Too Many Events; A New Slant On An Old Topic, Are The Paying Public Asking For Them? Part 2

[Sharon Cooper]

For those that were interested in the original thread here is something new which has recently been bought to our attention!: Yet another new event on the same night as an established one (Namely ours; 6 years on) which means that there are now 2 new events starting up this month and next. Next months is approx 6 miles away and the one this month is 3 miles away. This time the rationale is this:

"now i am looking into having 1 every week , the people i have spoken to go to different 1's everyweek which means alot of traveling which they don't want...so i am tryin to change that"

(Direct quote from the promoter)

Any thoughts on the viability of putting on a weekly event (£5 OTD sandwiches provided apparently!)?

I can honestly say that the soul scene of a few years ago is now well and truly dead and gone and is in complete freefall as far as I can see. The whole situation is quite pathetic: 37 on one night at the last count - I reckon thats a record!

Edited September 14, 2008 by bridget

[Makemvinyl]

For those that were interested in the original thread here is something new which has recently been bought to our attention!: Yet another new event on the same night as an established one (Namely ours; 6 years on) which means that there are now 2 new events starting up this month and next. Next months is approx 6 miles away and the one this month is 3 miles away. This time the rationale is this:

"now i am looking into having 1 every week , the people i have spoken to go to different 1's everyweek which means alot of traveling which they don't want...so i am tryin to change that"

(Direct quote from the promoter)

Any thoughts on the viability of putting on a weekly event (£5 OTD sandwiches provided apparently!)?

I can honestly say that the soul scene of a few years ago is now well and truly dead and gone and is in complete freefall as far as I can see. The whole situation is quite pathetic: 37 on one night at the last count - I reckon thats a record!

agree as we after 13 years are in the same position

but we will carry on and supply a quality across the board night,with 3 good residents and some of the best DJs we can get to guest

and we will keep the same format for the enjoyment of our friends

[poppy]

For those that were interested in the original thread here is something new which has recently been bought to our attention!: Yet another new event on the same night as an established one (Namely ours; 6 years on) which means that there are now 2 new events starting up this month and next. Next months is approx 6 miles away and the one this month is 3 miles away. This time the rationale is this:

"now i am looking into having 1 every week , the people i have spoken to go to different 1's everyweek which means alot of traveling which they don't want...so i am tryin to change that"

(Direct quote from the promoter)

Any thoughts on the viability of putting on a weekly event (£5 OTD sandwiches provided apparently!)?

I can honestly say that the soul scene of a few years ago is now well and truly dead and gone and is in complete freefall as far as I can see. The whole situation is quite pathetic: 37 on one night at the last count - I reckon thats a record!

Don't worry about it Chris/Sharon yours will still be the best soul night on the third Sat each month. Others may come and go but yours is a well established night with a good crowd in every time and a great atmosphere. Ps who wants sandwiches anyway!!

[Citizen P]

Look, the answer is simple.

Overplayed oldies, Rarer Soul or whatever

While there is such a vast majority of people who say

" it doesn't matter what form the tunes are on, so long as I can dance"

Anybody can start a night, and will.

It matters,

to me anyway

Tony

[Chalky]

For those that were interested in the original thread here is something new which has recently been bought to our attention!: Yet another new event on the same night as an established one (Namely ours; 6 years on) which means that there are now 2 new events starting up this month and next. Next months is approx 6 miles away and the one this month is 3 miles away. This time the rationale is this:

"now i am looking into having 1 every week , the people i have spoken to go to different 1's everyweek which means alot of traveling which they don't want...so i am tryin to change that"

(Direct quote from the promoter)

Any thoughts on the viability of putting on a weekly event (£5 OTD sandwiches provided apparently!)?

I can honestly say that the soul scene of a few years ago is now well and truly dead and gone and is in complete freefall as far as I can see. The whole situation is quite pathetic: 37 on one night at the last count - I reckon thats a record!

#

I counted over 50 on one night once. Did you look at the geographical spread of these 37 events? where they all in the UK? How many were actual clashes, locality wise?

Maybe some in the midland s are fed up with what's on offer already and all the politics that exist in the midlands and feel they can do better. If they aren't up to it they will soon fall by the wayside. Venue clashes have always existed and will do in the future. Don't know what you are worried about. If your venue is as good as you say it is you won't have anything to worry about, gimmicks like sandwiches won't influence anyone, its the night out that counts, socially and musically.

