“HOME-GROWN HYBRID”
HYPE – SATURDAY 28TH AUGUST
CLUB REVIEW
Few will doubt the capabilities for one Logan Schmitz to put on prolific parties, this enigmatic individual having made a massive splash on the gAylist London clubbing scene back in November 2008 when he brought Spanish smash hit brand SuperMartXe to the capital, creating an immediate buzz and attracting the kind of crowd that had been missing from many a party before it. Indeed, such has been the success of Logan in London, that the top brass of rival Spanish brand Matinee saw in Mr Schmitz, a man that could resurrect their lagging fortunes here in the UK and restore it as a clubbing experience of popular choice & demand. But, never wishing to stand still in trying to deliver first rate & quality clubbing offerings, Logan has been looking to expand on his portfolio of parties for a while now, his promotions vehicle, Logan Presents, having held loose ties with Beyond & As One in recent times, although the man behind the Spanish franchises in London, has craved for his own brands to carve out a new direction & identity for this mid west USA dancer come club promoter. Indeed in pursuit of his dreams & desires, the summer slipping away from us has seen private party “UP” make quite a considerable impact, paving the way for the second instalment of a brand which was launched onto a public who, at the time, were still engrossed in the sheen & sparkle of SuperMartXe.
When Hype hit the headlines back in May 2009, it would be fair to say that Logan’s captive audience was not quite ready for the brand which aimed at delivering, not so much a party full of prolific performances & stunning stage shows, but more one than concentrated on the music. And, on paper at least, it had the credentials to deliver in this department, London stars D’Johnny & Steve Pitron flying the flag for home faithfull’s & Rafa Ariza of Matinee & Pacha fame looking like packing a punch, as would top notch PA Rebeka Brown. However, the inevitable comparisons were drawn with SuperMartXe, not least as the signage was virtually the same and whilst the vicious reaction to our review at the time seemed to contradict ours & others views on the success of the party, Hype nevertheless disappeared from the clubbing schedule as its Spanish inspiration continued to dominate Saturday clubbing. However, the original concept of Hype, in delivering magnificent music, was still very much alive in Logan’s mind, so it came as no surprise that it would re-appear at a time when his production team & his parties were very much the talk of the town, testing the market for a second time, albeit on the tricky slot that was a Bank Holiday Saturday. So how did Hype go down this time round? And did it find favour with the faithful?
Arriving at Coronet’s doors at not long turned midnight, there seemed to be a buzz in the air as well as a small queue of party goers forming to see what all the hype was about and spotting Michael on the door we bounded up to say hello and secure our entrance into the club, the team now clearly drilled in the procedure and our safe passage secured in a matter of moments. Finding little or no wait at the outside coatcheck, once we had weaved our way through and had greeted pal & hairdresser extraordinaire, Luis, we were set free to drop down into The Coronet’s main room to investigate proceedings fully, looking first at virtually empty dancefloor, but then mingling with a healthy crowd which had assembled up in the extensive bar area. Searching for refreshments, we came across the ever smiling Johnny Hooley, standing resplendent in a brilliant black & silver number and towering high over us in piecing stiletto’s that made our feet whimper at the prospect, although engaging in chat & catch up proved an absolute pleasure, making for the ideal ice breaker on a somewhat shaky start this second Hype outing.
But it wasn’t long before the dancefloor began to fill out and we assumed our usual Coronet spot down just shy of the stage, much of the focus being on the massive neon displays in front & behind the D.J. booth where the familiar face & figure of Paul Heron was bopping up & down to the beats he was bashing out, including a rather uplifting number, yet an appealing version of Kelis’ “Acapella”, then blending into a string of more a-typical Heron house tunes on the tech & electro side that had us swinging on our spot, alongside familiar faces that included D.J. Phil Hewson & his Aussie pal, Matinee friend & fellow clubbing party head Michelle Thornber, along with her posse pals Clayton Wright & Dan Mator as well as a veritable feast of muscle-bound men & gorgeous girls, very much the smart set that we are used to at Logan Presents parties. But we were even more thrilled when pal Dorin appeared through the crowd and joined us in some major dancing moves, also catching up on news in between Paul’s hypnotic house hits that had us smiling from ear to ear, our enjoyment added to by the advances of Mauricio, Luke, Dilmar & Fabio, all lapping up this much improved Hype showing on fifteen months ago.
