Calling All Southern/south Coast Soulies

[Guest Bearsy]

Hi Russ, good questions and since ive been down south there has been plenty of chat about nighters and apart from Rod and Sallies Nighters in Bournemouth there hasnt been a proper nighter i can think of,

what i think would make a Nighter in the south a must attend event, first off a venue no bigger than 300 capacity max and with a dance floor to die for, location dont really matter but with easy access and laods of parking a must, music policy will be everything and selection of djs the deciding factor, for me i would love it to be a mix up of all things Rare Soul from Oldies through to unknowns balanced nicely not just by the different dj slots but also balanced in each set so Djs of the highest calibre required some to keep the nostalgia going and some to stir the juices, well thats just me and would keep me happy through to 6am

My experience of soul nights and a few sort of nighters and a couple of nighters down this way have got me thinking as i do like to watch look listen and learn from all djs and promotions cos thats what i just cant help doing i love to observe and enjoy all at the same time

The majority of soulies in the South like what they know and know what they like, there are a few that like the very rare and unknown and Ghetto Soul is making a difference on that front (i think & hope),

There dont seem to be a real nighter crowd in the south but there are plenty that do attend nighters but leave 2am ish, the last Bournemouth nighter had a great crowd of travelling soulies and basically no locals, we can all guess why but the few i spoke to that i thought may of been there said they wanted to hear more of what they know and less of the unknown stuff played at the previous nighter even though it was advertised as a rarer and underplayed nighter,

If your thinking of putting a nighter on then i wouldnt rely on too much local support unless you give it to say 2am with basically an Oldie orientated session, not saying there cant be a few things chucked in but if its about building an atmosphere and filling a venue then you need locals supporting and yet again it will all be about the balance cos if you get it wrong first time out they wont return, will that keep the rarer and underplayed crowd happy enough to support so then would a 2 room event be a good idea ?? Oldies main room knowing the crowd will thin right out by 3am latest and will you get enough in to support a room 2 not sure and on both counts i wouldnt be confident,

if it was me i would go for quality djs in a perfect 200 capacity venue perfect dance floor great sound system playing tunes that were renowned back in the day form the south coast with big oldies current nighter plays a few underplayed and some great cheesey tunes for good measure,

would i do it, no i wouldnt cos there are a lot of other factors to take into account too, the top other nighters in the country would affect attendeees from oop north, a lot of soul nights down here so cant afford to clash with a good few of them cos if you do that will have an affect too,

now this is the only way to garauntee a full house so please consider this you will be having them queueing up outside if you do, ok you ready for this suggestion of a successfull nighter,

put a thread up asking for djs who would like to do a spot at your nighter, reply to them all they can but they need to be there from kick off, you will have 300 turn up and boom boom full house they only get to spin one tune so ban 12"s

if you go for it matey then i wish you all the best and you know you will have my support

its a thankless task sometimes and trying to get it right to keep everyone happy and have an event become a must do event it will take lots of hard graft blood sweat and tears and some luck along the way, you a very passionate fella Russ and would have the drive and passion to make it the best you possibly could but i fear a comprimise on music would have to be a must at a larger venue, imho it can be done and could be a success and make a south coast soul night so hard for people to say NO too

get in touch with not only all the local promoters within say 100 mile radius but many of the regular local djs too and take it all in the syphon the bits that suit what you have in mind, a few of yesteryears djs with a few that are doing it today a few from far oop north and maybe a Top Name dj too, remember many dont really care who the dj is too they just want to dance

anyway i think thats come accross ok im never that good at putting it into words

btw everyne its only my views not a god given fact

good luck matey

[Guest]

Forgetting Southerners, you're still going to have to entice those from afar. Question is, why would they travel that far to experience something they already, probably, have on their doorstep. Or certainly within an hours drive. Without wishing to be the negative poster here, I'm sure you can see where I'm coming from.

I'm only in Wiltshire which is about 60 miles to Poole due to rubbish roads. 2 hours to the South Coast due to rubbish roads and only 2 to 3 hours to the Midlands or Manchester where it's all happening. Hence, I do not travel South any more regularly.

[Russ Vickers]

Thank you for taking the trouble to reply Paul & I think you broach some interesting points. There are some obvious things that the boxes need to be ticked on for any soul event - however after reading this thread & years of looking, listening & attending events, as well as my experience as a promoter & some time DJ, there are definitly things promoters are missing down south at the moment & particularly our little area.

