Corktown Aftermath

[DJ Nocker]

Well, how was it? Oh wait...no one showed, because you all suck. That being said, I will post my review on the event that was "corktown festival".

I would also like to add that Doc and his crew were cool and did what they could to try and make the event enjoyable, on with the review.

I had a bad feeling about the whole thing when I realized that the only person who put any effort into contacting people and helping with information was actually one of the people DJing (DJ Saint), but I told myself, along with Saint, that we were determined to have a good time at this festival...As I was scheduled to go on nice and early (10:45), I arrived at around 10:15ish, thinking it would be professional if I showed up a little early to get stuff situated. Only to find that everything at the festival was set up, except for our area, where the tent had not even arrived yet. So after waiting a few HOURS for the tent to arrive and get constructed, as well as having to wait another 45 minutes for the stripper pole (it was a fucking stripper pole, get over it guys) to be constructed, as we all know that stripper poles are much more important than DJ setups and music at...a music festival...OH! also, once they finally started setting up the speakers, one tipped over onto me because it was not properly set up and fell on me and almost crushed me and my laptop -_- Luckily, me and my laptop are ok.

So I finally get to DJ at the ripe time of 1:55 pm. I had fun, a few friends were there to support, even though my set got cut short because the people running out tent ("Maiden Detroit" I believe) suck. I shrugged it off and let the day go on. The day only got worse after that, anyone else care to tell how there day went?

[DJ Saint]

thanks to Doc and the Collective for taking the time and the effort to bring our little scene more into the public eye by ways of the Corktown Festival. There work should be applauded and recognized. They were professional and as organized as they possibly could be.

Edited July 25, 2010 by DJ Saint

[Destroit]

I wondered about that, Saint! I was like "wtf, why'd he stop? I was enjoying that..." Wasn't really feeling the whole Maiden Detroit bullshit. Didn't even realize there were problems going on with their end of the production, just did not like the mesh of things. I was thinking that it was going to be more scene-ish and Maiden Detroit seemed like they were just your average old Titty Ditz Bitch club . It reminded me of something tacky like Girls Gone Wild or going to Hooters. Wasn't impressed with them, not very original of an idea and it appeared as though they couldn't really give a shit about the scene or the music just flauting their hooches' bodies, using them to make it seem like they were out for Detroit when really they're CLEARLY just trying to build up their shit, get popular, self-promote, etc.

Loved the music and <3ed my DJs! (Yes I know, I just called you all "my" DJs, feel free to be creeped out ) Had fun chatting idly with whichever DJs weren't busy at the time, Saint, Nocker, Void, etc. Scary Guy was there but was leaving JUST as we arrived. Took beautiful pictures of the train station, went around back and contimplated trespassing but figured it would be a stupid move for obvious reasons. Buddied around with kat most of the time and said hey to Ice Queen and her daughter. Four beers and saucy dance music at a funky festival in the heart of decrepid Detroit? You know Chernobyl can't complain about that!

Got some AWESOME pictures of the abandoned post office also, the train station's forgotten little cousin. Had an uber-bat-shitting photo taken of kat, Pest and myself sitting on the stoop of the post office.

Will be uploading pictures! I give the Chernobyl Angry Fist Shake of Shame to all those who did not come out to support YOUR scene! IT WAS A FREE EVENT, GODDAMNIT! I am self-declaring myself as one of the poorest people on DGN atm (for this summer anyhow) and I was able to scrape together five dollars in gas and nine beers to split between three people just to go and show the dark comradery! I came, I basked in the glory of all that abandonment, shook it to the music a little, caught a slight buzz, socialized as I do, and had a wonderful day.

I commend all of the DJs for having to put up with unnecessary unprofessional bullshit. As someone who is freelance at throwing shoddy little events together, I can feel your pain when it comes to things getting messed up that are beyond your control.

Ohhh and I got my photo taken by a photographer for Metro Mix who asked us (Achilles, Pest and I) if we were in a band. We said that we were not and she asked us who we were with and guess who happened to remember her DGN cards Normally I don't pass them out to JUST anyone, usually try to look out for people who seem to be actually scene-ish, but she is an event photographer who had never heard of us before and was quite interested in what I told her about DGN.

