7 1/2 Questions with: High Society

High Society is one of those entities that you can't really label. Loose collective of DJs, party promoters, professional cool kids, one guy, many people, whatever. However, the point isn't to categorize them, but rather to enjoy the results of their efforts.... which it seems a lot of other people are starting to do too. The sweaty ass dance parties that Justin V and company throw have been building more and more momentum each time out, as evidenced by the great crowd that turned out at Ball Room, their last party at avenue arts. Featuring cool Djs like Prince William, Nature and Steven Void, High Society seems to have what it takes to get interesting and diverse crowds to come out and have a good time listening to great dance and electro shit, as well as, you know, drinking. We asked them some questions, and here are the results:

Can you tell us what High Society is?

I created High Society as a headquarters for artists, DJs and personalities who are tired with the local scene and who want to create a unique experience for themselves and the community. Were interested in mind-bending dance music from around the world, art, street fashion and, most importantly, having a good time! We throw events with a revolving line-up of some of the best DJs and live acts in the country and are committed to keeping it fresh always.

Is there a certain niche that you are trying to cater to in the metroplex? A scene or a particular type of music that other promoters and clubs, etc are not embracing?

I think of High Society as a sort of anti-scene. We never wanted to model our events after anything seen before in Dallas. High Society people come from all types of backgrounds and interests; what ties them all together is a desire to cut loose and forget about cliques, and that is precisely what makes our parties so much fun to be a part of. We want to push boundaries, not reinforce them.

What do you think of the party scene in Dallas right now? What about in Denton?

What party scene? I think people are really bored with the nightlife in Dallas, perhaps because club owners here seem really hesitant to try anything that might appear too abstract or strange for fear of running off their regulars. I think Denton has a better appreciation for subculture simply because the art community there is smaller, more insulated. They value the D-I-Y attitude in a way that really contrasts with Dallas herd approach to dancing and socializing.

We've talked a bit on our blog about the merger that seems to be going on between the indie/underground/experimental subculture and the electro/dance/house/hip hop subculture, as evidenced by people like DJ Nature and publications like Fader. What are your thoughts on this development, its causes, its longevity, etc?

I think what youre describing is merely a representation of what is happening in youth culture, and that is an emphasis on blending lines rather than drawing them in the sand. Kids today seem less obsessed with definitions and more interested in self-expression. I think this trend is most apparent in the music since dancing has always been a way for people to do just that: express themselves in a way that precedes their race, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. I think the culture will continue to get even more twisted and exciting.

Can you give us a list of some good new tracks that you guys have been playing at your events recently? (click the MP3 links to hear some of these)

Now for the fun part!
Metric Monster Hospital (Mstrkrft Remix) Link
The Presets Down Down Down
Yeah Yeah Yeahs Déjà Vu
Ellen Allien Magma Link
The Ramones I Dont Care Glass Candy I Always Say Yes (promo)
Ladytron Sugar (Jagz Krooner Mix) Link
Bloc Party Helicopter (Weird Science remix feat. Peaches)

Are you into any live bands in DFW right now? If so, which ones?

Im really bad about keeping up with local bands but I appreciate bands like Faux Fox and the Night Game, both from Denton, because they have strong stage presence. I have to admit Im a style over substance kind of guy. Its all about attitude for me.

What are some upcoming events/plans that you guys have in the pipeline?

High Society is planning its fifth event, details coming soon. I will be playing Sanitarium 3 at Lizard Lounge, Sunday, June 18. The theme is Fractured Fairytales

Does crunk suck, or am....

Crunk is sooo 2005. We need a new crunk.