Photography by James Gillot https://instagram.com/jamesgillot
Review by J.A.F.F – Official KISS FM Event Reviewer.
This week as Official KISS Event reviewer I – that’s me – J.A.F.F – went to an amazing party at the Paddock, Federation Square called ‘Knee Deep (Daley Padley’s brand) in Melbourne’ which featured Boogs, Emanuel Satie, my future lover Cristoph (btw he doesn’t know this yet), Butch and of ‘course Hot Since 82 (Daley Padley).
It seems that a Thick as Thieves event [love the logo too!] is almost like guarantee that you will have an awesome time. I love the name they chose for their company ‘Thick as Thieves’ – to me it stands for code of honour and loyalty. Hey – I come from a country that has roots in the system of mafia ;D But actually, big up to Thick as Thieves, not only are they chestnut event do-ers as it’s a well known fact they raise a serious amount of money for charity.
SO! The event! I had to to work on Saturday which meant I couldn’t make it for all the line-up but I did make it for Butch and Hot Since 82.
Sophie and I were slowly approaching the Paddock and the closer we got, the more intense my goosebumps were getting. My reaction to parties is still so strong. I am so happy about this.
Straight up – I wasn’t sure about the choice in the venue. Looking in from the outside it looked a little poor and when I saw gravel – oh-oh I thought, ‘Shit, another dusty party?’ Once inside though I noticed the organizers had put down fake grass – which was smart – but why no choose a place with natural grass already maybe save themselves the trouble of putting fake grass on – Melbourne has so many parks and beaches.. I am fully aware it’s the nanny state though. Lol
It was cool though – no dust, and looking around at the city buildings and the train passing by now and then made it feel like you were in this awesome bubble while life around you continued as per usual.
The sound system was not one of the best. I know they can do much better. I believe every events company must hire a sound engineer and sort that shit out cause the sound was echoing and bouncing throughout the venue. At the front – where it was supposed to sound perfect – I thought I just can’t hear some of the layers and tones, the music is sounding a little flat, a bit muffled. I know organizers want to enjoy these parties as much as their attendees. Usually this is the reason why they started doing these kinds of events anyway. So why not invest in a better sound system or a sound engineer and make it perfect for everyone 😀 Life is too short to continue listening music through bad sound systems 😛
This party was full of very cool special souls. I interacted with some and some I was just happy to see. Maybe the full moon had something to do with it but the energy in the crowed was amazing. I was watching some people on top of the wall who were listening to the music but where not part of the party. I felt sad for them for not experiencing the fun, the smiles, the love, the positive vibes going through this wonderful crowd.
Butch was such a tease… He really makes you wait a long time for a drop and he does it so well. As I was thinking this, behind me I heard some people commenting the same thing. Few of his tracks had a Latino underline which I adored and the rest was also just as great. So, thank you Butch for being awesome. No wonder he is Resident Advisor’s Most Charted Artist of all time…
Usually at these events security personnel are told to be serious and not interact much with the public. The company hired for this event is the ShiZnitttttt. The security was dancing and smiling at people and even encouraging dancing and fun. But in a very modest and friendly manner. Sophie said that the whole personnel, from bartenders to everyone else were very pleasant and happy. According to her this party has been organized in the best way ever 😀
As Butch was giving way to his colleague Hot since 82, you could hear the anticipation in the crowd with cheering and jumping around. He is so smooth… I think he is very smart too, starting from his DJ name to his track selection. Hot since 82 is currently one of the most in demand DJs and I believe he has the basis for this. He has his signature tracks with which he knows he can’t go wrong. Just one little thing I noticed was at times I felt the music was slowing down and going back up during the same track. Maybe it was just me… any way, Music is the answer 😉
As I was standing there contemplating all this I noticed a really good looking guy. I have to say this – he grabbed my attention immediately J I was watching him walk, talk and move. He was gorgeous. Something about his smile. I wondered who he is. I didn’t want to ask him cause he seemed busy going somewhere and talking on the phone. And I thought to myself “you came here for the music”. But he was just radiating confidence and style. I told my friend Sophie about him and pointed him out. She also thought he was very handsome. Suddenly he was stopped by some young guys and girls who asked to take a photo with him. Hmmmmm… That raised more questions.
Eventually I found out who this guy was. It was DJ Cristoph https://www.facebook.com/CristophMusic/ . Since I missed his set, I didn’t see him perform and obviously didn’t know him from before which is a big shame considering I am a dance music blogger. I just thought he was a hot passer byer. Definite highlight of the day, he smiled at me and now I am in love him!
Later and weirder, or should I say ‘funnily enough’ a young man in the crowd asked me how old I am. When I said 38, with a surprise on his face and a few compliments he said “and do you like this kind of music?” lol.
He then continued with a few more questions one of them being if I am married or have a boyfriend. When I said no, his obvious next question was why. On which I replied “I don’t want one”. He said that response is unusual cause what he usually hears is women saying they can’t find the one.
Leading me into – well seeing it is today and that you’ve read this far – I am still trying to figure out what the fuck is the purpose of Valentine’s day. Is it just another commercial holiday which was supposed to remind you that you love someone? Do you keep forgetting?
It is a ‘great’ reminder if you’re single that you have no love in your life while everyone else is celebrating love? We – who have no partner, lover, boyfriend no matter how hard we try to stay positive and think we are happy being single, somewhere deep inside on this day we feel left out. Lucky Americana hallmark occasions are probably on the out now – I mean there is only so much bullshit we can take, or consume for consumptions sake!
<3
Thanks for reading.
J.A.F.F
[Just Another Fucking Foreigner]