I wondered about that, Saint! I was like "wtf, why'd he stop? I was enjoying that..." Wasn't really feeling the whole Maiden Detroit bullshit. Didn't even realize there were problems going on with their end of the production, just did not like the mesh of things. I was thinking that it was going to be more scene-ish and Maiden Detroit seemed like they were just your average old Titty Ditz Bitch club . It reminded me of something tacky like Girls Gone Wild or going to Hooters. Wasn't impressed with them, not very original of an idea and it appeared as though they couldn't really give a shit about the scene or the music just flauting their hooches' bodies, using them to make it seem like they were out for Detroit when really they're CLEARLY just trying to build up their shit, get popular, self-promote, etc.

Loved the music and <3ed my DJs! (Yes I know, I just called you all "my" DJs, feel free to be creeped out ) Had fun chatting idly with whichever DJs weren't busy at the time, Saint, Nocker, Void, etc. Scary Guy was there but was leaving JUST as we arrived. Took beautiful pictures of the train station, went around back and contimplated trespassing but figured it would be a stupid move for obvious reasons. Buddied around with kat most of the time and said hey to Ice Queen and her daughter. Four beers and saucy dance music at a funky festival in the heart of decrepid Detroit? You know Chernobyl can't complain about that!

Got some AWESOME pictures of the abandoned post office also, the train station's forgotten little cousin. Had an uber-bat-shitting photo taken of kat, Pest and myself sitting on the stoop of the post office.

Will be uploading pictures! I give the Chernobyl Angry Fist Shake of Shame to all those who did not come out to support YOUR scene! IT WAS A FREE EVENT, GODDAMNIT! I am self-declaring myself as one of the poorest people on DGN atm (for this summer anyhow) and I was able to scrape together five dollars in gas and nine beers to split between three people just to go and show the dark comradery! I came, I basked in the glory of all that abandonment, shook it to the music a little, caught a slight buzz, socialized as I do, and had a wonderful day.

I commend all of the DJs for having to put up with unnecessary unprofessional bullshit. As someone who is freelance at throwing shoddy little events together, I can feel your pain when it comes to things getting messed up that are beyond your control.

Ohhh and I got my photo taken by a photographer for Metro Mix who asked us (Achilles, Pest and I) if we were in a band. We said that we were not and she asked us who we were with and guess who happened to remember her DGN cards Normally I don't pass them out to JUST anyone, usually try to look out for people who seem to be actually scene-ish, but she is an event photographer who had never heard of us before and was quite interested in what I told her about DGN.

[kat (1)]

I was there. I agree with Cher about thinking it was going to be more about the scene also, however, I realized within 2 minutes of my arrival that it was in fact, not, when I walked over to get a beer (from another tent) and it was, I shit you not, Kid Rock Badass beer. I was looking around playing "where's the DGN'er's". So, where were most of you at? You missed me, Cher, Pestilence, and Achilles train station adventures. DJ Nocker, I saw you wanted to say hi but you looked busy most of the time. Talked to Doc, Void, Aaron Hingst,and Scary Guy, met Ice Queen and her daughter. (took a pic for metromix with Aaron and Void) I won't say it sucked because the music was there but the lack of support was rather disappointing. I left and came back at the end when some of the DJ's started heading over to the Tavern and it seemed like there were more people that came out, but I think it was more people from the neighborhood. (that's right, Southwest Detroiter's always got your back) Well anyway, I hope more venue's like this can be arranged, wondering what it will take to get everyone to come out, though. (and don't say nothing about the smoking ban because this was outside)

Just my thoughts.

[DJDeadbeat]

So god damn disappointed my car decided to overheat and take a crap on me as I was heading out the door packed up to go. :( What an awful day.

[Eevee]

I think today was a bad day for everyone...almost everybody I talked to today had a bad day to some degree.

[Class-Punk]

I did try to get a friend to come out with me to this event the day before, which didn't work since he had work. I'm not a fan of long drives alone and get lost easily.

Most of the people I know on the rarity they go out, would rather go listen to sub-par metal or mainstream rock. The best I can do is keep networking/looking for people around Lenawee to go with to events when both parties have spare cash. I asked one person about this while drunk once but I don't know if he's even active in the scene anymore.

