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Musiq Concrete equals real music
Reported by Agnes Klos
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Submitted 08-02-10 21:50
Musiq Concrete is a new clubbing phenomenon which promotes the statement: 'creative flair is God'. The party has just recently appeared on the London scene created by Aaron Leary and Michelle Nicolaou of Orange Group. The name of the party can be translated from French into 'concrete music' or 'real music'. It introduces fresh clubbing attitude which refrains from confining music into different boxes with tags on them. The party is synonymous with opening clubbers' eyes to the variety that exists around us. Agnes Klos finds out more ahead of the party this weekend.
This new baby on the clubbing scene is born from the cooperation of promoter Aaron Leary with the powerful Orange Group under whose direction comes clubs like Area. Musiq Concrete attempts to push the boundaries of electronic music. It blurs any limiting structures to such an extent that there is no point in tiring your brain and trying to define them. Who needs definitions anyway? The party concept is based on experimenting, for instance clashing rolling tunes with unexpected vocals or bass lines.
I wanted to find out more about the pioneering clubbing experience that is Musiq Concrete. I met with the promoter Aaron Leary who might be known to some as the host of Sexy Penny’s, a student event happening across several student unions and bars in the south east. I spoke to Aaron about his new event that appears to communicate in the unifying language of electronica, using bands, international DJs such as Justin Robertson or Hannah Holland but also does not forget about promoting uprising talents.
Hi Aaron, thank you for finding time to talk to me about Musiq Concrete. First of all, could you explain to our readers what Musiq Concrete is all about?
Hey Agnes, no problems at all, I hope my cack handed typing gets me through the interview! Musiq Concrete is all about being less particular about the sounds that we showcase. Not in every case, but most of the time, parties tend to stick at one type of scene; for us there’s too much really good stuff out there to box it all up and close ourselves off to all the lovely variety. Don’t get me wrong, you’re never going to find us trying to rock the main room with a one man violin act, well unless there were some serious bass to accompany it! As long as it’s something cool that makes you want to move and there’s a place for it, then why not have it at your party?
Tell us more how it all started. Who and when came up with the idea and also how hard was it to turn the concept into reality?
It was all pretty random to be honest. I had been in touch with Orange group, (the guys behind Fire, Area and Lightbox) about doing a party there a year ago. I had a party down at the Lightbox with my crowd and it was all pretty last minute, (we had a week to make it happen), and it went off! I think Orange must have been pleased because we’ve been talking ever since.
After doing a bit of copywriting work for the club they asked me to come up with an idea for a new party that they wanted to start. I went away and thought about it a lot. I can remember quite a few sessions lying in the bath trying to get inspired to come up with something that I thought would work. Luckily they rejected my first suggestion because on reflection it was pretty crap; each party was going to be in the theme of a different country and the tickets were going to be boarding passes, kind of like going on holiday for the night. I still think that might have been a giggle, but as a one-off.
I saved the best idea (Musiq Concrete) until last and thank god they loved it! Getting the brand up and out there has taken a lot of time and investment. I’ve worked with Michelle at the club so much that it’s ended up consuming a lot of other things. I don’t even go to my other parties in Colchester now because it’s like having a new baby, you just give it everything you’ve got and hope that it grows up looking pretty. Considering the brand didn’t exist five months ago though, its exposure is pretty remarkable, we’re all really proud. I’m sure there are more mountains to climb but as long as we’re never falling we don’t mind the work!
When was the first party and were you pleased with the outcome?
Musiq Concrete is very new to the scene but certainly no juvenile, the idea was thrashed out in September 2009 and finally started to take shape in mid September. We had our first event on November 28th 2009. When we say that the weather was a monumental f*ck up, we mean it, in fact the only superlative that I can think of to describe the rain is biblical. We had just under 1000 people at our launch party, so we were delighted, most people could only dream of that for a launch, so watch this space for Feb 13th.
What is the story behind the name: Musiq Concrete?
I knew that musically the party had to be bold if it was going to stand out to the usual suspects; I just feel like there are so many average nights out there and I wanted the party to sound different, look different and actually have some kind of tangible ethos supporting it. I love so many kinds of music and have a lot of time for the fusion of different genres to create fresh new sounds, so I started researching the bastard pop / mash up scenes, its origins, that kind of thing and just got totally inspired by it all.
At first I was being a bit too optimistic, I wanted to showcase everything all at once, but I think London’s not quite there yet and I don’t think I am either! I knew that I wanted the party to stand for being bold in its musical policy, yet retain cohesion and synergy between the artists that we booked; I just didn’t know what name to give it.
As I was reading about the bastard pop scene I came across this musical process called, ‘Musique Concrete’. It all started off in 1940s Paris when musicians were recording sounds from the world around them and fusing them with music that had already been made; so was born the first bootlegs. I just loved this as an idea for where electronic music started and how so many artists owe their musical reputations to these first bold electronic undertakings! I wanted a party that wouldn’t be afraid to go against the status quo and what better source of inspiration then from some French guys who were banging pots and pans together, playing the racket over their dad’s best of Beethoven album, and calling it Musiq! And you thought mash up was a modern youth thing
If it is my first time at Musiq Concrete, what type of music can I expect to hear?