Looking around the venue, much of the usual overt production was not in evidence, rather the spectacular neon lighting & laser displays were doing all the talking, creating impressive displays both on the huge stage curtain and around the theatre style space for all to see, very much a refreshing change to the SuperMartXe norm that we are used to here in Elephant & Castle, not that we were ever making comparisons this time round, Hype very much standing on its own two feet & seemingly proud to do so. Then, with a twitch & swing of that massive curtain, the music pace completely changed and the neon lighting flashed up the words “Free Radical Formation”, signalling the entry of the PA performance for the night, from the duo made up of the vocal talents of Brit Rob Harris & Spanish electronic music wizard Sergi Gadi, who stepped out & delivered their brand new smash “Broken Dreams” to a captivated crowd that like us, had their eyes transfixed on the stage for this first exclusive live airing of Rob & Sergi’s latest track, although with just the one song performed, it was down to incumbent D.J. Carlos Gallardo took over proceedings, storming Hype with some massive Euro style sounds & current house hits that had the place pumping with his barnstorming beats.
With Mr Gallardo was now in full control, a delighted Paul Heron joined us out on in front of the stage to soak up the enthralling atmosphere that was being heightened by the gaggle of gorgeous go-go’s that were standing proud on podiums both on the stage, framing the D.J. booth and out deep in the dancefloor, a virtually unstoppable showing of brawn & beauty keeping up the eye candy content right through Carlos’s stupendous set, that for us rivalled any Spanish D.J. import guest we have seen, ever. So struck were we on the quality of his music and the statement the impressive lighting was making, with our new found toy in our hand, we clicked away, amassing a colourful collection of snaps to reflect on this illuminating Hype of an experience, even finding a spot at the back on the main floor to take in the full extent of the incredible displays as well as soak up Mr Gallardo’s prolific performance, only pausing briefly for refreshments in our exploits to land the perfect picture, finding every possible vantage point to catch the full extent of the stage & neon displays.
Back down by the dancefloor, the eye catching Geisha girl style dancer on the centre stage became the focal point of our never ending clicking, but with shots in hand & and second more energetic performance by the PA duo, Free Radical Formation, soaked up, it was down to Carlos and then London’s own Tony English to carry us & this Hype happening through until the 6 a.m. finish, we now firmly planted back in our favoured spot & trading moves with the remaining crowd, many of whom, like us, were looking forward to the next Logan home-grown brand, M.O.S.T. at Ministry Of Sound. Mind you our night of fun & frivolity in the hands of Hype was to be rounded off by a lively Andrew Harris who traded quips & dance moves with us in the remaining minutes of our stay, although the intentions of the neon displays were clear, signalling our retreat to collect our belongings & head across to MOS with Michelle, Clayton & co for the next instalment of our hectic weekend of clubbing, safe in the knowledge that we were content with our lot with Hype & pleased to have been part of this home-gown hybrid a-la Schmitz style.
Now, we have never been accused of shying away from the truth & for being honest in our opinion, although given the ferocity of reaction to our first Hype review are treading little carefully, not that we need to in reality as, unlike the party last May, we were actually quite impressed with Logan’s own brand this time round. Not only had they broken away from SuperMartXe in the branding stakes, but the whole concept of delivering top notch music was much clearer and much more successful, the lighting employed was nothing short of breathtaking & gave the whole party a unique feel that very much set it aside from its Spanish peer. Yes, the numbers were down on what one would normally expect at a Coronet Logan Presents event, but given the fact that it was a Bank Holiday Saturday, the team, in our view, did extremely well in attracting the numbers they did.