[d:konstruct]

Thank you to all who came out and supported what we did yesterday. It was a nightmare from the beginning, especially for Doc. In a nutshell, the Corktown people treated all of us like we were dogs and we will never work for them again. Doc ended up shelling out something like $300 of his own money just to get the tent up. The DJ's did a great job, no, a fantastic job! The people that were there seemed into what we were doing. Our D:Konstruct set was a disaster. The sound system that was set up was not enough to handle bands. It was set up for DJ's which made our live set difficult to match up cable wise. As a result, during the 4th song, our sound went out and I basically ended our set. My apologies to anyone that came to this show to see us play but when the sound system isn't able to handle the band, well there ya go. I think many of us especially myself lashed out at Doc and blamed him for all the drama yesterday. But going home and thinking about the whole evening, it wasn't Doc's fault. It reminded me that there are people in Detroit like these guys and the DEMF people (Paxhau) who could honestly care less about our scene and the people involved. DJ's, if you get a chance, thank Doc. He took a lot of crap from a lot of people and he was just trying to promote our scene and everyone involved. It was a lesson learned from a business perspective. Some people might retort and say yes but think of the exposure. I say bollocks. We have a scene here, we have people that support the scene and participate in this scene. We don't need to focus on anything other than our own people I think. Someone said to me the other night that there are too many events in this town and not enough people. He was right about that. We, that is The Collective, will focus on CC and Resist. We will focus on you guys and try to put on better shows. What we need from you is your support as always to make our parties bigger and better. Thanks again to everyone and we will see you soon.

[pleasurekatzen]

It certainly wasn't smooth-sailing, but the show went on... for the most part.

As far as advertising went, I know people other than Saint were involved in getting the word and schedule out because I personally posted to other message boards, facebook, livejournal and myspace-- as did Division X Records and their people, Doc, D:Konstruct, Void6, etc. etc. So it wasn't just one person. My car got fliered once for the event at City Club, and I saw fliers around town at other places of business. Was it kind of lame that the stage wasn't even mentioned on the website? Kinda... but there was a website out there to advertise it. Could there have been more done? Probably. I didn't see the metrotimes or real detroit this week, so I don't know if there were ads in there or not. Anyone else?

The afterparty at the tavern was smooth sailing for me. Pulse State and I combined our evil forces and did a tag-team dj set under the name 'Kitten State.' Good times! I thank Doc for busting his ass to try and keep the wheels on the proverbial car last night. As far as the Maiden Detroit thing went, eh. Certainly not the best example of organization. Thanks also to the DGN'ers and club folk that did make it out.... which wasn't that many of you actually... I think that's what actually disappointed me most. It was a FREE event, on a weekend night.... and still it was like pulling teeth to get people to come out. Obviously, I understand that some people had to work, car trouble happens, etc. etc. But for those that do complain about how there's "never anything to do" or "everything costs too much," and then you were offered a FREE event that ran all day long and you couldn't be bothered to stop by... that's just sad.

Edited July 25, 2010 by pleasurekatzen

[the_fairy_gothmother]

It is sad to hear everyone had an aweful time. I would have been there but as you know distance and stuff elude me. I am now saving almost every penny for my move to California and so it will be very difficult to attend many events. I will always support and promote them and even in California spread the love of Detroits scene to them by sharing the wonderful music of our bands and local talents and events happening. Californias Goth scene is pretty much centralised in LA. I know a DJ in the town I am moving whos really trying to build up a better scene because in California unless you go to the clubs in the major cities people have kickbacks. Large partys in households where DJs will go and spin. I am learning alot about the ways of their weird world over there. Of course I will be visiting Bar Sinister and Das Bunker in LA but I have a feeling that unlike Detroit I may not have as warm as a welcome because the goths of southern California are elitist snobs well may of them which can be expected.

