Exclusive Interview With Lisa Marie
-Host-Promoter-Dj Manager
Lisa Marie is a person known by many people in Toronto’s House Scene. In the past she has been a radio personality for Club 246 Radio, and presently she host’s events in addition to managing local Toronto dj, Ovi M.
I met Lisa 3 or so years ago and have to say she was one of the kindest and most fun loving people I have ever met. Anyway I usually interview dj’s for this blog, but every now and then I try to throw in a little diversity for interest sake. Many people know promoters/hosts but don’t exactly know what the job entails (other then sending out facebook event invites on an almost daily basis lol). So here’s your chance to find out a bit more about Lisa Marie, promoting, dating and managing a dj, and a few other things about Toronto’s House Scene.
Without further a due, here is my interview with Lisa Marie;
Q: When and how did you get into promoting?
A: It all started when I began working at the nightly dance music station, 246LIVE 100.7FM, in May 2007. I was hired on as the marketing and promotions coordinator. In summer of 2008 I became the manager of dj Ovi M which involved marketing and promoting all of his events. Shortly after, I left 246LIVE and started working with many of the scenes popular venues such as
The Guvernment.
Q: What does it take to be a successful promoter, aside from throwing quality parties?
A: The quality of the party is important but aside from that, I think the key is to get out into the scene and really connect with people. I am always out at events having fun and meeting new people and building friendships.
Q: Do you prefer promoting ongoing parties or one-off-events? and why?
A: Ongoing / re-occurring events are easier to promote because they already have an established reputation and crowd base such as Labour of Love. But to be honest, I prefer promoting one-off-events that I am more involved with the full execution because even though I have to work twice as hard, it feels amazing and so rewarding when the turn out is great and the event is a huge success.
Q: What has been your most successful event? What made it so successful?
A: The first event that comes to mind was ‘The Garden of Music” inside the Gallery. Myself, Ovi M, Iron Mike and Stephanie Glatt came up with the concept. We spent the whole afternoon decorating the Gallery until we transformed it into a jungle garden with trees, plants and animals. It looked amazing! We encouraged everyone to dress up in the jungle theme by wearing camouflage colors or costumes! In addition, all 4 DJs made a CD! A special set that you couldn’t download or find anywhere else. The first 100 people into the Gallery got one of these special CDs. The event was a huge success and I believe it was because we did a lot of personal promoting and everyone liked the unique concept. It was something different and fun! In fact, we are going to execute another one this fall so keep an eye out!
Q: What is your favorite thing about Toronto's scene?
A: I think we are blessed with some extremely talented DJs. There is an amazing vibe and a lot of awesome people who come out to support our talent. Always a good time! Honestly, I have seen so many DJs come to Toronto from around the world and on many occasions I felt that they just did not do any justice. Sometimes I would rather go listen to Deko-ze or Carlo lio. Maybe I’m biased or maybe we are spoiled lol… but I love our dark dirty Toronto beats!
Q: Any pet peeves with the T.O. scene?
A: Yes… people who ruin everyone’s fun by acting stupid, fighting, or not knowing their alcohol or other limits. Stay home!
Q: For some time now you've been dating one of Toronto's up and comers (Ovi M). What's it like dating a dj?
A: Great! Ovi M and I have been together for over a year now. I think dating a dj would be difficult for a lot of people because they have such crazy schedules, late nights and receive a lot of attention. But Ovi and I both love the house music scene and work together as a team and support each other’s events and by doing so we have been really successful.
Q: I know you are Ovi M’s Manager, tell us a little bit more about what exactly you do.
A: Basically I handle all of his marketing and bookings. I work with Ink to schedule their events, payments and I am always looking for new opportunities. I make sure people are having fun while he is spinning and know who he is by socializing, handing out his cards / CDs. I also made and maintain his myspace website www.myspace.com/ovim and his official website, www.ovimlive.com and I handle his facebook group and all events and messages.
Q: Favorite venue in Toronto? and Why?
A: My favorite venue is The Guvernment Complex! The venue is amazing with multiple rooms, sounds and DJs both locally and internationally. I can party in an intimate setting around the DJ in the Gallery, enjoy the night skyline of Toronto on the Skybar and dance in the Guvernment with lights, lazers and thousands of people with an amazing vibe. Where else can you do all that in one night? LOL
Q: Biggest Tune of summer 2009?
A: Wow, that is a hard one…. But there is one song that I absolutely love and ask Ovi to play every set hahaha and that is Ron Costa : Al Amancer ( Carlo Lio Remix ) <--click for download link
Q: Ok so hypothetically speaking, Sacha Baron Cohen, Freddie Prince Junior, and Tiesto. If you had to, who would you; Fuck, Marry, and Kill?
A: Fuck: Freddie Prince Junior Marry: Tiesto Kill: Sacha Baron Cohen
Q: Dentyne Ice, Hubba Bubba or Excel?
A: Dentyne Ice
Q: If you could be any insect (excluding a butterfly) what would it be?
A: Dragonfly
Q: Any last thoughts, comments, rants or raves you'd like to get off your chest?
A: First off, thank you Aaron for the opportunity to have this interview. It was a lot of fun! Secondly, I would also like to thank everyone who has supported us and has come out to our parties/events. We have been successful due to your support and we promise to continue delivering exceptional parties! See you on the dancefloor!
For those who do not know me, add me to facebook! My profile is www.facebook.com/lisamarielive
Aaron
“Getting down to business, so you can get to the business of getting down”