When you consider the inclement weather conditions, together with the heavyweight nature of events in Vauxhall sucking the life out of Saturday and switching the emphasis to Sunday & Monday, Hype stood up commendably. Are we making excuses for Logan? And does this signal a reverse in the so called “...secret support in someone else’s agenda...” waged at us by one of our fiercest critic’s last time round, absolutely not!! Hype was a credible party that delivered everything it said on the tin, so if by saying everything we have, we will once again be accused, quite wrongly so, of being “...like the mainstream media, presenting you with blatant lies...” then let those accusers come forward & be counted. We had a really enjoyable time at this Hype & that’s that. (DISCO MATT)
HYPE – SATURDAY 28TH AUGUST
CLUB REVIEW
Few will doubt the capabilities for one Logan Schmitz to put on prolific parties, this enigmatic individual having made a massive splash on the gAylist London clubbing scene back in November 2008 when he brought Spanish smash hit brand SuperMartXe to the capital, creating an immediate buzz and attracting the kind of crowd that had been missing from many a party before it. Indeed, such has been the success of Logan in London, that the top brass of rival Spanish brand Matinee saw in Mr Schmitz, a man that could resurrect their lagging fortunes here in the UK and restore it as a clubbing experience of popular choice & demand. But, never wishing to stand still in trying to deliver first rate & quality clubbing offerings, Logan has been looking to expand on his portfolio of parties for a while now, his promotions vehicle, Logan Presents, having held loose ties with Beyond & As One in recent times, although the man behind the Spanish franchises in London, has craved for his own brands to carve out a new direction & identity for this mid west USA dancer come club promoter. Indeed in pursuit of his dreams & desires, the summer slipping away from us has seen private party “UP” make quite a considerable impact, paving the way for the second instalment of a brand which was launched onto a public who, at the time, were still engrossed in the sheen & sparkle of SuperMartXe.
When Hype hit the headlines back in May 2009, it would be fair to say that Logan’s captive audience was not quite ready for the brand which aimed at delivering, not so much a party full of prolific performances & stunning stage shows, but more one than concentrated on the music. And, on paper at least, it had the credentials to deliver in this department, London stars D’Johnny & Steve Pitron flying the flag for home faithfull’s & Rafa Ariza of Matinee & Pacha fame looking like packing a punch, as would top notch PA Rebeka Brown. However, the inevitable comparisons were drawn with SuperMartXe, not least as the signage was virtually the same and whilst the vicious reaction to our review at the time seemed to contradict ours & others views on the success of the party, Hype nevertheless disappeared from the clubbing schedule as its Spanish inspiration continued to dominate Saturday clubbing. However, the original concept of Hype, in delivering magnificent music, was still very much alive in Logan’s mind, so it came as no surprise that it would re-appear at a time when his production team & his parties were very much the talk of the town, testing the market for a second time, albeit on the tricky slot that was a Bank Holiday Saturday. So how did Hype go down this time round? And did it find favour with the faithful?
Arriving at Coronet’s doors at not long turned midnight, there seemed to be a buzz in the air as well as a small queue of party goers forming to see what all the hype was about and spotting Michael on the door we bounded up to say hello and secure our entrance into the club, the team now clearly drilled in the procedure and our safe passage secured in a matter of moments. Finding little or no wait at the outside coatcheck, once we had weaved our way through and had greeted pal & hairdresser extraordinaire, Luis, we were set free to drop down into The Coronet’s main room to investigate proceedings fully, looking first at virtually empty dancefloor, but then mingling with a healthy crowd which had assembled up in the extensive bar area. Searching for refreshments, we came across the ever smiling Johnny Hooley, standing resplendent in a brilliant black & silver number and towering high over us in piecing stiletto’s that made our feet whimper at the prospect, although engaging in chat & catch up proved an absolute pleasure, making for the ideal ice breaker on a somewhat shaky start this second Hype outing.
But it wasn’t long before the dancefloor began to fill out and we assumed our usual Coronet spot down just shy of the stage, much of the focus being on the massive neon displays in front & behind the D.J. booth where the familiar face & figure of Paul Heron was bopping up & down to the beats he was bashing out, including a rather uplifting number, yet an appealing version of Kelis’ “Acapella”, then blending into a string of more a-typical Heron house tunes on the tech & electro side that had us swinging on our spot, alongside familiar faces that included D.J. Phil Hewson & his Aussie pal, Matinee friend & fellow clubbing party head Michelle Thornber, along with her posse pals Clayton Wright & Dan Mator as well as a veritable feast of muscle-bound men & gorgeous girls, very much the smart set that we are used to at Logan Presents parties. But we were even more thrilled when pal Dorin appeared through the crowd and joined us in some major dancing moves, also catching up on news in between Paul’s hypnotic house hits that had us smiling from ear to ear, our enjoyment added to by the advances of Mauricio, Luke, Dilmar & Fabio, all lapping up this much improved Hype showing on fifteen months ago.