WIth that being said any DJ/Band or artist who wants me to help make your music more widely known and get played in the scene there please send any press kits demos or cds my way. I will always have love for the scene Detroit has. I know alot of you think its small and yes maybe compared to other cities it is, but there are also places where goths and alternate styled people have no where to go but their own homes or some small bar . From what I seen and experienced I have had good times.Before I leave I will make sure I try seeing everyone and the clubs. When my bf comes out to help me move I will bring him to the clubs and party it up a little before my long roadtrip across the lower 48. I might get some stickers and if troy hooks me up with DGN stickers I can always smack them on interesting places I stop by and put Detroit Gothic Network was here lol.

[the_fairy_gothmother]

It certainly wasn't smooth-sailing, but the show went on... for the most part.

As far as advertising went, I know people other than Saint were involved in getting the word and schedule out because I personally posted to other message boards, facebook, livejournal and myspace-- as did Division X Records and their people, Doc, D:Konstruct, Void6, etc. etc. So it wasn't just one person. My car got fliered once for the event at City Club, and I saw fliers around town at other places of business. Was it kind of lame that the stage wasn't even mentioned on the website? Kinda... but there was a website out there to advertise it. Could there have been more done? Probably. I didn't see the metrotimes or real detroit this week, so I don't know if there were ads in there or not. Anyone else?

The afterparty at the tavern was smooth sailing for me. Pulse State and I combined our evil forces and did a tag-team dj set under the name 'Kitten State.' Good times! I thank Doc for busting his ass to try and keep the wheels on the proverbial car last night. As far as the Maiden Detroit thing went, eh. Certainly not the best example of organization. Thanks also to the DGN'ers and club folk that did make it out.... which wasn't that many of you actually... I think that's what actually disappointed me most. It was a FREE event, on a weekend night.... and still it was like pulling teeth to get people to come out. Obviously, I understand that some people had to work, car trouble happens, etc. etc. But for those that do complain about how there's "never anything to do" or "everything costs too much," and then you were offered a FREE event that ran all day long and you couldn't be bothered to stop by... that's just sad.

I created a event posting on Vampire Freaks. A bit late but I tried. I can however with plenty of advance notice and promotional images post any events you all want on My VF account. I am involved with alot fo stuff being a VF promoter and even though I am moving to California I will still promote for Detroit and maybe make a bridge between Detroit and California's Goth scene to get DJs and Bands more exposure.

[DJ Nocker]

It certainly wasn't smooth-sailing, but the show went on... for the most part.

As far as advertising went, I know people other than Saint were involved in getting the word and schedule out because I personally posted to other message boards, facebook, livejournal and myspace-- as did Division X Records and their people, Doc, D:Konstruct, Void6, etc. etc. So it wasn't just one person. My car got fliered once for the event at City Club, and I saw fliers around town at other places of business. Was it kind of lame that the stage wasn't even mentioned on the website? Kinda... but there was a website out there to advertise it. Could there have been more done? Probably. I didn't see the metrotimes or real detroit this week, so I don't know if there were ads in there or not. Anyone else?

Thanks also to the DGN'ers and club folk that did make it out.... which wasn't that many of you actually... I think that's what actually disappointed me most. It was a FREE event, on a weekend night.... and still it was like pulling teeth to get people to come out. Obviously, I understand that some people had to work, car trouble happens, etc. etc. But for those that do complain about how there's "never anything to do" or "everything costs too much," and then you were offered a FREE event that ran all day long and you couldn't be bothered to stop by... that's just sad.

The ONLY person who gave me any sort of info was Saint. I never heard from anyone else about anything. As for the turn out, the scene blows, and so do the majority of the people in it. I would say that there is a combined total of maybe 30 people in the scene that are actually cool and try to make an effort (IE go to events and concerts other than the usual Saturday at CC).

[nyracat]

Had it not been for DJ ElektroSonik I wouldn't have known about this event - and It was a complete and total cluster fuck from the very beginning (we arrived about 11ish) - Watching them attempt to raise the tent, with the weight of the pouring rain weighing it down nonetheless, was entertaining. There's nothing like making the DJ's that you asked to come and work for you (and their guests, aka ME!) sit under a fucking tree while you scramble to give them shelter not only for themselves, but their equipment!

