bdwgroove

This is the first time that I'm writing this board and it may be my last. Most of the people that know me know that I don't like to be negative or get caught up in in the gossip, dj bashing, or musical elitism that is a part of every scene. I do, however, want to say a few words for a good friend of mine and if some criticism comes from this then so be it. I've known Edgar V. since 1995 and he currently works with me at Grooveman Music on South Beach. Over the years I've seen him grow as a DJ but even more so as a human being. Today, he is a professional DJ in every sense of the word. What I mean by that is he is always prepared, technically skilled, and he thoroughly understands the dynamic of the dance floor. In addition, he can play trance, progressive house, house, breaks and hip hop as well as any of the top DJ's in each of those genres (and he truly loves each one of those styles). But none of these attributes is Edgar's greatest strength. What truly sets Edgar apart is his willingness to put his ego aside and play what the crowd NEEDS to hear and not just what he wants to hear. Too many DJ's forget that they are being paid to entertain the crowd... not to constantly educate them. Don't get me wrong, education is essential but not at the sacrifice of entertainment. A great DJ is one that is capable of balancing between both, thus bringing back the clubber the following week while continuing to push the scene forward. Edgar V. meets these criteria and I consider him to be a great DJ. Luis Puig took a huge risk when opened Club Space in Downtown Miami. He laid a tremendous foundation by having great lights and sound and a really cool space with multiple rooms. His ace in the hole for this new club was a 24 hour liquor license. But would they come? At this point in time there was no history of people willing to go Downtown to go clubbing. That was the risk. For those of you who know me believe me when I tell you---this was a HHHUUUGGGEEE risk (I do know a little about pulling off a club in unchartered waters). Luis, you did it. I applaud you. Ultimately you've greatly benefited Miami's scene and sent alot of people home alot later then they planned. But you didn't do it alone. There was a time when Space was finding it's legs and developing it's personality. The DJ's that were playing there weren't consistant enough and many of the people checking out the new hotspot weren't sure if they would return. All that money that you spent on this state of the art club---your vision--was going out the door with them. Then you hired Edgar V.. Edgar played what they needed to hear. He consistantly gave them what they wanted and they came back for more. The crowd grew to trust Edgar V. and with that trust he was able to push them forward helping Club Space to develop the reputaion that it has today. He didn't do this singlehandedly but he was the catalyst. Make no mistake about that. I can go on and on about some of the personal sacrifices that Edgar V. made for the betterment of your club. Some you might acknowledge others you might see differently. Overall though, Edgar V.'s loyalty to Club Space can not be questioned. Do you know why his loyalty was so strong to the club? Because you we're the first to give him an opportunity to showcase his talents on a night in and night out basis. This is something he had been working towards for most of his adult life. It meant the world to him. Knowing Edgar V. as I do I don't think he'll ever forget you for that. Obviously loyalty isn't a two way street. Edgar V. Was fired because a promoter in Peru used the Space logo on his flyer while booking Edgar V. for a party that happened in October. Do I even have to point out how trivial this reason is? October...promoter from Peru...yep it's all beginning to make sense to me. This is an obvious case of the punishment fitting the crime. By the way, when did Edgar V. become a flyer designer from Peru? He'd have to be in order to be held directly responible for this heinous and despicable act. How dare he!!! I'm a pretty smart guy but even someone with Downs Syndrome can see what a load this is. My desire is not to personally attact you but in my opinion this a spineless act and shows a total lack of respect for what Edvar V. has done for your club. Let me ask you this Luis...since Edgar was basically the stabilizing force in your investment (not that you'll ever admit it), how much was that worth to you? Think hard about it. How much was that total investment again? Seems fair. So what was the real reason for the firing? Yeah, Friday's aren't what they were. Where's all of Edgar's loyal fans? (yeah I read your letter) Why aren't they coming anymore? Someone's to blame!!! It's got to be the DJ! It always boils down to the DJ, at least as far as the owner is concerned. That's usually because they don't understand it from that perspective, the DJ's that is. They're business men. In most cases they understand money not music. They would of have to have been a DJ to really understand it in today's market. But you were a DJ weren't you? You probably wouldn't have built such an amazing club if you weren't. Once again you deserve alot a credit for this feat. We all have our limitations though. If you want to blame someone for the demise of Friday nights then that blame rests squarely on your shoulders. As a DJ you seem to have forgotten the old adage "less is more". When's the last time Edgar V. played consecutive Friday nights during primetime (1am - 5am)? If by chance you can give me an answer that recently occured then how far do you have to go back to answer the question again? It's Edgar V.'s night but there seems to be a booking every week. When is it exactly that Edgar goes on? 5 o'clock and half the the crowd dumped because they didn't like the guest DJ. Edgar V. isn't letting the crowd down... the club is! Sure the bookings make the club look good and appeal to different niches but Edgar V. appeals to your core crowd... the ones who made it what it is today. You're confusing them. They aren't getting what they want and on top of that they're paying a premium door charge 3 out of every 4 weeks (your track record for Friday night DJ bookings) to not get what they want. Most clubbers never really understand why they begin to feel bitterness and resentment towards the club but they do feel it none the less. Do I need to explain to you how this effects their attendance in your fine establishment. The bottom line is that you are breaking the trust between Edgar V. and his crowd by over booking his nights. Less (bookings) is more (of a crowd). Edgar is the reason why they are there and Edgar is who they want to see and you're not giving them Edgar. I've got the solution..."Let's fire him!!!" Luis, one day I truly hope that you realize that Edgar did as much or more for your club as you did for his career. If and when you do see it that way, then I think you will regret handling his firing in such an unprofesssional manner. By the way I think you're about to see how many friends Edgar really has. Bruce Wilcox