[Lenny Harkins]

For those that were interested in the original thread here is something new which has recently been bought to our attention!: Yet another new event on the same night as an established one (Namely ours; 6 years on) which means that there are now 2 new events starting up this month and next. Next months is approx 6 miles away and the one this month is 3 miles away. This time the rationale is this:

"now i am looking into having 1 every week , the people i have spoken to go to different 1's everyweek which means alot of traveling which they don't want...so i am tryin to change that"

(Direct quote from the promoter)

Any thoughts on the viability of putting on a weekly event (£5 OTD sandwiches provided apparently!)?

I can honestly say that the soul scene of a few years ago is now well and truly dead and gone and is in complete freefall as far as I can see. The whole situation is quite pathetic: 37 on one night at the last count - I reckon thats a record!

£5 OTD sandwiches provided .

whats next....a game of bingo at half time!

[Guest gordon russell]

#

I counted over 50 on one night once. Did you look at the geographical spread of these 37 events? where they all in the UK? How many were actual clashes, locality wise?

Maybe some in the midland s are fed up with what's on offer already and all the politics that exist in the midlands and feel they can do better. If they aren't up to it they will soon fall by the wayside. Venue clashes have always existed and will do in the future. Don't know what you are worried about. If your venue is as good as you say it is you won't have anything to worry about, gimmicks like sandwiches won't influence anyone, its the night out that counts, socially and musically.

spot on chalky,.......some folk constantly bang on about the music ect ect,as someone has already said the music at easier to get to venues is played on any old format in the main.There are areas where all the dj's and promoters know one another ,dj at one anothers venues and care not about format........whats more important a lot of their punters care not either.....so why should anyone else care.All this can't be bothered to travel bit is just an excuse for not bothering. Lastly,you have to have something to travel for,and as you know it's the allnighters that are giving us that,there one or two good soul nights ATTIC,BRADFORD AND LOWTON to name some.The reality of most soul nights is they just ain't good enough plain and simple..atb tezza

[Sharon Cooper]

#

I counted over 50 on one night once. Did you look at the geographical spread of these 37 events? where they all in the UK? How many were actual clashes, locality wise?

Maybe some in the midland s are fed up with what's on offer already and all the politics that exist in the midlands and feel they can do better. If they aren't up to it they will soon fall by the wayside. Venue clashes have always existed and will do in the future. Don't know what you are worried about. If your venue is as good as you say it is you won't have anything to worry about, gimmicks like sandwiches won't influence anyone, its the night out that counts, socially and musically.

Hi, Whilst I agree with your sentiment (Although I can`t see where I`ve said anything here about our venue being good) in regard to the social and musical element being the pre eminent factor, there is a matter of principle which I for one have some difficulty getting over. The geographical spread is nationwide (I didn`t count the venues outside the UK, I don`t think) and I do agree with your statement about this politics issue in the East Midlands; However I think the use of the word `politics` in relation to this area is too generous as I do think there is an element of undermining, maliciousness and downright petty jealousy involved with some. I do agree also that they will fall by the wayside eventually; I`m not worried Chalky, jut voicing my very peeved opinion for what its worth.

TonyP`s comment when he says that while ever the majority say; it doesn't matter what form the tunes are on, so long as I can dance" that every man and his dog will start up a soul night is spot on unfortunately.

S

[Guest gordon russell]

just another thought.........good or bad there are venues that people attend for the MUSIC and to socialise,but i'm afraid there are venues people attend to SOCIALISE with some music on in the background.......something to think about. tezza

[Sharon Cooper]

just another thought.........good or bad there are venues that people attend for the MUSIC and to socialise,but i'm afraid there are venues people attend to SOCIALISE with some music on in the background.......something to think about. tezza

I`ve thought about it and I reckon you`re right. The said promoters by the way are spreading their brand of soul night around so I`ve just heard and so will who knows who they will clash with on other Saturdays locally...Lets wait and see!

[Guest Brett F]

#

I counted over 50 on one night once.

. You actually sat there and counted 50, Chalky you need a hobby fella'.

[Steve G]

just another thought...... i'm afraid there are venues people attend to SOCIALISE with some music on in the background.......something to think about. tezza

Yes there are a number of nights like that. Feel the layout of a venue has a part to play here too as well as the other reasons already mentioned.

[Steve G]

Another thought - can we start a list of venues that play these boots and CD reissues. just so we can avoid them. I hear a lot about them but don't know which ones they are. Perhaps if we categorised all northern venues as OVO (Original Vinyl Only) and CRAP (CDs, Reissues and pressings)

[Chalky]

. You actually sat there and counted 50, Chalky you need a hobby fella'.

you could be right mate. It was one of those boring nights in, in between changing records and pouring a beer.

[Steve L]

Wheres this latest one then Sharon? I know about the Sutton one

[Pete S]

£5 OTD sandwiches provided .

whats next....a game of bingo at half time!

