From DJs to MCs: The Future Entertainer

The HeadHouse's attractions are hardly limited

to craft beer and sushi. In fact, guests recently

enjoyed the cafe's uniquely paired specialties at a
loud, messy, awesome after-hours dance party.

Photo courtesy of The HeadHouse Cafe
www.headhousephilly.com

            Finally, the waiting is over.

            Spring is here to stay, and Philadelphians scatter the city’s streets, embracing the first warm Saturday night in months by sporting short sleeves and smiling faces.

On a cobblestone side street in Society Hill, the line outside the HeadHouse Craft Beer Café hums with anticipation. Folks smoke cigarettes and make small talk, discreetly watching the closed front door.

When a random passerby inquires about the crowd, which has caused his golden retriever’s tail to begin lashing excitedly, a bubbly brunette is quick to respond. They are here awaiting “Let Your Body Take Control”, a heavy bass event presented by Actual Records and Seclusiasis, two local independent record labels.

There seems to be an unspoken (yet accepted) knowledge present: these parties get loud. As promised on the event’s Facebook page, “sound and bass will be reinforced to the point of absurdity – we’re talking brand new subwoofers – pairs of them, actually.”

Judging by the bountiful group, it is hard to believe the hosts only just revealed the event’s “top secret” Lombard Street location, posting to fans on Facebook and Twitter less than two hours ago. But despite the last minute disclosure – or perhaps due to the suspense it generated – the turnout is already raising concerns about exceeding maximum capacity, attracting local authorities, or both.

However, the show will go on because, after all, any attention is good attention. At least according to Shane Meighan, promotions director, audio engineer, and overall “bad lieutenant” at Actual Records.

“Tonight was the result of several diverse labels collaborating and producing an impressive public response, which is precisely what I strive for in doing my job,” he says, peering down at the bustling street from an upstairs window.

His job, among other things, involves developing and maintaining brand awareness with web-based marketing campaigns, specifically through the use of social networking and new media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Blogger, and Tumblr.


            With a business degree from Drexel University under his belt, this young entrepreneur says he has relied on such technological innovations to make his mark in Philadelphia’s local music scene.

Around 10 p.m., an unfazed bouncer appears from behind the café’s curtained entrance to observe the jittery group before him. As each attendee approaches the door, he methodically places an obnoxiously large black stamp on their wrist, collecting the five dollar entrance fee in exchange.

And the party has begun.

            Over the next few hours, friends arrive in clusters but quickly disperse, breathlessly stumbling across one another on the dance floor, in the bathroom, or at the bar, only to surrender again to the pulsing music moments later.

Shane Sixten and Aaron Ruxbin often collaborate, in business
and music ventures alike. From the initial production stage to final
promotional efforts, the two "are simply a good team," says Meighan.

Throughout the night Meighan, who goes by the stage name “Shane Sixten” – a reference to his Delaware County roots and (610) area code – can be seen performing various duties. He mingles with guests at the promotions table and offers assistance at the sound booth. The burly musician even doubles as a bodyguard, periodically escorting rowdy partygoers outside, where he may offer to call them a cab.

Taking a break out front, Meighan leans against a brick wall, arms crossed, and starts to explain how he first got involved in the music industry. But before he can say much, a figure emerges from around the corner to contribute to the conversation.


“It all started with punk records,” declares Aaron Ruxbin, Actual Records label owner. When the duo met in 2010, Meighan was working the front door at MarBar, and Ruxbin was “spinning” in the back room.


At the time, Shane Sixten had just started his own label, Theta Operations, but didn’t have the resources necessary to thrive as a producer. Joining Actual Records, he says, allowed him to become acquainted with industry trends and make connections with local insiders.

“We, the DJs of the future, have reached a groundbreaking point – there is finally starting to be a kind of universally recognized format within the industry – which definitely broadens connections, but also allows artists to infinitely apply their own style and techniques,” he says.

According to Meighan, integrating different musical genres and production methods has helped redefine how music is enjoyed by fans, and especially by younger fans, who tend to define themselves through the current music of their time.

Headliner Elijah, co-operator of the UK label Butterz Records,

skillfully blends varying genres in his signature "hybrid"
mixes, which harmonize as smoothly as - shall we say - butter?

The event’s headliner, British “grime” expert Elijah, opens his set with a thumping, hardcore track which instantly creates a mosh pit of approval.

Dr. Ew is another crowd favorite, although the Philadelphia DJ masters an entirely different dynamic, mixing old school hip-hop lyrics over hammering beats.

 “Not long ago, live music simply meant rock concerts, but today there are festivals featuring rock, electronic, pop, alternative, and hip hop artists all at once,” says Ruxbin.

Even the event’s location oozes with avant-garde. The HeadHouse is run by Madame Saito – also known as Philadelphia’s “Queen of Sushi” – whose menu effortlessly blends French and Thai themes with typical Japanese cuisine, such as the homemade sushi currently being sold at a table near the bar.

            Some of the hipper guests clearly appreciate the raw-but-fresh, late-night snack being offered, although most people just came for the music, and they don’t seem to care where they hear it.

           “Whether in a secluded North Philly warehouse, or at a trendy venue in a prominent neighborhood, Actual Records knows how to throw a party anyone can enjoy,” says attendee Darren Pyatt.

            It’s now after 2 a.m., and this party is starting to wind down. Crowd members file down the stairwell with sweaty foreheads and flushed cheeks.


           Upstairs, Shane Sixten is collecting miscellaneous objects and shoveling them into a trash bag.

“This is a sign of success; people let their bodies take control, and so what if their minds forgot to clean up,” he says, laughing.

            Although it’s so late it’s practically early morning, Meighan is enthusiastic and sincere.


            Hey, for all we know, humans one day won't even need sleep. The future is here, and the possibilities are endless.