I think there are locals who very rarely venture out these days, not even to local events & there are definitley travellers, within 60 to 90 minuits who used to travel to this area frequently, but no longer do so for various reasons, these people alone, if enticed back could fill a reasonable sized venue............there is no guaranteed answer to successful promoting, but IF we decide to go ahead & do something it will be organised & promoted to the highest level with peoples enjoyment put first & with a special twist & a music policy to die for with fantastic under exposed DJ's who will work that floor till your ears n feet bleed. I dont want to go into detail for obvious reasons, but lets just say I think people could be suprised at just what we have on our doorstep, but at present is not being utilised....................there is a fantastic wealth of Soul Music history down south, going back to the golden era, a lot either dont remember for what ever reason or are relatively new to the game.........but with a little luck & a lot of hard work I think a good promoter could end up with a 'lock out'.........

This thread alone has generated a fantastic response thru PM's & emails from a lot of the moovers n groovers who used to make the events in the area special, they wanna venue for soul to call thier own again & will turn out for the right event, the rest will follow..........

Its all very exciting & the potential is there for a fantastic event that will attract a great crowd who will make the event thier own & drive it forward.

Its the people who will make the event & ultimately they will drive the music policy etc.......I WANT the right people back in a venue near you, not interested in the flakes, just passionate soul lovers who kknow how to have a good time.........there out there, they just need a home...& I think we can choose to be picky, you only want the 'In Crowd' after all .

Thanks for posting Paul

See ya soon

Best Russ

Edited November 23, 2011 by Russ Vickers

[Russ Vickers]

Forgetting Southerners, you're still going to have to entice those from afar. Question is, why would they travel that far to experience something they already, probably, have on their doorstep. Or certainly within an hours drive. Without wishing to be the negative poster here, I'm sure you can see where I'm coming from.

I'm only in Wiltshire which is about 60 miles to Poole due to rubbish roads. 2 hours to the South Coast due to rubbish roads and only 2 to 3 hours to the Midlands or Manchester where it's all happening. Hence, I do not travel South any more regularly.

If we decide to go ahead, it would be lovely to see you anyway Karen if you could make it . A venue needs its fair share of nutters .

Hope you are well

Best Russ

[Guest Bearsy]

Russ i couldnt agree with you more, there is space and should be a proper nighter down in the South somehwere and i too honestly think it could be a success,

It would take serious thought planning and execution to pull it off and i think you would get the people to travel from afar cos it would and will have to be an event that would give people a very tough decision on wether they wanted to miss out or not, make the decision to not attend a very tough one and by doing that you know your on the right road, as you know ive only been down this way about 3 years so no real history of the south coast scene before that but have chatted to many that say what a vibrant scene the south coast had going way back to early 70s and even late 60s, if you can rekindle the fire of those that was once vibrant on the scene and encourage people to travel and tug on the collars of the local folks of todays scene then WOW with the right venue (so important imho) then the dj line up and sound system quality you have a chance to put the South Coast scene back on the Nighter map,

"Quality" has to be the most important word on every aspect of a nighter and if you achieve it which i personally think you can than to you Russ

people i reckon would travel down south cos we see that with Rod & Sallies nighters and even Ghetto Soul is encouraging peeps to travel form oop the land so their are defo encouraging signs matey

ATB

Bearsy

[Russ Vickers]

Thank you for your thoughts mate, I really appreciate people taking the time to reply. I think you have made some great points Paul.......

Hope to see you over Xmas & New Year some time.

ATB Russ

[alfie00soul]

Good morning Soulies...

I have been following this thread over the last week...very interesting indeed...

