EPISODE 14: THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY
Happy Halloween, long time no speak… I could have sworn that my last post (Episode 13: Persistent Spirits) was written in September. It’s dated August 31st, so I guess I wrote it fairly late that evening and posted a tad early. I try to keep my articles at a minimum of 1 per month, so I apologize to my readers who’ve been waiting, seeing that we’re practically into November now. My bad. At any rate, I’ve got so much to fill you in on and you will likely see more than one post in what promises to be a CRAZY November! Alas, first thing’s first. On to Episode 14….
In August of this year, I created a signature event that has drawn the attention of many across our great city – Speakeasy. I created Speakeasy as an alternative to the norm, a defiant statement of “what you see is what you get”, designed to counter a prohibition of creativity that had been lacking in our nightlife scene. The rules of Speakeasy are much like the rules of “Fight Club” (we don’t talk about it….) and if you haven’t already been to one, learn about it here > http://www.speakeasyto.tumblr.com < and then, well…. don’t talk about it. Ask for an invite and thou shall receive one.
I must admit, August’s Speakeasy fell right onto my lap, so I took the idea, ran with it and now it has caused a stir ever since. In August, we hit OVER capacity. The rules were broken and information went viral. In September, it was amazing, yet subdued thanks to the chairs around the venue. This past Saturday, it was almost perfect. As my colleague Big Philly would say, “…it was floored…” We had an absolutely amazing time at the “Spookeasy”. Again, if you don’t know, “it’s who you know”. In a mere 3 months the demand for Speakeasy continues to increase day by day. This is both humbling and exciting for me, because I didn’t create Speakeasy for the money. Nor did I create it to be one of the hottest promoters/event organizers in the industry. I didn’t create Speakeasy for “the masses”. I created Speakeasy for YOU. To give YOU the feeling of inclusion + exclusion. To allow you to have that “exclusivity” that so many high end parties offer, without the feeling of being “exclusive”. I created Speakeasy as a form of GIVING BACK to my people, and by the term “my people” I am referring to YOU – the amazing fans, readers, followers, DJs, MCs fellow music nerds and friends new and old who continue to support me and keep me grounded. Speakeasy is my “thank you” and I will protect my signature event at all costs…
They say that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”. In most cases this is true. However, I can’t really consider a recently created event called “Speak EZ” to be in such a category.
On its Facebook event page:
“Saturdays are over saturated with the generic….”
“…for those seeking an intimate refuge from the main – we introduce Speak EZ…”
“…no cover… limited capacity…”
Then it is followed by:
“…table reservations recommended…”
And on another site….
“…bottle service recommended…”
Nice flyer by the way. A real throwback style reminiscent of…. Never mind.
At any rate, this so-called “Speak EZ” is NOT an actual Speakeasy. Like I said before – in my opinion, it is a failed imitation. The Speakeasys were created as far back as the late 1800’s as a form of establishment that fought against the “system”. During the Prohibition Era, Speakeasy’s were most popular for obvious reasons – the sale of illegal alcohol. There are no “table reservations” or “bottle service” recommendations at a “Speakeasy”. Entry was secretive and password protected. Why? To keep the police away, of course. When my team and I created the Speakeasy, it was to be an homage to the days of old. This so-called “Speak EZ” is no such homage. It looks like any other party/event that is trying to capitalize on a great concept > fighting the mainstream < however, it fails miserably in its delivery. How so? Let me explain: Facebook page, multiple web advertising, bottle service, table reservation, open to the public. These facts alone put “Speak EZ” in the mainstream because it is calling for attention. This my friends, is a #FAIL in Twitter-speak. Whether these organizers “imitated” my idea or not, they sure are lacking in the finer points of tact, style, execution and knowledge of history. This is my opinion and I’m sticking by it.
In closing, those who know me well know that I am NOT a “hater”. As a matter of fact, I embrace friendly competition and even support my peers’ events and movements. I appreciate what my heroes Starting From Scratch and Max B do with Amnesia and Nostalgia (respectively). My peers and friends Mensa, Grand Groove, Jiggz, Apocalypse, P-Plus, Original Concepts and Marquee Media have created their own niche events: THE MAIN INGREDIENT, FUNDAMENTALS, RENAISSANCE, ELECTRIC YOUTH, SAKE AND SOUL and BACK IN THE DAY. You see, these events are all similar – old school joints, “good music”, throwback parties, etc. etc. And who can forget my brother and homeboy DJ J-CLASS AND THE REFRESH FAMILY? Together, we have created an amazing mix of old meets new with HEART OF THE CITY. These events are all similar, yes, yet they are all different in EXECUTION AND DELIVERY. Speakeasy vs Speak EZ? Well, those who will attend the “Speak EZ” love deep house, I guess. Maybe I shouldn’t play house at the Speakeasy…. OK, I’ll stop.
Anyway, back to what I was saying…. I will always be one of the first to support your cause if I have the time and capacity to. That’s because as veterans of this industry we’ve learned to get along with each other – there is so much talent in our city and frankly we SHOULD be supporting each other as much as possible, not just pretend supporting on Twitter and Facebook < but that’s really another topic of discussion on its own isn’t it? Either way, my whole point is this – I put a lot of time and effort into the research and execution of Speakeasy (there’s that word again – execution). I sure as hell made sure that I wasn’t infringing on anyone else’s idea before I created this joint. I’m proud of what I created and I love it dearly (apparently, so do some other promoters, MCs and DJs who’ve actually attended). Before you create an event, do your due diligence and research those who came before you. At the very least, please RESEARCH YOUR THEME – its history, background and meaning – before you take it to market. You and your brand will benefit much more from it ;o)
Lastly, I once told a friend of mine, “…oh yeah, Speakeasy. I’ve heard of that. What is it again?” and that friend refreshed my memory on the Speakeasy’s significance and importance to the concept I had just created. She said, “…if you’re serious about this, I want IN.” So you know what I did? I hired her brilliance. Thank you “Bonnie”. My wife and family appreciate you more than you know (and with that said, let the rumours now CEASE, thank you). Another acquaintance also said, “…If you want to go fast. Go alone. When you want to go far, go together!” Shouts to Ms. Kim Davis who gave me this to quote for you today.
You get my point don’t you?
K.
That’s lame on their part.. I know all too well about people ripping off concepts and ideas that you put your heart and soul in to.. It sucks. Have to keep it moving though. Real will always recognize real.. Well, most of the time at least.
Keep doing you and keep up the great work!
It is always interesting to see when people rush out a concept or blatantly use the name of someone else’s event. If I had a dollar for every time that has happened to me I could very well retire and just roll around in money. I applaud the way you have dealt with this. I may not be so forgiving but in the end those that know , know .