the barfly
chronicals. 04.02
Anatomy of a Good Club
Simplified Club Anatomy 101 according to Aanzia
That rare and intangible thing known as a Good Vibe in the world of
clubbing happens only when five main components are working in perfect
balance. Creating the right environment is not as easy as you might
think. Next time you are planning a night out take a closer look at what
might be motivating you to spend money to get in on the fun.
First you have the Decor. Includes, architecture, interior design,
and the lighting show over dance floor. It is the first thing you notice
upon entry, the most visible, tangible aspect of the club. The design
should set the tone and tie together a theme. You should be comfortable
in your chosen party land. Decor plays a key role in attracting party
go-ers, example: dirty, cheap and dingy probably attracts the same type
of people. Clean, stylish and cozy will attract style conscious, pretty
people right? Truth is there is a big headache with clean, stylish and
cozy. It's much more expensive to bring in nice couches, put art on the
walls and keep bathrooms clean. Despite the extra effort some people are
still not going to appreciate the effort. Those terminally less happy
people should: (a.) go to the dirty, cheap and dingy clubs where the
chicks are less manicured and they can put their feet on the couches and
throw cigarettes on the floor and no one will care, (b.) they can try to
be happy, lighten up and have a little clean happy fun, or (c.) just
stay home. I think we should appreciate when a club tries to bring a
cleaner more stylish brand of party to our city. Ok moving on...
Second we have the MUSIC. This is the hardest part to balance. A
lot of people can be separated by the music they like. Some music, even
though popular, makes people want to pull a 9 or a roundhouse kick on
the guy next to them. Spinning Hate is not good for a party. Most clubs
break it up so different nights appeal to different musical tastes. They
usually draw smaller crowds on those nights. It is funny when you go in
to a club and it feels kinda ... crazy. Like when the overall theme of
the club gets in the way of the theme of the night itself. Like a Gothic
Club, all dark and sexy, but it's not really the right promotion for a
sports bar. Some smaller clubs keep it real simple and try to appeal to
just one group so everything is smoother and easier. That is cool too,
the music is deeper and the scene a little tighter. But, to get a big
party going you have to mix it all up. Playing the right mix of "shake
your ass bootie pick up" (so you can... you know... pick up), "tough but
cool" (for the style guys), "grunge rock" (for the regular guys) "disco
funk mood enhancer" (for everyone), "jump around frat music" (for the
studious), "I love you for a little while" (for the ladies), and "real"
dance music in its 15 different styles (for the dance connoisseurs, club
kids and ravers) is a difficult task at best! Glad I am not a DJ... 20
boxes of records for one night! Forget it. So, just remember, it is a
quantity over quality equation
Big Party = Mixed Music
Pure Music = Smaller Same Crowd
Third is alcohol. Dance liquid, party juice, nectar of the gods,
the ultimate people mixer, you know-whatever you call it. Drinks are
important. Beer and wine bars are ok...but a bar with top shelf and
premium liquor is much better. Nothing like a nice Super Chilled Green
Apple Martini, a shot of Patron Tequila, or a Single Malt Highland
Scotch, to feel smooth and get the party rolling. Just remember to Drink
responsibly and NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE!
Fourth, we have Promotions and Revolving Amusements.
I like it when clubs have special nights. Guest DJ's, live shows,
performance art, fashion shows, dance troupe or contests (not super
cheesy crap like wet T-shirt contests but more creative stuff). It keeps
it fresh and entertaining. After all we are going out to be entertained
or pick up or both. Special promotions take a lot of effort, but if done
well, they can be a huge part of the fun, anyone remember Saturday Night
Seduction @ Club Five?
Last, but not least...you need fun PEOPLE! YOU are people! It is up
to you and your friends to make clubbing fun. The more effort you put in
to going out the more special and fun the night will be. So make it
special and go out with the intent of having fun, DRESS TO IMPRESS (Be a
part of the EYE CANDY), look great, dance and be social! Look for clubs
that have cool people, pretty people, and mostly fun people...those
angry people and that bad buzz usually all hang together. Who knew? I
say avoid those places and have a good time. It is my philosophy that we
only live once (that we remember), so, we should try to make the most of
it, and that includes taking an active part in our own personal
entertainment. Next time you are clubbing take notice of the VIBE check
to see if the 5 components are working together? Appreciate the good and
notice everything. Remember to consider (Decor, Music, Drinks,
Promotions, and People) and choose your entertainment options with a new
sense of interest and awareness. Most Importantly, Have a Great Time!
Good Clubbing!
Aanzia Owen