To stop any rumours or
misunderstandings from circulating I am posting this for your information:
Today (Feb 23 2001) I showed up for my usual DJ gig at the Anarchists' Cocktail
and the security guy (Chris) told me to wait by the door until Brian (the owner
/manager) came to speak with me. This was highly unusual. Then Brian came up to
me, paid me for last week, and told me my "DJ services were no longer
needed" . This came as a total shock as I am sure it did to those of you
who attended the AC this Friday. I was let go because Brian and I constantly
had creative differences with the type of music that was to be played. He
wanted a more CFNY friendly set which I refused to do. He once even tried to
get me to play Oasis! Like anyone at the AC wants to hear that crap. Over time
this eroded our working relationship. I do know that I personally liked the
sets I played and thought that the eclectic mix of music made many of the
patrons happy and exposed them to a lot of new music from several different
genres. He feels that the attendance numbers have dropped significantly in the
last several weeks. Last week was slow, but it was also reading week and exam
week at school and damned cold out also. I do not believe I was at fault for
lower numbers. He feels by playing a more accessible (CFNYish) set he will
increase his numbers. I highly disagree with this pattern of thought. I feel
that most people were there to escape the humdrum and usual musical fair that
we hear all the time. If you still intend on going to the AC and do not like
the music as much, or even like it more, please let the management know how you
feel. You hold the power to control what you hear by voting with your presence
when you attend a club. VOTE RESPONSIBLY! :)
I am not upset at Brian or the AC, but I do feel that he has made a mistake
that may affect the way many of the patrons view the club. Through all of this
I feel I have kept my integrity intact and have, in some ways, paid the price
for doing so. In retrospect, I just wish he had the courtesy to let me know I
was no longer needed before I made the trek to the AC from Oakville.
I have already started the ball rolling to start a new Friday night elsewhere
and hope that those who do enjoy the music I play will be willing to hear my
music in a different venue. Please let anybody who cares know that I will no
longer be DJing Friday nights so that there is no confusion.
Thanks for your support while I was at the AC and I hope that I will see you
all soon at my new venue.
DJ Lazarus
|
