3000’s, since they’re the industry standard. Sadly, this will cost you extra pennies if you are hiring them out.
Booking bands is all fun and games until they ask about backline. That means a drum kit, amps, a PA, two subwoofers, a mixing console, some microphones plus stands, a rug to put underneath the drumkit, a shit tonne of leads and cables, and some form of lighting. Most students don't have this, but a lot can be borrowed or hired.
Muso’s are often keen to help – just don't wreck their stuff. Atto’s number one rule: “dont fuck it up.” Do whatever you think is necessary to prevent a drunk punter from using the drum kit like it’s a game of whac-a-mole, because at the end of the day, if there is any damage, it’s your wallet on the line. Also make sure that everyone’s happy sharing gear, and remember drummers bring their own breakables – cymbals, snare kick pedal, all that jazz.
At the end of the day, if you feel completely out of your league, there is no shame in falling back on event companies like Southern Events, Strawberry Sound or Gravity Events, especially when planning a big night in North D’s social calendar.
Atto reckons hosting a sick party is the best feeling in the world: “If there’s a scene you wish Dunedin had then don’t wait for someone else to make it.” Don’t wait to be brought flowers – plant your own garden.
Smell ya later.