To be fair - Pep used to put on do's in Walsall in the 80's and used to put on sandwiches at that as well.

[Md Records]

Didn't the food thing used to be a way of getting round some of the old Licensing Laws, not always an act of benevolence on the part of the promoter. I think I remember going to a Sunday "All Dayer" in Gloucester in the 1980's where there was a "buffet" included.

Des Parker

[pikeys dog]

You're probably right about that Des.

Pubs used to have to close at three on a sunday and couldn't reopen until seven, whereas anywhere serving food ie "Restaurants" could open all the way through.

[John Al]

Another thought - can we start a list of venues that play these boots and CD reissues. just so we can avoid them. I hear a lot about them but don't know which ones they are. Perhaps if we categorised all northern venues as OVO (Original Vinyl Only) and CRAP (CDs, Reissues and pressings)

Yes, that's a great idea Steve but one sadly doomed to failure.

You only have to look at the events lookback section to see that, of course, every single event is originals only, had top DJs, was packed to the rafters and had a great atmosphere in a brilliant venue.

Who will be the first to break the trend for mutual backslapping?

J.

Edited September 14, 2008 by John Alden

[Guest Byrney]

Another thought - can we start a list of venues that play these boots and CD reissues. just so we can avoid them. I hear a lot about them but don't know which ones they are. Perhaps if we categorised all northern venues as OVO (Original Vinyl Only) and CRAP (CDs, Reissues and pressings)

As a punter that would be really useful.

Do you think it may be easier in the East Midlands to name those that don't play boots and CDs rather than those that do??

Edited September 14, 2008 by Byrney

[Wilxy]

Didn't the food thing used to be a way of getting round some of the old Licensing Laws, not always an act of benevolence on the part of the promoter. I think I remember going to a Sunday "All Dayer" in Gloucester in the 1980's where there was a "buffet" included.

Des Parker

Des, what is it about you and food? I'd swear you knew something more than you let on

[Sharon Cooper]

Wheres this latest one then Sharon? I know about the Sutton one

Hi Steve ; This new one is in Tupton on the 3rd Saturday and who knows where for the other 3 (or 4 dependent on the month)!

S

Edited September 14, 2008 by bridget

[max millward]

Didn't the food thing used to be a way of getting round some of the old Licensing Laws, not always an act of benevolence on the part of the promoter. I think I remember going to a Sunday "All Dayer" in Gloucester in the 1980's where there was a "buffet" included.

Des Parker

yeh spot on des, it was a way of extending serving hours!!

max..

Edited September 14, 2008 by max.millward

[chrissie]

Another thought - can we start a list of venues that play these boots and CD reissues. just so we can avoid them. I hear a lot about them but don't know which ones they are. Perhaps if we categorised all northern venues as OVO (Original Vinyl Only) and CRAP (CDs, Reissues and pressings)

Where would you like us to start Steve

QoFxx

[Steve G]

Where would you like us to start Steve

QoFxx

I have been reliably informed that in some parts of the country (e.g. parts of Mids, Northants etc) it would be easier to list the venues that play originals only.

And they are........

[Steve G]

Yes, that's a great idea Steve but one sadly doomed to failure.

You only have to look at the events lookback section to see that, of course, every single event is originals only, had top DJs, was packed to the rafters and had a great atmosphere in a brilliant venue.

Who will be the first to break the trend for mutual backslapping?

J.

Ha ha John, but true enough.

Maybe time for some "terrorist" tactics - when we see a northern venue advertised that we KNOW allows CDs, Reissues And Pressings (C.R.A.P venues), we start asking questions about the musical format on the thread and whether bootlegs are to be played. Harsh steps but I think neccesary punter direct action to redress the balance a bit.

[Supercorsa]

Yet another thread detiriating into who plays what and where, without anyone actually naming anywhere.

[max millward]

Yes, that's a great idea Steve but one sadly doomed to failure.

You only have to look at the events lookback section to see that, of course, every single event is originals only, had top DJs, was packed to the rafters and had a great atmosphere in a brilliant venue.

Who will be the first to break the trend for mutual backslapping?

J.

wonder if it would be possible to have an ovo box to tick when a new event is 1st posted, like say

when we enter start times! hard i know, as that then brings in the soul police to check venues out!

then all sorts of problems could arise!!

so perhaps the best way is to boycott venues that you know are not totally o.v.o.

that's what our crowd are now doing!!

for the record all "good times" venues in the midlands are O.V.O.

MAX..

[arnie j]

Yet another thread detiriating into who plays what and where, without anyone actually naming anywhere.

good point mate, so which venues plays boots and cds ? whos gonna go first ?

