With the vinyl revolution in full swing, Ōtepoti residents have a chance to get amongst it through Vinyl Vibes, a monthly "open decks" night where music lovers of all tastes and ages can become amateur DJs in an inclusive, supportive and social environment.
The brainchild of Grant McDougall, a Dunedin-based dilettante who, since the late ’80s, has been "part of the furniture of the Dunedin music scene," including involvement with Radio 1, writing for national music publications including Rip It Up and Real Groove and Dunedin-based fanzine Alley Oop (best known for its coverage of bands on the Flying Nun and Xpressway labels), Vinyl Vibes night is envisioned as a "fun, exciting night of people hearing fantastic music, including stuff that maybe they haven’t heard before".
Hosted by Pearl Diver, a bar and music venue on St Andrew St, McDougall suggests that Vinyl Vibes is like "being in your own lounge, but with an audience and a bar". To that end, the catch-cry of this "BYO vinyl open-decks night" is inclusivity.
"The night is literally open to anyone of any age who wants to come along and spin their favourite records with no judgement."
McDougall is dead-set against the snobbery that can be a symptom of vinyl collecting.
"As Roy (Colbert, late doyen of the Dunedin music scene) would often impart, (enjoying the music) is not about the format, it’s about the songs. And if they move you, then that’s awesome."
McDougall drew inspiration from similar evenings around the motū, facilitated through the Facebook group Vinyl Lovers of Aotearoa New Zealand (VLOANZ). Touted as "A place for New Zealanders to rave on about their addiction to the smell / taste / feel / sight / sound of the vinyl record," the group numbers upwards of 10,000 members, who regularly share their listening habits, from old favourites to new releases, all the way through to op-shop gems and guilty pleasures. It’s this aesthetic that prompted McDougall to establish Vinyl Vibes. With the aid of Wellington-based vinyl enthusiast/DJ Justine McLisky, who has established BYO vinyl/decks nights — including the much-feted "Singles Going Steady: 7" Open Decks" events in Wellington and Auckland — McDougall set the wheels in motion.
"I’d seen postings on VLOANZ, with events up north, in Wellington and Auckland, as well as Christchurch, and got in touch with Justine, with a view to getting something up and running down here, and her advice has been invaluable ... it’s clear there’s lots of southern folk who want to play records and hear good music, too."
Though such expert advice is suggestive of a tight-knit and enthusiastic vinyl community in Aotearoa, McDougall is keen to de-emphasise the audiophile aspects of Vinyl Vibes, with "little interest in the tedious details of what cables or needle comprise the sound system — (I’m) far more excited by the tunes on offer rather than the technical aspects". And with 15-minute DJ slots available over each session’s four-hour duration, there’s a broad palate to draw from — from canonical artists, to obscure Flying Nun B-sides, hip-hop, or even the current Pop Princess vanguard.
For those keen to spin, McDougall suggests bringing along 5-10 records ("you might change your mind, or there might be crossover or double ups"), and just "go with your instinct and just play what moves you".
Andy Frost, co-owner of Pearl Diver, and a former DJ with 15 years experience, is enthused by the prospect of an open decks night.
"(We’re) ultimately wanting to do more community events, particularly on weeknights, using this music-orientated space."
Frost’s background means that he’s "happy to share my knowledge and any gear that people need — assisting with the tech, showing how to work a crossfader, changing from one turntable to the other".
With free entry, McDougall is hoping that Vinyl Vibes can help Ōtepoti music lovers get into the groove of the vinyl resurgence.
The event
• Vinyl Vibes will run on the last Thursday of every month. Its inaugural session is on February 27, 7-11pm at Pearl Diver, St Andrew St.