How long’s a piece of string? Ha, seriously though, I really would never lock it down and say, “you will get x, y and z.” I’m open for doing parties all over the place, my first one was on a golf course when I was 16, the second on a disused field on a farm, so I’m hardly snobby about these things. If it’s in a nightclub then there are a few loose rules that you need to follow. (1) Does it have bass? (2) Does it have lots of bass? (3) Does it make you want to throw your shoes off and mess up your pedicure? (4) Just because I like it, can I be sure others will too? I think then, the answer is when following those rules; it could be house, techno, dub step, electronica, synth pop or something else. It just depends how we feel and where the party is at, as long as you remember what the music’s there for you don’t really need to have an expectation.
What breed of clubbers are you aiming to attract?
Big ones, little ones, cardboard box. Ok crap answer, sorry! I don’t know really, whoever’s up for a party. This is just a personal opinion and I may be reprimanded by the disco mafia here; but there are two types of clubber I would rather not share the floor space with; chavs in suits with shades doing the gun fingers for the nearest Jordan wannabe who like her male brethren hasn’t quite realised that lollipops were so 1990 grrrr, go to Yates! Then there’s the electronic music connoisseurs, bless em’, the Lloyd Grossman’s of the clubbing fraternity, who spend so much time critiquing the party and the DJs that they tear the arse out of some poor promoters’ hard work, and undermine the whole point of going out in the first place! Struggling to hold back on names here...
Is there a dress code for the party?
Yeah, if you wear a suit, f*ck the shades off, and if you wear the shades, f*ck the suit off. Everything else I’m up for! Actually, can we just leave the shades for Ibiza, saves on any confusion?
Was the mainly gay venue Fire and Lightbox chosen consciously for this party or was it accidental?
Well Musiq Concrete was always going to launch at Fire and Lightbox because it’s heavily invested in by them. Whether or not it’s known for being a gay venue doesn’t really matter, if you’re there for the music. It’s the people who think like this, who make a party go off, so anyone who had a problem and stayed away because ‘traditionally’ it’s a gay club, did us a favour, ignoramuses we thank you! The crowd were brilliant though, we loved them!
There’s a lot to be said for Fire and Lightbox as venues I think. I really love the vibe in there, compared to other clubs their style is a real rarity in London now, lots of cool rooms where you can wonder about and lose yourself as the night goes on, nights out are about going a bit mental in unfamiliar surroundings and there’s so many rooms to make that happen! Since the Cross and Turnmills closed there aren’t really any clubs like that any more, all the big players have got that main room feel going on, and they’re brilliant clubs, but something with a bit of wonky charm and character like the Lightbox will always win hands down to me.
Are you planning to use different venues in the future?
Yeah of course, I think that’s inevitable isn’t it? You can’t keep things fresh when you serve up the same dish every time! We have a lot more on the cards and we’re looking now for interesting alternatives, I’m really looking forward to seeing where it goes.
How deep is art intertwined with Musiq Concrete? Tell us more about installations in what you called ‘five room gallery’?
I love this question! The truth is, on the launch party it was nowhere as entwined with the actual event as I wanted it to be, but that was just about time. We had plans for an amazing piece of art engineering that mimics the montage of musical instruments in the launch campaign logo artwork, complete with electronics hanging over the main room, we just didn’t get time to make it. I called the party a ‘five roomed gallery’, because I feel that music IS art, just as much as theatrical performance is art or standard art is art. If a night out can be spiced up by installations or thought provoking things then that’s a good thing, it gives a night out layers and the more layers the richer the experience. I could get really deep about this sort of thing, and some people may interpret it as being ponsy or whatever, and that’s cool they can have that angle on me.
But I really do believe that there is something deeper to clubbing and electronic music then first meets the eye. There’s something about a mass of people thudding in unison to a continuous beat that evokes a sense of primitive tribalism that goes way, way back to tribe type ceremonies. You only have to look at indigenous peoples from Africa and how they elevate their consciousness to a higher place by dancing for hours and hours to drums. It’s this primitive connection to electronic music that makes it art in my opinion. There’s something going on in the relationship between clubber and beat that is almost spiritual and that needs to be reflected in the brand Musiq Concrete. As long as the art that we produce to get the message out there is as good as the launch campaign, I’ll be a happy man.
What are the most essential ingredients of a successful party?
Crowd – Music – Location, in that order…
Could you describe the amount of preparation for each party? For instance: what is your DJ screening process and who provides the visualisations?
