Nightwatch - Live By Eric Brace Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, February 12, 1999

By Mark Finkenstaedt/TWP

Today's chat ended at 4 p.m. Check out the transcript below. Until next time, feel free to email Eric at nightwatch@washpost.com.

Eric Brace: Hi everybody.. thanks for logging on... we're awaiting Scott Henry, here at on-line central, and if he makes it here we'll get to all your Buzz/DJ related questions... if he doesn't make it, then heck, you're stuck with me... and I'll try to answer your questions the best I can, though the DJ/dance scene is not my strong point... So go ahead and send me any other questions you might have about the DC nightlife scene... I'll get to them as I can.. thanks again for logging on! eric

Eric Brace: Ok, Scott is here.. and we're frantically typing in answers to your questions now... thanks for your patience! eb

Eric Brace: Big news on the nighttime landscape for DC was the re-opening of Buzz last week at the remodeled and renamed Nation... Nation used to be the Ballroom which used to be the Capital Ballroom, which Cellar Door used to own and book. It's now owned by John boyle, son of Cellar door founder Jack Boyle... it will still be booked by Cellar door (now part of the huge SFX concert promotions conglomerate) but Fridays will still be given over to Buzz, the longstanding all night rave parties.
Let's start by asking Scott what kind of committment he has from Jack Boyle about keeping Buzz at Nation, and how the remodeling makes a difference, and what plans he has for Buzz... then we'll get on to the rest of your questions...

Scott Henry: Hello - had a little trouble parking here.

Glad to be here, thanks to Eric Brace for providing the forum.

In fact it is true John Boyle, son of Jack Boyle, is the new owner of Nation, we're very happy to have new ownership of the Capitol Ballroom, now called Nation. John's a great young guy with a lot of enthusiasm. He has big plans for the new club. Look for lots of changes within the next few weeks.

Springfield,Va: I wanted to ask Scott, why did they move the DJ both in the back room. A lot of us DCRaves think that it should have stayed were it was.

Scott Henry: I expected that there would be a lot of questions and concerns about the position of the new DJ booth. The new position of the booth is not set in stone. After reading much of the feedback from Buzz's email, we realize that we may have made a mistake in our choice. We may be moving the position of the DJ booth to the center of the room under the new balcony in the very near future. We realize that the DJ needs to be one of the focal points of the party. Don't worry we are taking your concerns into consideration.

Alexandria, VA: What is Doc Martin's condition? Rumors have been flying that he's in critical condition and also that he has passed away. Is this true? And if it is, what will the line up at Buzz be tonight? will you be doing something special in his honor?

Scott Henry: It is true that Doc Martin is sick with a slightly rare pancreas disease. Doc is in critical condition but improving. He will not be at Buzz tonight and will not be spinning for at least 2 months. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Be optimistic - we expect him to have a full recovery.

Washington, DC: Scott,

Buzz seems to be focused on bringing in major techno/trance/drum n' bass talent. It looks like the new Buzz will also bring in some leading deep house DJ's (Derrick Carter, Cajmere).

Do you envision more house talent in the coming year? What do you consider when booking DJ's for Buzz? Does house music generate less interest in our area than techno/trance? Which house DJ's would you like to book in the months ahead?

Thanks.

Scott Henry: Buzz is fully committed to bringing house as well as techno/trance/drum 'n bass DJs. Look towards April for some great house lineups.

Washington, DC: Hi Scott (Hi Eric):
I am a 26 yr old working professional. I used to go to Buzz quite a bit up to last year, and I really love the rave scene. Although in DC and as many places in the U.S., the rave scene is quite young. It's really different in London and other European countries. Do you think the rave scene or the music itself will catch on with the older crowds here in DC or U.S.? I read the article in the City Paper of how the opening night at Buzz was massive, with 2000 people turned away. Buzz is more popular than ever, but is it attracting the younger kids more than ever??