Some very important points have beed made...infact a very wide range have been covered...so much so that i agree with all of them...the only thing that i would be worried about is if some other promoter decides to put on an event with out looking at the calenda and ends up clashing with...as i have founght out in the pass as other promoters have aswell...only last saturday The Blue Lagoon ended up clashing with farnborough...i know it's good to give ppl a choice of an event but for a major event down south to happen ie...All-nighter/All-dayer & i'm not just saying this because i put on an All-dayer...then it will need all the support from everyone...but unfortunatly not everyone gets on...bloody shame...last years all-dayer only saw around 40 locals in...the other 200 plus came from around the country...What i'm trying to say is it's bloody hard work putting on events...it's not just the case that you open the doors and wait for the soulies to turn up...i know that some ppl think that is the case & you make loads of money...i'm very very passionate about the soul sceane and have been for a very very long time...Take Ghetto Soul for instance....when is launched a year ago it was so that it would promote the second room of the All-dayer...it's only a small room and the music policy is defferent from the norm...dj's playing from the back of there box and not worring about the dance floor...but to get the locals in you have to mix it up abit then it becomes a normal soul night...don't worry i'm sticking with the original policy because i beleive in the soul scene that much...one day the locals will come along...a few already have started to...but i must say a massive thanks to all the traverling soulies...without you then ghetto soul would of finished 8 months ago...so will soulies travel from other parts of the uk...yes they will if the night is offering something different & it is inviteing...and of couse they are all made welcome...Ghetto Soul has proved that...But what i do worry about is the events that go on and the promoters don't care if the dj's play off Boots/CD's & bloody Lap Tops...Because that will defo kill the scene down here..

I Also beleive that we have to pull in the younger soulful crowd...that means the music policy has to change abit...more upbeat...cos the younger crowd don't want to stand around they wanna dance...there is a couple of young lads that put on regular soul nights at the soul cella in southampton...i've been a couple of times...the crowd are young and well up for it...now if we can pull in some of that then great...because they are hungry for soul music...and the place is packed...i've always said it...young blood on the scene keeping the faith...

Anyway i've got that off my chest now...lol...

Imho of course

Russ i respect you 100% as you know...anything i can do to help then just ask...

Alfie

Edited November 27, 2011 by alfie00soul

[Russ Vickers]

Nice one Alfie, you keep on doin what your doin fella, the Dayers are a firm event in the calendar now & Ghetto Soul is the anti christ down these parts at the moment, but they'll get it eventually.........we will have probably moved on by then musically, but the point is to make the music available......

Keep at it.......

Best Russ

[Guest]

If we decide to go ahead, it would be lovely to see you anyway Karen if you could make it . A venue needs its fair share of nutters .

Hope you are well

Best Russ

There's enough without me ;)

[Russ Vickers]

There's enough without me ;)

Well, regardless everyone will be very welcome if anything ever happens, main criteria is a passion for Soulful Dance Music & as importantly the ability to enjoy ya self, selflessly.......oh & in your case Karen, not to get too excited over the 'D' word :lol: .

Hope you are well, maybe catch up over Xmas & New Year

Best Russ

[Guest]

D word?

[Russ Vickers]

D - I - S - C - 0...........or your perception of it

Russ

[Guest]

Ahhh, I see! I'm one step closer; my feet are planted firmly in the Funk playground right now.

[Russ Vickers]

[Dave Abbott]

'B' word as is in 'bored the shite out o me??..............

[Guest]

Hi Russ

Not been through all the posts, but if you've followed the Bletsoe thread then you'll know I've collected for years, but not been to do's for 30+.

In fairness the last do I atternded, the first Northern do for 36 years thanks to Kimbo and Blueten, was a bit of a let down musically because they

played the sounds that were ''must have in 69-73'', and no later.

I dont know about the Luton soul crowd, they all seem to have dropped opff the planet, the only other Luton face on here, apart from me is Chiefy.

But if you want to run a Southern Northern do, (and F**k the funk) then I think you'd have to play in your face tunes, you know the sort of thing, tunes you hear once and you've got to have, a couple that spring to mind are Love Reputation (still) and Cracked up over you (Danny White)

Hope this comes across as sensible I'm ratted.

Edited November 27, 2011 by DanDare

[Russ Vickers]

Hi Russ

Not been through all the posts, but if you've followed the Bletsoe thread then you'll know I've collected for years, but not been to do's for 30+.

In fairness the last do I atternded, the first Northern do for 36 years thanks to Kimbo and Blueten, was a bit of a let down musically because they

played the sounds that were ''must have in 69-73'', and no later.

I dont know about the Luton soul crowd, they all seem to have dropped opff the planet, the only other Luton face on here, apart from me is Chiefy.