Corktown/Maiden Detroit (whoever) needs to take a queue from the Michigan Festivals and Events Association and go to a seminar or something to learn how to do things to not only be profitable - but to be family oriented and organized. There were a lot of kids there, and granted, this festival probably wasn't marketed toward kids - but it's a public place people - THINK - The stripper (I swear, do you really need to announce that she's #2 in the world at pole dancing one more time) was tacky as shit. Impressive leg muscles - I do have to say that much - but holy shit - I didn't need to see that. Oh, and don't call her a stripper... Right Nocker?

Everyone's music was fantastic, and moreso - it was a pleasure to finally meet some of you. I really enjoyed spending the day with you guys (Nocker, Saint, Aaron, of course my buddy Elektro)... Feels weird to have "known" about you for so long through this place and from friends and to finally lay eyes on you. I'll make the 1.5 hour trek down more often as long as you continue to expose me to good music! Much appreciated!

[DJDeadbeat]

The one thing i've learned from doing and running events and parties myself is that you need to look and promote outside of your "scene" if you want to grow. I use to promote Something Cold heavily within the "goth/industrial" scene and got hardly any feedback, response, or seeming interest out of people. Not many people from those outlets showed up either. I started promoting within what some may call the indie/hipster scene and lo and behold you'd never believe the industrial, ebm, minimal-synth, even goth interest within. And they go to events! And DANCE. And have fun! And request songs! And spread the word! And FREQUENT them. Also finding the right spots to promote. Record stores, cafes, Wayne State campus, CCS campus, Hamtramck, Dearborn, Ferndale/Royal Oak/Birmingham, etc. Internet is still the best next to word of mouth. Facebook event pages are great tools. (I always joke and say take the total number of confirmed attendees and cut it in half and thats your ACTUAL amount coming, usually true. 30 confirmed = 15 going)

We still don't really have a heavy DGN population that attends. And yet I see countless people complain that they never hear early Front 242, Factory records stuff, Wax Trax, Absolute Body Control, Blank Dogs, etc in clubs. Or complain that smoking or drink prices are too much when we're typically BYOB, cheap or free, and smoke friendly.

[DJDeadbeat]

Had it not been for DJ ElektroSonik I wouldn't have known about this event - and It was a complete and total cluster fuck from the very beginning (we arrived about 11ish) - Watching them attempt to raise the tent, with the weight of the pouring rain weighing it down nonetheless, was entertaining. There's nothing like making the DJ's that you asked to come and work for you (and their guests, aka ME!) sit under a fucking tree while you scramble to give them shelter not only for themselves, but their equipment!

Corktown/Maiden Detroit (whoever) needs to take a queue from the Michigan Festivals and Events Association and go to a seminar or something to learn how to do things to not only be profitable - but to be family oriented and organized. There were a lot of kids there, and granted, this festival probably wasn't marketed toward kids - but it's a public place people - THINK - The stripper (I swear, do you really need to announce that she's #2 in the world at pole dancing one more time) was tacky as shit. Impressive leg muscles - I do have to say that much - but holy shit - I didn't need to see that. Oh, and don't call her a stripper... Right Nocker?

Everyone's music was fantastic, and moreso - it was a pleasure to finally meet some of you. I really enjoyed spending the day with you guys (Nocker, Saint, Aaron, of course my buddy Elektro)... Feels weird to have "known" about you for so long through this place and from friends and to finally lay eyes on you. I'll make the 1.5 hour trek down more often as long as you continue to expose me to good music! Much appreciated!

Wow, that was really trashy. There was a pole dancer there?

[killyosaur]

Well, how was it? Oh wait...no one showed, because you all suck. That being said, I will post my review on the event that was "corktown festival".

I would also like to add that Doc and his crew were cool and did what they could to try and make the event enjoyable, on with the review.

I had a bad feeling about the whole thing when I realized that the only person who put any effort into contacting people and helping with information was actually one of the people DJing (DJ Saint), but I told myself, along with Saint, that we were determined to have a good time at this festival...As I was scheduled to go on nice and early (10:45), I arrived at around 10:15ish, thinking it would be professional if I showed up a little early to get stuff situated. Only to find that everything at the festival was set up, except for our area, where the tent had not even arrived yet. So after waiting a few HOURS for the tent to arrive and get constructed, as well as having to wait another 45 minutes for the stripper pole (it was a fucking stripper pole, get over it guys) to be constructed, as we all know that stripper poles are much more important than DJ setups and music at...a music festival...OH! also, once they finally started setting up the speakers, one tipped over onto me because it was not properly set up and fell on me and almost crushed me and my laptop -_- Luckily, me and my laptop are ok.