[Guest gordon russell]

the problem is as soon as someone names venues that do this......the whole world and their wife on this site ..berates them for being negative, unsoulful and a general arse.....even if what they post is TRUE....they would rather in time honoured fashion shoot the messenger.I could name plenty of folk but all that happens is people complain about ME never about their dodgey practise atb tezza

[Guest gordon russell]

HA HA .....see what l mean.....all quiet on the western front

[Maria O]

the problem is as soon as someone names venues that do this......the whole world and their wife on this site ..berates them for being negative, unsoulful and a general arse.....even if what they post is TRUE....they would rather in time honoured fashion shoot the messenger.I could name plenty of folk but all that happens is people complain about ME never about their dodgey practise atb tezza

I logged on earleir today and felt sorry for a guy who sounded like he got a raw deal, so lended some requested advice [ CLICK HERE TO READ ] only to now see the replies to my post as well as this thread here

..obviously BOTH SIDES OF THE SAME COIN.

Next time I get involved with stuff like this, can someone please send me a big e-spank on the arse.

Thanks muchly, .

Ms Blah Blah

[Des Crombie]

the problem is as soon as someone names venues that do this......the whole world and their wife on this site ..berates them for being negative, unsoulful and a general arse.....even if what they post is TRUE....they would rather in time honoured fashion shoot the messenger.I could name plenty of folk but all that happens is people complain about ME never about their dodgey practise atb tezza

I totally agree with this statement on shooting the messenger. If such a list was created it would probably have to be contributed to anonymously. This would be possible through PM's if someone was willing to compile and publish it (SteveG?).

[Steve G]

I totally agree with this statement on shooting the messenger. If such a list was created it would probably have to be contributed to anonymously. This would be possible through PM's if someone was willing to compile and publish it (SteveG?).

Happy to do my piece, but thinking might have moved on - maybe the better option is to have a DJ charter - since some promotors have already told me they don't know what the dj's play on the night. So DJ's could sign up to OVO ........or not.

[Pete Eccles]

Happy to do my piece, but thinking might have moved on - maybe the better option is to have a DJ charter - since some promotors have already told me they don't know what the dj's play on the night. So DJ's could sign up to OVO ........or not.

If every DJ adds to the list it will be a longer thread than Mr Levines

[Guest dundeedavie]

Happy to do my piece, but thinking might have moved on - maybe the better option is to have a DJ charter - since some promotors have already told me they don't know what the dj's play on the night. So DJ's could sign up to OVO ........or not.

it is still an alien concept to me that anyone would dj not being ovo ....

[Guest Matt Male]

I always assume that all nighters are Original Vinyl Only and i always assume that unless a soul night says they are OVO then they allow boots, reissues and CDs. If soul nights don't say they are OVO then we are allowed to draw our own conclusions. Simple as that.

[Guest Matt Male]

Happy to do my piece, but thinking might have moved on - maybe the better option is to have a DJ charter - since some promotors have already told me they don't know what the dj's play on the night. So DJ's could sign up to OVO ........or not.

That's unbelievable Steve . Any promotor who doesn't know what format a DJ is using should be bloody ashamed of themselves. If they say OVO they should make sure DJs stick to that and kick any off that don't. Otherwise you are bullshitting the punters. At the end of the day promotors have to protect their venue, DJs just go home and go somewhere else.

[Pete Eccles]

I always assume that all nighters are Original Vinyl Only and i always assume that unless a soul night says they are OVO then they allow boots, reissues and CDs. If soul nights don't say they are OVO then we are allowed to draw our own conclusions. Simple as that.

Playing devils advocate here, but i have never seen a soul night advertised as OVO, so should we presume all soul nights are C.R.A.P?

Which makes it not that simple, there are soul nights that are OVO that don't feel the need to advertise as such,

[Des Crombie]

since some promotors have already told me they don't know what the dj's play on the night.

I could be wrong but you would think that any decent promoter would state what their music policy was and only book DJ's that they know follow that policy. Sounds like they are hiding behind ignorance. Perhaps there should also be a promoters charter?

Edited September 14, 2008 by Dezzie Boy

[Guest Matt Male]

Playing devils advocate here, but i have never seen a soul night advertised as OVO, so should we presume all soul nights are C.R.A.P?

Which makes it not that simple, there are soul nights that are OVO that don't feel the need to advertise as such,

Yes we should assume they are CRAP if not advertised as OVO. A few years ago (maybe ten or so) pretty much every soul night flyer had OVO at the bottom, why has that changed i wonder? It's easy to inform punters you play OVO, just put O.V.O. on the flyer.