Scott Henry: Buzz is more committed than ever to attracting a more diverse and eclectic crowd. We have taken steps in the new decor and setup to provide a more comfortable atmosphere for all ages. In response to a question concerning serving alcohol, the Capitol Ballroom has always served alcohol.

District of Colombia: When with the nation renovations be completed, and will the playstation room be open tonight?

Scott Henry: Renovations should be completed within the next two weeks. The video room should also be completed within the next two weeks, but will not be open tonight.

Washington DC: Hey Scott, Juliette here. What percentage of DJs in DC do you think are women? Do you think the proportion is growing or not and why? Do you think women DJs experience much sexism in the scene?

Scott Henry: It's hard to estimate and put a percentage on the amount of women DJs as opposed to men. This is a good question that's come up many times. The whole DJ phenomenon for one reason or not has always seemed to include more males than females. Maybe it has something to do with the competitive nature of DJing, but I really don't have an answer to it.

Washington DC: You've probably been asked this a million times, but I haven't seen your answer, so here it is anyway. How does someone go about 'breaking into' DJing? I know very little about it, but it sounds like it would be really fun to do. Unfortunately I'm not exactly rich and buying a pair of Technics 1200s, a mixer, and a library of vinyl to practice on would be fairly prohibitive. So are there alternatives you know of, and if so, what? Thanks.

Scott Henry: Breaking into the circuit has a lot to do with luck, being in the right place at the right time, a little bit of talent and unfortunately knowing the right people. There are thousands of extremely talented "bedroom DJs" which will never have the opportunity to spin at a club or a rave in front of a large amount of people. I grew up in the club scene. I've been spinning for over 10 years. When I first started 99% of the crowd at a club had no idea who the DJ was nor cared. My job is to keep the dance floor crowded. If a DJ did not perform that task he didn't have a job. I feel fortunate that I grew up in this atmosphere.

Baltimore MD: Buzzwear? When will we see the spring collection?

Scott Henry: You should see the first run of T-shirts, bags and DJ slipmats designed by Airline Industries around April.

Annapolis, MD: Where do you feel Washington stands among the current Progressive House hotbeds in respect to producers, artists and lagbels? Is there a future for it here?

Scott Henry: D.C. is the home of BT and Deep Dish. 'Nuff said.

Arlington, VA: Having been to places like Metalheadz in London or Cream in Liverpool, it seems like the crowds at Buzz are awfully young in comparison. They're also a lot less laid back than their brethren in England or even Berlin. Why do you think this is?

Scott Henry: America has a lot of catching up to do with England or Europe when it comes to widespread interest and respect to dance music. But I feel very fortunate that I live in a city which I consider has the best and most productive underground dance music movement.

Greenbelt MD: Hi Scott! This is Mindi McGrath. First, I'd like to say, "I love you, man," because I do. Second, I'd like to know if there are firm plans to book any TURNTABLISTS (Rob Swift, Q-Bert, Mixmaster Mike, et al.) in the front room at Buzz.

Scott Henry: Hi Mindi!
We do have plans for bringing in some turntablists to the outdoor patio this spring.

Bladensburg Md.: i have heard a rumor that you are reopening fever because you realize that with the renovations and the ballroom reopening as Nation that the croud and vibe will change to more of a club kid environment witch will turn off the "party kids" is this true??

Scott Henry: Strictly a rumor is right. We do expect the vibe to change at Nation where Buzz is now held. We expect it to get better. The renovations have been made for the party kids not to turn them off. Fever is reopening because of the scene taking off again in Baltimore. Expect the same as before - crystal clear sound, incredible lights.

Annapolis, MD: When will you release another wonderful mix-cd? I remember talk of you releasing one on Spundae's label in San Francisco.

Scott Henry: Expect a new mix CD out within the next two months. It won't be released on Spundae's, but a new label out of New York.

Beltsville, MD: With all your experience within the scene, it is surprising that you haven't started producing music of your own. Any plans for the future?

