We're getting out of our usual focus series on the ones doing music this week to have a chat with a guy without who some of our heroes may not have the right exposure for the events they're putting out. A man who, despite being on the shadow, is no less crucial on providing us with the right infos at the right time. To many of us, he stands as THE man in NYC having his name associated to some of the best nites around. Ladies & gents, our very best pleasure to introduce you and pay our deepest tribute to Robbi…

Robbi, wassup bro ? How were your numerous B-day celebs ?

They were fantastic. What’s really cool to me is that from the DJ’s to the  
staff, from the dancers to whoever knows about it everyone was really excited and looked forward to it

You at some time look like being almost everywhere. How can you manage the promotion of so many events at the same time ?

All I do is promote and, when I’m not promoting I promote but seriously promoting is something that can be mastered like anything  else. It all starts from dealing with the type of music you’re interested in, also having knwledge of every or close to every aspect of the music scene from clubs to the DJ’s, producers and trends then slap that together with a little bit of common sense and that’s pretty much about it.

What is it to be a promoter in NYC nowadays ?

Well, where I’m concerned nowadays, I concentrate on promoting to millions  of people around the globe, and I mean "around the globe," as opposed to keeping myself in the same circle of followers or  "heads"…  

 

Have you seen some evolution since your day 1 doing this ? On which extend ?

Everything and mainly the crowd, in regards to the way I promote parties. The crowd changes like almost every week simply because I have to role with  the shrewd business ethics of today’s club owners. I could name a lot of  other changes I’ve seen but this is the main part that I fight everyday to stay on  top of.

What has brought you to do this activity ?

To make a long story short, I used to live with my aunt whose house burnt. So in order for me not to be homeless, I looked for something to do really quick.  

The first people you've been officially working with ?

The Underground Network (my very first), the Afterlife (Kim Lightfoot, Kalim Shabazz), the Wreck Room, a small lounge with a dancefloor where Danny Krivit did  Thursday nights. And yes I worked with and knew Danny Krivit before 80% of the people that act like they know him now.    

 

Would you see yourself doing anything else ? If so what would you have liked to do ?

Nope. Winning the lottery ?

What is it to do good promotion in NYC. In other words, which channel do you have to be in touch with to make some good work ?

Well, I always like to let people try to figure that out for themselves, but I’d like to say how this can be done without the corny "networking" or kissiing ass to people. I  tend to just (like I said before) use common sense along with shear love for  the music, go out there and show the world what shear hard work and dedication  are, and everything will eventually fall into my lap.

What's your typical daily time employment ?

All day, sometimes all night mainly on the computer…

How do you make yourself a living ? I mean how many events do you have to promote per month to make yourself a decent life ?

I hold my fifth on this one !

Are you in the obligation to have aside activities ?

Nope !

The ones you're working with nowadays ? Is this really different to work for say Tony Humphries as compared to Louie Vega for instance ?

Woaw, good question, but I would say it’s really no different. They are both great DJ’s but it’s my or a promoter’s job to be the maintenance man to help  keep these guys in business here in NYC.

Isn't that a problem to have the radios not supporting the house scene apart from very rare shows ?

It keeps things on what I would say "go slow" in terms of getting our music out there, but it’s something we can do nothing about at this time so I just work other areas in terms of marketing, who knows? Maybe it will happen someday but why even think about it ?

What about the press, in NYC, nationwide ?

From dealing with press in NYC, I’ve noticed they are geared towards the next best thing. Thank God for the publications that provide listing for the weekly  or "basic" parties, and the radio stations I have a relationship with. I cant speak too much on nationwide press.

Has the arrival of Internet made the things easier for you ? Or could it be that there's nothing like a physical contact at the end of the day ?

A whole lot easier but physical contact still comes into play…

 

How do you see the current state of NYC nightlife ? What needs to be improved ? What would be the ideal situation ?

I may be grilled for saying this but as harsh and "unfair" the rave act and cabaret laws are, it has made NYC nightlife a lot saf er and a lot more healthy.

Is the fact of having you receiving awards as promoter of the year for 3 consecutive times been some of help for you ?

Yes it has definately been a plus in drawing people to events I work with  and music I promote.

Your best souvenir ?

All of my industry t-shrts (t-shirt whore).

Your biggest deception ?

None really. I happen to see the deception and shut it down before it gets
out of control.

Your baddest souvenir ?

My copy of Jonathan Fleming's "What Kind Of House Party Is This", a huge book with tons of interviews on legendary DJ’s/producers of this business which I’ve been told only a few in the world have copies of.

How do you feel people in regards to house as compared to other genres of music, generally speaking ?

People are people, so what can I say ?

How do you see this new year as compared to the previous ones ?

A lot better mainly in terms of what I’m doing and accomplishments but I like the more 90’s style of house music which in my view is kind of on its way back, seeing the influx of numerous young producers and DJ’s out there  especially on the UK tip.

Do you see house keep on being underground ?

Well, it shouldn’t if more folks had my state of mind.

Your current projects…

I do a weekly Wednesday party called Roots with Louie Vega and Kevin Hedge, the occasional Dance Ritual parties with Louie Vega. I also do Saturdays at The Shelter with Timmy Regisford as well as a monthly party called Ain’t Nuttin’ But A House Party with Jellybean Benitez and Marlon D.

I also currently promote records for labels suxh as MAW Records and their subsidary labels, Sole Channel Music, Jellybean Recordings, Soulgroove Records, Steal Vybe Music and Big Moe Records.

Miami ?

So far, I’m doing multiple parties with the MAW camp and the one for the Shelter. That’s all I can say for now.

LOUIE VEGA presents DANCE RITUAL (R2 Records)

More info : www.r2records.com