Why don't they feel the need the advertise they play original vinyl? It's a selling plus surely? I can only assume they don't until they advertise that they do.

Nighters on the other hand shouldn't need to advertise because the assumption has always been that nighters play OVO (although i'm pretty sure there have been times this hasn't always been the case).

One last thing, i reckon some soul nights don't advertise as OVO because although they want to say they are original vinyl only, they can't be sure what their DJs are playing and don't want to be open to accusations of hypocrisy. Again this is down to promotors doing their job and protecting their venue's integrity.

Edited September 14, 2008 by Matt Male

[Steve G]

Nighters on the other hand shouldn't need to advertise because the assumption has always been that nighters play OVO (although i'm pretty sure there have been times this hasn't always been the case).

I've been to a few nighters where the boots have been out in force.

Agree on the OVO on fliers.

[Guest dundeedavie]

I could be wrong but you would think that any decent promoter would state what their music policy was and only book DJ's that they know follow that policy. Sounds like they are hiding behind ignorance. Perhaps there should also be a promoters charter?

we (basics) are almost fascist about it lol though we have been caught out once with a guy who played the newcomer spot .... him thinking original vinyl covered a compilation album he played off .

not only will he never play for us again he's never been back as a punter either haha

[Pete Eccles]

Yes we should assume they are CRAP if not advertised as OVO. A few years ago (maybe ten or so) pretty much every soul night flyer had OVO at the bottom, why has that changed i wonder? It's easy to inform punters you play OVO, just put O.V.O. on the flyer.

Why don't they feel the need the advertise they play original vinyl? It's a selling plus surely? I can only assume they don't until they advertise that they do.

Nighters on the other hand shouldn't need to advertise because the assumption has always been that nighters play OVO (although i'm pretty sure there have been times this hasn't always been the case).

Really can't grasp this surefire way of determining OVO/CRAP , what you are saying Matt if a venue plays untill 6 AM as opposed to 2 AM we must automatically assume the event that plays a few hours longer is OVO and the other event is CRAP?

Irrespective of flyers, events here on SS is a great way of getting a venue advertised, and i may be wrong but i (personally) never seen any soul night plug OVO ,

[Guest john s]

Irrespective of flyers, events here on SS is a great way of getting a venue advertised, and i may be wrong but i (personally) never seen any soul night plug OVO ,

[Guest andrew bin]

i doubt there is a promoter in world that could put his or her hand on heart and say that every dj they have ever booked as played nothing but ovo

i think there should be a special committee set up to visit every soul doo and scrutinize all the play boxes and when they are satisfied the venue/doo gets Michelin star type of award proof of quality assurance

[Guest Matt Male]

Really can't grasp this surefire way of determining OVO/CRAP , what you are saying Matt if a venue plays untill 6 AM as opposed to 2 AM we must automatically assume the event that plays a few hours longer is OVO and the other event is CRAP?

Come on Peter, a venue that goes on until 6am is an allnighter and one that goes on until 2am is a soul night, they are not the same thing at all. It's wrong to assume a four hour difference is all there is. Yes i always assumed everyone thought nighters should always play OVO (even if they don't). Or is it just me then?

I'm uneasy about the term CRAP actually, there are plenty of good soul nights that aren't original vinyl only, Nuneaton for one, but aren't 'Crap' by any stretch of the imagination in that sense. Maybe a different term for venues that don't play Original Vinyl Only?

Makes no odds to me if venues don't want to advertise as OVO, it's the promotors choice and fair enough. Personally i have always and will continue to assume the DJs play boots/CDs and reissues if they don't advertise as OVO.

[chrissie]

I've been to a few nighters where the boots have been out in force.

Agree on the OVO on fliers.

I think it is down to the promoters, surelybefore booking a DJ they would have some background to their reputation, and if they suspect boots etc they should not book them. The responsibility lies with the promoter to ensure thier DJs play OVO, if that is there policy.

On a previous comment, not one of your Steve, it is stupid to assume that all allnighters are OVO and all soulnights allow other formats, this is not so, I know of many nights that only allow OVO and the punters wouldn't attend if anything else was on offer and as Steve said some nighters where boots, re-issues have been in evidence.

QoFxx

[Steve G]

i doubt there is a promoter in world that could put his or her hand on heart and say that every dj they have ever booked as played nothing but ovo

i think there should be a special committee set up to visit every soul doo and scrutinize all the play boxes and when they are satisfied the venue/doo gets Michelin star type of award proof of quality assurance

Ah more sarcasm methinks.....or are you "declaring" as the first C.R.A.P DJ? you may start a new trend you know

[Guest Matt Male]

Cheers John