Scott Henry: Producing my own tracks has always been something I've wanted to do. I have a lot of other plans with the club and with the clothing line and deejaying. It's kept me pretty busy.

Baltimore, MD: A lot of people complain about hearing the same records every week in your sets, do you intentionally do this, or are these the only records that get you moving for that particular night?

Scott Henry: You will definitely hear certain records from week to week in my set. My theory on DJing is to keep the crowd happy with certain records they're familiar with but also educate them with new tracks. It's a give and take relationship.

Baltimore MD: Will BUZZ offer a rave venue for an older crowd (25-30) now that the sattellite lounge is there? - more info about SL please. Will Buzz promote any really funky parties at Nation?

Scott Henry: The Satellite Lounge should be open within the next week. It offers a quieter, more comfortable seating area for our crowd (21 and over). Check it out next week.

Wilmington, DE: There seemed to be quite a few police outside (at least more than usual) as I was leaving Buzz last Friday. Was this just a test for the new owners or is there going to be more of a "crackdown" on illegal activity?

Scott Henry: Off duty police are hired for your protection. They are not there for a crackdown on illegal activity.

Las Vegas, NV--DJ Shoe: I heard through the grapevine that Barry Ashworth (Dub Pistols) and DJ Punk Roc are coming in March, is this true?

Scott Henry: They're actually coming in on February 26.

Washington, DC: Now that Buzz is such a large entity here in the rave scene and by far unmatched by other local rave events AND after the immeasurable amount of people who turned out for the re-opening, it is evident that regardless of the lineup faithful Buzzers and others will flock to Nation each week... Out-of-town guest are just gravy at Buzz. Will you start booking more local djs at Buzz in addition to Buzz residents and the regular local dj group that seem to spin repeatedly?

Scott Henry: Expect to see mostly national and international talent at Buzz. We will, however, be hosting another party at Nation earlier in the week which will feature mostly local talent. It will probably be on Monday or Tuesday night every week. We will also continue to sponsor the Battle of the DJs bi-annually which is a great opportunity for a DJ to break into the circuit.

Baltimore, MD: Are you tired of Lonnie Fisher trying tell you how to run your club?

Scott Henry: This question probably came from Lonnie Fisher. If you didn't already know, Lonnie is the mastermind behind Ultraworld, one of the most respected parties in the country. We always respect Lonnie's opinions. He was the one responsible for the petition to move the DJ booth. I want to kill him for that one!

washington DC: Tell the 26 year old professional about ravers geriatric...25 and over, it was a HAVEN for me to find!

send e-mail to majordomo@hyperreal.org saying "subscribe raverg <your email address>" (no quotes)

Scott Henry: FYI

Beltsville, MD: With Airline Industries responsible for Buzz's image outside the club (fliers, logos, clothes) - wouldn't it make sense to have them have a more active role in the clubs interior also?

Scott Henry: Absolutely! I agree wholeheartedly. Expect to see some Airline Industry interior design soon.

Las Vegas, NV--DJ Shoe: Will LTJ Bukem be returning soon?

Scott Henry: He won't be at Buzz for this upcoming tour because of scheduling conflicts but he will be performing at Ultrasonic in Baltimore early next month, I believe.

Baltimore,Md: When is the next FOAM party?

Scott Henry: Probably August. It's a little cold outside for a FOAM party right now.

Washington, DC: How does one buy tickets for Buzz in advance, through Cellar Door? Thank you.

Scott Henry: Tickets usually are only sold in advance for Sting parties. Although in hindsight we do wish we would have made advance tickets available for our grand opening. We definitely learn from our mistakes.

We are considering some type of annual or bi-annual pass that can be purchased in advance to ensure a speedier entry process.

Beltsville, MD: What ever happened to those guys Mike & Mike who worked security at Playschool, Orbit and Fever? They were great!

Scott Henry: You can still see them around occasionally at Buzz or Ultraworld. I agree, they are great!