But if you want to run a Southern Northern do, (and F**k the funk) then I think you'd have to play in your face tunes, you know the sort of thing, tunes you hear once and you've got to have, a couple that spring to mind are Love Reputation (still) and Cracked up over you (Danny White)

Hope this comes across as sensible I'm ratted.

Thank you for your input matey.

Best Russ

[Russ Vickers]

'B' word as is in 'bored the shite out o me??..............

What you still doin up at that time of night, whats bored you anyway misery ? .

Russ

[Russ Vickers]

Hi all..........just revisiting my thread & was hoping to get some feedback on this from some of the best Southern punters ever, every promotion I had anything to do with these folk were there & made the difference every time, this group raise the stakes, they party hard, they dance, they sing, they most definitly know there SOUL music & they add a little something every where they go........as well as more than a little glamour n a lot of class........so c'mon Theresa MP, your opinion & that of your travelling compradres really matters to me......shoot from the hip.........

Best Russ

[Theresa]

Ha ha! Aww Rusty Knickers, you know you could put a dance on in a pigshed, with only orange squash being served, and we'd still come along because it was your do and we love ya Some of the best nights in the history of the South London Massive were at Abshot & Newbury.

I'll have a little think and give you the feedback from the Massive later today. I've got a man coming to lay my floor in a minute, lol x

[Guest soul elite]

We live just outside Oxford and apart from the Oxford & Banbury events which are brilliant we don't have anything so you put a gig on and we'll support it!!  =^)

[Mal C]

I don't live down south any longer Russ, but when I did Brighton and the surrounding area was great for little nights. I think what Alfie said is the way forward here, you need a diverse crowd, which means mixing the music up, Brighton in my opinion is the only place on the south coast with such a population.

On the front towards Kemp town there used to be a club called the Catfish club, the guy who runs a night there that used to fill it month in month out, and he would play everything, lots of 7ts, but a bit of Reggie, soul, northern etc..was a great place to pull, being pretty much the only straight club in Kemp town. it was bit of a meat market but I really enjoyed the nights there, fabulous looking club as well, with big dance floor and great rooms and places people can hang out.

I always thought there was something about that place, and it has a history of putting on nights with soul music, not that bigger jump to push that to a new level imho, Christ I'd even travel down from bucks!!!

Maybe link something with Elaine Constantine's new film release, really go for it, big style!!! but you have market it right, and that means keeping the loyal northern crowd, and introducing new people to good quality American music, and that does mean funk, reggie, etc etc cause people like it, could introduce live music, hey you might even steal the Concords thunder...this has to be bigger than arguing the toss between oldies and newies surely.

there are allot of Modern soul lovers down there also, I was always interested in the events soul brother records in Putney seemed to be doing, mainly a black crowd I think, but they were at events all over the south, and Brighton as we all know is very diverse.

Just thinking aloud Russ, but if you look to create a beacon of light on the south coast under a bigger SOUL banner as it were, you can still keep certain music like Northern alive within that, it can be done!!

good luck to you sir!!

mal.C.

Edited December 9, 2011 by Mal.C.

[Russ Vickers]

Ha ha! Aww Rusty Knickers, you know you could put a dance on in a pigshed, with only orange squash being served, and we'd still come along because it was your do and we love ya Some of the best nights in the history of the South London Massive were at Abshot & Newbury.

I'll have a little think and give you the feedback from the Massive later today. I've got a man coming to lay my floor in a minute, lol x

Wouldnt be the same without you n the gang Theresa, looking forward to hearing your thoughts.....

Love ya Russ x

[Russ Vickers]

We live just outside Oxford and apart from the Oxford & Banbury events which are brilliant we don't have anything so you put a gig on and we'll support it!! =^)

Hey Katrina, thank you for the contribution & it would be lovely to see you if things get off the ground, I'll keep you posted.

Best Russ

[Russ Vickers]

Great post Mal & agree with you whole heartedly. Will PM you later buddy.

Best Russ

Edited December 9, 2011 by Russ Vickers

[Guest soul elite]

Thankyou Russ, I look forward with excited anticipation of a new southern Gig!!

[Theresa]

Hey up Russ boy, conferred with the lasses, and here's my really honest opinion. I don't DJ, I don't want to DJ, and I'm not knocking off a DJ (well, not at this very second anyway, lol), so this comes from an unbiased punter standpoint with your best interests at heart...