God it never ends, you’re always preparing and there’s always something more you could have done. Or maybe that’s just how I feel? I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I never really ever feel satisfied with what I’ve done. Sometimes my friends have to remind me what’s actually been achieved because I’m always looking to better what’s been done. I think everyone has their own little DJ screening process; I have my own little system. It involves a cool feature of Google, my ears, a spread sheet, coffee, pens, paper, pencils, MySpace, a reliable mail client, unlimited phone calls, resilience, perseverance, the quick question, “is this the right booking”, and once it’s all done and the line ups there, a pillow to cry in. I do not enjoy the booking process as you may realise. Agents are not human, they follow an etiquette that resonates beyond me and you, they are better then us, and don’t you ever forget it! As for the visualizations, Michelle Lisa Nicolaou does that with her guy, although Best Laid Plans did some cool stuff for us at the launch party.
What makes Musiq Concrete special or different from other nights?
I think that’s a question only the public can really answer.
Can you name the highlights of the previous parties till today?
Well we’ve only had one Musiq Concrete so that’s the only previous party! It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me so I was a bit numb on the night because months and months had gone into it. But at about 3am I finally got the feeling back in my face and realised the main room was going off with a cool crowd that we had never seen in Fire before and I knew then that we had accomplished what we set out to achieve.
What can we expect from the next Valentines’ party on 13th February? Have you got any special surprises in store?
I really can’t wait actually. I’ve programmed the Lightbox for a really deep and soulful sound with a harder techno progression as the night goes on, it’s perfect for the Lightbox’s razzle dazzle. Thomas Schumacher is coming over from Germany, we’ve been talking via email, he’s a great artist that I’m sure people are going to go smitten for, it is Valentines after all! We’ve also got Simon Baker and Alex Celler supporting too, all of the guys are high caliber producers on Get Physical, 2020 etc, so I think we’re all in for a really high class sound. We’ve also opened up the second room and we’re offering something a little more acid housey and experimental, something to change the night up and give off that hands in the air vibe. Bugged Out! veteran Justin Robertson is notorious for his liberated tune selection and Caged Baby is coming over from Bordeaux, he lays over his live vocals on the mix so I’ve no doubt if things get a little too deep in the main room this is going to be a fun and interesting alternative. As for surprises…
Is 2010 going to see Musiq Concrete coming back as a regular party to Vauxhall?
YES! The venues are too special not to…
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Photos courtesy of Musiq Concrete. Not to be reproduced without permission.
Musiq Concrete
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On:
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Saturday 13th February 2010
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At:
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The Lightbox [map]
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From:
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10
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Cost:
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£10/£8 NUS
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More:
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Musiq Concrete
Sat 13 Feb
Lightbox, London
10pm – 6am £10/£8 NUS
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Thomas Schumacher, Simon Baker, Alex Cellar
Caged Baby, Justin Robertson, David Bevan
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We have to say a big THANK YOU for such a phenomenal
response to the first Musiq Concrete, tipped by the South
London Press as, ‘a journey through the electronic spectrum’.
What diversity, what fun!
If we could have got our mitts on the Weather man, November
28th last year, we would have rung his neck clean off! We’ve
all seen rain, but that was just vile, the heavens opened on
our launch party Mr T style, and did you care? Did you f**k!
For our second offering of nocturnal enlightenment, we’ve
been sending persuasive telegrams to zi German’s and they’re
sending over Get Physical favourite Thomas Schumacher, ya
ya ya! And love birds you can still get down with it, as
valentines is on Sunday! You happy? We Happy!
Following on from a deep and soulful legend were going north,
to Leeds in fact, pinching an artist who represents UK
electronic music interests with candour, Simon Baker has
forged a trail blazing journey for himself and with his huge re-
workings of Simian Mobile Disco’s, ‘Sleep Deprivation’ as well as
tracks for Leftroom, 2020 Vision, Rekids and Get Physical.
Simon is now turning his attention to remixing indie artist's as
well, he is a true pioneer in his craft, with a special sound we
can’t wait for. If these two weren’t enough to get your fluids
leaking, Alex Celler’s up next, our very own Greek God, so be
prepared for a sound full of swing, tribal rhythms & bassy
beats.
Room 2 is where we come over all experimental with Caged
Baby’s dancy flavours, flying in from Boudreaux; Tom
effortlessly evokes the late 80s acid house meltdown, his
sound is a credit to dance music, with atmospheric live vocals
running through his beats, if you haven’t heard him yet, get
downloading now.
The penultimate course is one of depth and diversity, in fact,
it’s tapas in a DJ, Justin Robertson, Bugged Out! veteran,
conjures up his mixture of ravey acid techno and electronic
house, you may even get a splash of reggae, northern soul or
pop, who knows? He’s experimental, bold and fun. Room 2 will
be a place for waving arms and wrong footed feet. David
Bevan... are you ready? Of course you are! say bonjour to the
local lad that touches every corner of House, known for his
liberated musical flavours our second room dessert is sweet,
morish but certainly not a trifle.
Musiqconcrete.com
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Other Features By Agnes Klos:
Back2Basics - 10 Years of Party Productions & Tomorrowland Stage Hosts
Atmosphere Records - The opening of IBIZA 1936
Entering the world of Waldfrieden in Germany with DJoanna
Piracy is not a crime – sail away with Feestgedruis!
Progressive flavours with DJ R'Deem ahead of Neelix party
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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