So I finally get to DJ at the ripe time of 1:55 pm. I had fun, a few friends were there to support, even though my set got cut short because the people running out tent ("Maiden Detroit" I believe) suck. I shrugged it off and let the day go on. The day only got worse after that, anyone else care to tell how there day went?

That and the fact that the Maiden Detroit Announcer/promoter/whatever kept announcing crap over the DJ's sets as opposed to waiting till they ended.

I had arrived at almost noon fully expecting to have missed Nocker's set (was intending to apologize, but I really did need a short rest after that 10 mile run that morning), only to find the tent not up and everyone sitting under a tree waiting for things to get together. seems that whole event was a bit of a disorganized mess, the only tent that was set up and doing anything was the one co-sponsored by Kid Rock's badass beer. At least I got to catch some really great sets from Nocker, electrosonik, Pulse State, and the 15 minutes of DJ Saint's set were golden (he being one of the 3 DJ's, that I am aware of, that the Maiden Detroit guy talked over, and the only one that I am aware of that thought he could convince to stop his set for some stupid raffle they were holding). It was at least fairly enjoyable, got to hang out with the few who made it out, and just made the best of a crappy situation.

Edited July 25, 2010 by killyosaur

[nyracat]

Wow, that was really trashy. There was a pole dancer there?

Here's the unfortunate visual proof.

[Simon Bar Sinister]

there was a full-page ad for this fest in this week's MetroTimes...again, no mention of the industrial/goth lineup whatsofuckingever.

[DJDeadbeat]

Here's the unfortunate visual proof.

Ummm...

Maybe my car overheated for a reason. haha. I can't imagine me DJing in front of a woman going to town on her daddy issues.

[Riku Namako]

I was there. Even made the afterparty b4 goin to city. Good times.

[StormKnight (1)]

there was a full-page ad for this fest in this week's MetroTimes...again, no mention of the industrial/goth lineup whatsofuckingever.

This, the way Saint and Knocker were treated, and the performance in the picture of pole-dancers are reasons I am rather hesitant about going to a big music festival that tries to encompass everything. Usually one of the genres performers/DJs get hosed, and more often than not, it is the one I want to see. To say I was disgusted with the way our people were treated was a mild understatement. I wish it was a solitary group's incidence, but I would be lying. Seriously,

I escorted a DJ friend of mine to a room she had for the night. We arrived only to find all we had was a studio mixing board, amp, and speakers, when she was guaranteed to have a rig in place (she had to fly in, and her rig was too heavy to fly.) It was fortunate that we arrived way early, and that management was made aware early, so we had runners at our command to mash a rig together. Ended up with two computers (mine inclusive, a couple of ipods, and some ingenuity on everyone's part. If it wasn't for the event staff being helpful and working with us, we would have been screwed.

The fact that there wasn't even support from the organizers of Corktown that my friend and I had my example event does nothing but infuriate me. The fact that you weren't advertised in a spread also angers me, and would also be the reason the turnout was problematic (there are quite a few that aren't on.)

For me, I usually have a time constraint, and off time is getting pretty scarce these days. I do my best to support people when I can, but in the end, I am restricted by life and death (litterally,) duties.

I have seen DJs in the genre treated much better than this.

Edited July 26, 2010 by StormKnight

[Eevee]

I tried.

[nyracat]

Saint got a raw deal and his reaction was very warranted. It was painful to see him so upset, and I have to say - I don't know that I would have reacted any differently than he did.

[nyracat]

but I really did need a short rest after that 10 mile run that morning), only to find the tent not up and everyone sitting under a tree waiting for things to get together.

It was so nice to meet you!

[Eevee]

Saint got a raw deal and his reaction was very warranted. It was painful to see him so upset, and I have to say - I don't know that I would have reacted any differently than he did.

Wait, what happened to Saint?