• Given the proliferation of events over the last decade, not to mention the fact that you're mainly working in downtown Baghdad, and I can no longer have my secretary mail out your flyers, ha ha, we'd suggest you just did an annual or twice-yearly do. Be sure to avoid the dates of popular southern oldies nights like Bisley (and my favourite nights out like Rugby & Just Soul )
  
• One room venue, for 200-250 punters max, on until 3am.
  
• Preferably a hotel venue where we could stop over,   la Just Soul, or at least somewhere reasonably comfortable. Proper permanent dancefloor.
  
• We'd travel anywhere, but recommend no further south than Dorset. Not Brighton & Hove - we think that's saturated with some good events already like Steve McMahon's. Town centre clubs tend to get problems with security & locals, so out of town suits us better for travel, parking, and because we're girls & we don't want any hassle ;o)
  
• Across the board northern, crossover & modern, really open-minded stuff, range of tempos but aimed at the dancers not the chinstrokers. And we don't want any other sort of music than soul, or any other sort of crowd ta.
  
• DJ-wise, have a core of 2 of 3 southerners with some visitors - we love Thorley, Woomble, Arthur, Hampsey, Ady Crowsfeet, Terry Jones, Adam, the Va Va Voom boys, and the usual northern hard-core niter names. Have some European flavour now & again too - eye-candy as well as ear-candy for us girls, lol. Dave Greet played some cracking sets at Abshot. Or even better, dig Ian Clarke out of retirement - you'd sell out in minutes.
  
• You could do a lot worse than take some marketing tips from Neil Self's Soulfusion at Gloucester, he's always used membership, website & email to great advantage and hardly anyone else seems to do it consistently.
  
• If you needed a promotion partner, how about Jason Desmond? Intelligent, universally liked, ran great well-attended dos in Bournemouth, I know he's been very poorly, but maybe he'd be up for a challenge?
  

And as I said before, if you build it, we will come

Tee x

[Guest Bearsy]

Hey up Russ boy, conferred with the lasses, and here's my really honest opinion. I don't DJ, I don't want to DJ, and I'm not knocking off a DJ (well, not at this very second anyway, lol), so this comes from an unbiased punter standpoint with your best interests at heart...

• Given the proliferation of events over the last decade, not to mention the fact that you're mainly working in downtown Baghdad, and I can no longer have my secretary mail out your flyers, ha ha, we'd suggest you just did an annual or twice-yearly do. Be sure to avoid the dates of popular southern oldies nights like Bisley (and my favourite nights out like Rugby & Just Soul )
  
• One room venue, for 200-250 punters max, on until 3am.
  
• Preferably a hotel venue where we could stop over,   la Just Soul, or at least somewhere reasonably comfortable. Proper permanent dancefloor.
  
• We'd travel anywhere, but recommend no further south than Dorset. Not Brighton & Hove - we think that's saturated with some good events already like Steve McMahon's. Town centre clubs tend to get problems with security & locals, so out of town suits us better for travel, parking, and because we're girls & we don't want any hassle ;o)
  
• Across the board northern, crossover & modern, really open-minded stuff, range of tempos but aimed at the dancers not the chinstrokers. And we don't want any other sort of music than soul, or any other sort of crowd ta.
  
• DJ-wise, have a core of 2 of 3 southerners with some visitors - we love Thorley, Woomble, Arthur, Hampsey, Ady Crowsfeet, Terry Jones, Adam, the Va Va Voom boys, and the usual northern hard-core niter names. Have some European flavour now & again too - eye-candy as well as ear-candy for us girls, lol. Dave Greet played some cracking sets at Abshot. Or even better, dig Ian Clarke out of retirement - you'd sell out in minutes.
  
• You could do a lot worse than take some marketing tips from Neil Self's Soulfusion at Gloucester, he's always used membership, website & email to great advantage and hardly anyone else seems to do it consistently.
  
• If you needed a promotion partner, how about Jason Desmond? Intelligent, universally liked, ran great well-attended dos in Bournemouth, I know he's been very poorly, but maybe he'd be up for a challenge?
  