Washington, DC: Is DJing and running Buzz your full time job now? I had heard that you used to work for Sony in the past. Is it possible to make a living as a well respected DJ, not neccesarily like a "Super DJ" such as Keoki or Dmitri?

Scott Henry: DJing and running Buzz is my full time job. I worked for MCA Records for 8 years. It's very possible to make a living as a DJ but I don't see myself as a DJ when I'm 50.

Baltimore, MD: I know a LOT of people REALLY enjoy the "special" buzz nights, such as the foam night, and, to a greater extent the oldschool nights, and the "buzz backwards" nights.. any plans to increase the frequency with which these occur? I've noticed that generally it's not WHICH DJ's are spinning, but what music they spin that REALLY gets the crowd pumped (although granted, big name dj's will attract a larger crowd from the start)..

Scott Henry: We definitely have plans for doing a Buzz Back In Time, which is an old school night about twice a year. Great vibe, great memories...

D of C: Does Buzz have website? Appreciate it.

Scott Henry: Buzz will have a website. Should be up on Feb. 20th. We've put a lot of time and thought into its development. Expect to see lineups, DJ profiles, sound bites of past DJ sets, a photo gallery of shots from previous parties, chat rooms and more. The site's going to be www.buzzdc.com.

Cloud City: In regards to Mike & Mike. One Mike works the door for Sonic Soul's fantastic events, the other Mike is slave driver who makes LoveGrove & Fluid work early after partying late into the night.

Scott Henry: FYI

Washington, DC: This question is more for Eric. Some friends and I were having a debate over who has been the most commercially (in terms of money, not influence) successful rock band to come out of the DC or Baltimore area. The band must have started its career in the DC/Balt area (for example, Henry Rollins was rejected because he has done most of his work in LA). The further point to all this was that this area seems to be less than the perfect place for breeding successful, profitable bands. Our best guesses were: Tori Amos (though she only really got popular when she went to England), Everything, maybe Bad Brains or Troublefunk. This area seems to have had its share of blues/R&B stars, but we're talking about rock or pop. What's your guess?

Scott Henry: You'd have to include Fugazi on that list.. not to mention folks like Mary chapin Carpenter, Mya, Emmylou Harris... not much modern rock has made much of an impacts (in terms of sales) other than Fugazi..

Chevy Chase, M: Hi Scott! I've noticed that you don't have very many drum 'n' bass DJ's in the front room this month. This concerns me greatly. I thought the front room was for drum 'n' bass only. Also, please stop booking Aphrodite.

Scott Henry: You are correct. The amount of drum n bass is rather light in the month of February but this is no reason for concern. It was strictly a scheduling situation. We are 100% committed to the drum n bass genre. Expect to see an unbelievable drum n bass lineup for the month of March. Aphrodite - you either love him or you hate him!

Arlington, VA: Eric,

I went to see Luka Brazzi last week and was surprised to see that they no longer had the violin player/ singer in the band. I still liked them very much but was wondering if you knew what happened to the fiddler?

Scott Henry: I'm not sure where the fiddler went.. I'll dig around..

Washington DC: Will Lovegroove and Fluid be residents on the deck again this summer?

Scott Henry: Quite possibly. Lovegroove and Fluid will be back on the deck this summer.

Baltimore, MD: Would you care to comment on the recent article in the Washington City Paper about Buzz?

Scott Henry: We can definitely take criticism but I believe that this was purely a case of unprofessional journalism. If you haven't read the article definitely pick up a copy of the City Paper. It should be of interest to all the ravers and clubgoers in the D.C. area.

Scott Henry: Thanks for everyone's interest and questions. I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of questions that came in. Sorry I couldn't get to them all.
Thanks to the washingtonpost.com and Eric Brace for giving me this forum to communicate with everyone. Have a great day!

Eric Brace: Thanks to everyone for joining the chat. See ya next time! If you have any other questions or comments email me at nightwatch@washpost.com. eb