Looking around the venue, much of the usual overt production was not in evidence, rather the spectacular neon lighting & laser displays were doing all the talking, creating impressive displays both on the huge stage curtain and around the theatre style space for all to see, very much a refreshing change to the SuperMartXe norm that we are used to here in Elephant & Castle, not that we were ever making comparisons this time round, Hype very much standing on its own two feet & seemingly proud to do so. Then, with a twitch & swing of that massive curtain, the music pace completely changed and the neon lighting flashed up the words “Free Radical Formation”, signalling the entry of the PA performance for the night, from the duo made up of the vocal talents of Brit Rob Harris & Spanish electronic music wizard Sergi Gadi, who stepped out & delivered their brand new smash “Broken Dreams” to a captivated crowd that like us, had their eyes transfixed on the stage for this first exclusive live airing of Rob & Sergi’s latest track, although with just the one song performed, it was down to incumbent D.J. Carlos Gallardo took over proceedings, storming Hype with some massive Euro style sounds & current house hits that had the place pumping with his barnstorming beats.
With Mr Gallardo was now in full control, a delighted Paul Heron joined us out on in front of the stage to soak up the enthralling atmosphere that was being heightened by the gaggle of gorgeous go-go’s that were standing proud on podiums both on the stage, framing the D.J. booth and out deep in the dancefloor, a virtually unstoppable showing of brawn & beauty keeping up the eye candy content right through Carlos’s stupendous set, that for us rivalled any Spanish D.J. import guest we have seen, ever. So struck were we on the quality of his music and the statement the impressive lighting was making, with our new found toy in our hand, we clicked away, amassing a colourful collection of snaps to reflect on this illuminating Hype of an experience, even finding a spot at the back on the main floor to take in the full extent of the incredible displays as well as soak up Mr Gallardo’s prolific performance, only pausing briefly for refreshments in our exploits to land the perfect picture, finding every possible vantage point to catch the full extent of the stage & neon displays.
Back down by the dancefloor, the eye catching Geisha girl style dancer on the centre stage became the focal point of our never ending clicking, but with shots in hand & and second more energetic performance by the PA duo, Free Radical Formation, soaked up, it was down to Carlos and then London’s own Tony English to carry us & this Hype happening through until the 6 a.m. finish, we now firmly planted back in our favoured spot & trading moves with the remaining crowd, many of whom, like us, were looking forward to the next Logan home-grown brand, M.O.S.T. at Ministry Of Sound. Mind you our night of fun & frivolity in the hands of Hype was to be rounded off by a lively Andrew Harris who traded quips & dance moves with us in the remaining minutes of our stay, although the intentions of the neon displays were clear, signalling our retreat to collect our belongings & head across to MOS with Michelle, Clayton & co for the next instalment of our hectic weekend of clubbing, safe in the knowledge that we were content with our lot with Hype & pleased to have been part of this home-gown hybrid a-la Schmitz style.
Now, we have never been accused of shying away from the truth & for being honest in our opinion, although given the ferocity of reaction to our first Hype review are treading little carefully, not that we need to in reality as, unlike the party last May, we were actually quite impressed with Logan’s own brand this time round. Not only had they broken away from SuperMartXe in the branding stakes, but the whole concept of delivering top notch music was much clearer and much more successful, the lighting employed was nothing short of breathtaking & gave the whole party a unique feel that very much set it aside from its Spanish peer. Yes, the numbers were down on what one would normally expect at a Coronet Logan Presents event, but given the fact that it was a Bank Holiday Saturday, the team, in our view, did extremely well in attracting the numbers they did.
When you consider the inclement weather conditions, together with the heavyweight nature of events in Vauxhall sucking the life out of Saturday and switching the emphasis to Sunday & Monday, Hype stood up commendably. Are we making excuses for Logan? And does this signal a reverse in the so called “...secret support in someone else’s agenda...” waged at us by one of our fiercest critic’s last time round, absolutely not!! Hype was a credible party that delivered everything it said on the tin, so if by saying everything we have, we will once again be accused, quite wrongly so, of being “...like the mainstream media, presenting you with blatant lies...” then let those accusers come forward & be counted. We had a really enjoyable time at this Hype & that’s that. (DISCO MATT)
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