And as I said before, if you build it, we will come

Tee x

but can it go on until 8am for thise that can stay awake past 3am T If carlsberg did soul night/nighters this would be it, would love to hear top class djs from all over playong a right good mix up of SOUL in the South and totally agree with everything except finishing time great post T

[Anais nin Carms]

Hi Russ,

Keep it small intimate comfortable and FRESH with a regular turnover of different Dj's , most of all welcome unknown collectors/DJ's with open arms . Thats what is working really well in the north

[manus]

Hey up Russ boy, conferred with the lasses, and here's my really honest opinion. I don't DJ, I don't want to DJ, and I'm not knocking off a DJ (well, not at this very second anyway, lol), so this comes from an unbiased punter standpoint with your best interests at heart...

• Given the proliferation of events over the last decade, not to mention the fact that you're mainly working in downtown Baghdad, and I can no longer have my secretary mail out your flyers, ha ha, we'd suggest you just did an annual or twice-yearly do. Be sure to avoid the dates of popular southern oldies nights like Bisley (and my favourite nights out like Rugby & Just Soul )
  
• One room venue, for 200-250 punters max, on until 3am.
  
• Preferably a hotel venue where we could stop over,   la Just Soul, or at least somewhere reasonably comfortable. Proper permanent dancefloor.
  
• We'd travel anywhere, but recommend no further south than Dorset. Not Brighton & Hove - we think that's saturated with some good events already like Steve McMahon's. Town centre clubs tend to get problems with security & locals, so out of town suits us better for travel, parking, and because we're girls & we don't want any hassle ;o)
  
• Across the board northern, crossover & modern, really open-minded stuff, range of tempos but aimed at the dancers not the chinstrokers. And we don't want any other sort of music than soul, or any other sort of crowd ta.
  
• DJ-wise, have a core of 2 of 3 southerners with some visitors - we love Thorley, Woomble, Arthur, Hampsey, Ady Crowsfeet, Terry Jones, Adam, the Va Va Voom boys, and the usual northern hard-core niter names. Have some European flavour now & again too - eye-candy as well as ear-candy for us girls, lol. Dave Greet played some cracking sets at Abshot. Or even better, dig Ian Clarke out of retirement - you'd sell out in minutes.
  
• You could do a lot worse than take some marketing tips from Neil Self's Soulfusion at Gloucester, he's always used membership, website & email to great advantage and hardly anyone else seems to do it consistently.
  
• If you needed a promotion partner, how about Jason Desmond? Intelligent, universally liked, ran great well-attended dos in Bournemouth, I know he's been very poorly, but maybe he'd be up for a challenge?
  

And as I said before, if you build it, we will come

Tee x

I agree with most of what Tee says too particularly the idea of out of town DJ guests maybe the likes of Soul Sam or Just Souls Sean Hampsey be great to hear them in Brighton or nearby. I wouldn't agree that Brighton is saturated though - in northern Soul terms we only have one fixed event in central Brighton and that's the annual allnighter at the Komedia. We also have Paddy Shevlins nights at the View which I prefer but are a bit sporadic.

I'd love to hear a mix of underplayed oldies , upfront and some modern Russ but as long as there's a chance of good Soul music I'd do my best to attend.

Cheers

Manus

[Russ Vickers]

Theresa, Manus, Carms & Paul B, great contributions & I will be taking everything into consideration, you guys are all people I respect immensely & it would be a pleasure to have any of you grace a promotion that I have anything to do with.............watch this space (hopefully).

Best Russ

[Guest gordon russell]

North south divide there russ.........the dj,s put forward as ya regular mainstay's all play that kinda lilty southern crossover/midtempo sit around on the sofa type of music...as has been suggested 3 o,clock finish......all of this would suit the southern crowd perfectly.....and i,m sure you'd be on a winner......wouldn,t suit me...bit to sitty downy/chilly out,not a hair out of place and early.....however you'd surely have a packed house so good luck tezza

[Wiggyflat]

Here's my five pence worth

1.Employ at least one local deejay with good collections that have a reputation and will do legwork to promote it.

2.An uptempo ovo policy seems to work for me .....over 200 in last night but that's up to you.Try and be different.Don't try to be all things to all people or you may just end up with a night/nighter with no direction and all over the place with different factions of disgruntled people. .

3.Keep away from the summer holidays and try to avoid clashing.

4.Employ one big name deejay who can bring something to the party.....whatever people say Evison/Roberts/Winstanley can bring them in.

5.Utilise a local record shop for posters/tickets.

6.You will need a long run up for promotion.....5/6 months.

7.Look professional utilise ticketmaster etc but don't be fooled by pre sales unless you sell out.

8.Facebook........keep at it and maybe produce a little video of what you are about.

9.Keep the guestlist down and beg/borrow/steal equipment.

10.Hire of venue.......times are tight and drink is not selling as much as it used to which means you should get a good deal on a venue.

11.you can counteract number 4 by a rarer deejay pleasing both sides alike and getting 2 sets of people.This seems to have died off.

12.More is less these days....it's not 1975 with thousands of young kids with loads of energy.Keep it to 3 a year.

12.Don't sit on the toilet half an hour before wondering if anyone's going to turn up!

Good luck

Edited December 11, 2011 by wiggyflat

[Russ Vickers]

Thanks Terry & Wiggy......everything considered. A lot of fantastic DJ's darn south to choose from with killa collections & tunes to die for, from the well known to the obscure & everything inbetween, would be nice to get a few of them together & let em run with it........

Russ

[Guest Bearsy]

In addition to what Tery has posted i do agree with him on the tempo side of things, i have noticed at most soul nights if not all that i have attended down south that the mid & mid to uptempo tunes seem to be the most popular dance floor fillers, if its too uptempo then its as if everyone is worrying about heart attacks Soul night music up until 1am then have the walls move in to make the venue smaller then turn the volume and tempo up until 8am for the nighter folk, everyone used to say that the best nighters started at midnight or after so your giving everyone basically a taster and if those that normally leave at midnight to 1am fancy a bit longer then they can grab a taste of what a nighter is all about

agree with what Wiggy said too about music policy and have a direction amd policy and STICK to it

above all if you get it right the people will come Russ and to get the people to return make sure you gave them what you said you was going to and some more and get feedback and listen to those that attended. filter it all and strive to improve every event and make it better than the last even if the last one would be a hell of a night/nighter to beat, go for it buddy and remember there are plaenty of folk who will support you

[Russ Vickers]

Well, a fair bit of time as passed since the thread was started & just wanted to bring all the posters up to date.......

Young Mr Chorley (Rich) contacted me & we have struck up a partnership to promote our first event on Easter Saturday April 7th. This thread & many people who have contacted us privately gave us the inspiration to do some thing a little different & we are are absolutely stoked at the response so far.

We have the information in the events page of Soul Source & a Facebook page. The event goes under the banner:

Deep South Soul Party Vol 1. If the first event is well received we plan to do a few specials a year.

There is also a promotional Radio Show for Deep South in the audio section.

A big thank you to everyone that gave us encouragement, advise & inspiration & we hope to see y'all at our inaugral event..................its gonna be special !!!.

Thank you everyone

Best Russ

Edited February 27, 2012 by Russ Vickers

[Guest soul elite]

Hi, this looks very interesting. Can't make the first one but will defo try for the May event!

GOODLUCK FOR THE EASTER EVENT!

[Russ Vickers]

Hi, this looks very interesting. Can't make the first one but will defo try for the May event!

GOODLUCK FOR THE EASTER EVENT!

Thank you Katrina, it would be lovely to see you when ever you can make it - I hope your delicate ears have recovered from Rugby, my only excuse is you are wonderful company & too polite to tell me to bugger off .....we'll keep you updated & let you know when the next event will take place.

Love Russ

[Guest soul elite]

Oh dear Russ, what rubbish did I spout? Did I have you cornered? I have bad memory ..Haha

We will DEFINITELY be there in May! Xxx

[Russ Vickers]

Oh dear Russ, what rubbish did I spout? Did I have you cornered? I have bad memory ..Haha

We will DEFINITELY be there in May! Xxx

Thats made me feel much better Katrina, your very gracious, .

Best Russ

[Guest soul elite]

You're ok Russ, I only ever remember about 50% of a Niter anyway, haha, names, faces, conversations, all a blur............ 8^)) xxx

Looking forward to the May one, just remind us closer to the date!

[Guest soul elite]

Ps Russ you aren't muddling me up with someone else are you.... Never been called gracious before?!?!

Pps Would like to have come to the April gig but Terry Dj'ing at a memorial niter gig in Worcester on the 8th. X