Social Set

Social Set Summer Mixtapes #1

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:20:00 -0400

Summer is close, and it’s that time of year where the best way to spend a free afternoon is walking around the city with headphones on, iced coffee in hand. Here’s a few mixtapes from Brendan Fallis, Yuksek, and friend of Social Set, Vikas Sapra. Whether you want something chill, something upbeat, or something dancey, one or all three of these mixes have you covered!

Brendan Fallis’ mixtape for The Cools:

https://soundcloud.com/brendan-fallis/the-cools-memorial-day-mix

Yuksek’s Party Fine mixtape for Thump/ VICE:

https://soundcloud.com/thump/yuksek-party-fine-mix/s-brkYJ

Vikas Sapra’s Relapse Magazine Party mixtape:

https://soundcloud.com/vikas/sets/relapse-magazine-issue-release

Brooklyn’s New Club Scene By: Kris Last Thursday, we here...

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:43:00 -0400

Output's logo *photo courtesy of outputclub.com

Output's exterior, nestled beneath The Wythe Hotel. *photo courtesy of wsj.com

Output's interior, which features a wall of lights behind the giant dj booth *photo courtesy of guestofaguest.com

Brooklyn’s New Club Scene

By: Kris

Last Thursday, we here at Social Set attended Input, Kitsuné’s weekly party at Output in Williamsburg. We’d heard a lot about Brooklyn’s “first real club”, and it’s amazing sound system, and Fred Falke finally gave us an excuse to visit.

If you’re considering reverse commuting to Williamsburg, here are 10 things you will find at Output that you won’t find at a Manhattan club:

1. A will call line much longer and slower than the line for non- ticket holders: One thing you will see at Output that you’ll see at Manhattan clubs is obnoxious girls trying to walk in past the line, and a separate Guest List entrance. The “it” crowd we normally see surpassing lines at exclusive downtown spots were skipping the line and angering cold hipsters here too.

2. Running shoes: I understand that it’s liberating for girls to go to the club without suffering 5” heels, but pairing neon gym shoes with stockings and a dress… Come on ladies, at least rock some cute boots, this is Williamsburg, not Tucson.

3. Many, many plaid shirts: Unfortunately, Output’s “non- club” door policies keep the guy to girl ratio at about 2:1, and they’re all wearing plaid J. Crew shirts from 2 years ago. Drink at least half your drink before hitting the floor, because the dance floor is over run with dudes jumping around (or as white people refer to it, “dancing”).

4. The Bonfire: This is what we here at Social Set call a strange dance floor move that you only see done by girls with inexpensive purses or canvas totes they refer to as “purses”. At Output, we saw many clusters of girls dancing in a circle around their pile of bags on the floor, as if willing it to rain Brooklyn Lager.

5. A club layout that is actually functional and makes sense: Output has two levels, and you can see the DJ booth from practically anywhere in the club. A raised platform in the middle that would probably serve as a VIP area in a Manhattan club, doubles as a live performance space, putting the band where everyone can see, and only a few foot platform separates them from the crowd.

6. Multiple staircases, that aren’t crowded with drunks: Three staircases connecting the second floor make it easy to move around this club, or escape the overcrowded dance floor to hit the upstairs bar. Bench seating lines the entire upstairs, and isn’t a bad place to take a break (or make out).

7. That sound system everyone has been raving about: Everything you’ve heard is true! Most clubs don’t know how to make the music loud without sounding abrasive, and OUTPUT’s sound system does not disappoint. The lighting through out the club is also pretty amazing, and not one strobe or laser to be found.

8. A bar tab that won’t break the bank: The drinks are pretty inexpensive, probably because tickets cost $15- 25. The beers are canned, which came in handy fighting to stay vertical on the dance floor.

9. Security frisking people at the entrance: Unless you attend a particularly shitty type of club (we mean you, Webster Hall), you’re probably not used to having your bag checked/ being pat down. While your first assumption is to assume this is for your safety, it’s probably to confiscate those water bottle things that every one riding the L train always has hanging off their back pack. So, if your plan is to flask it, then put in a tiny bit of effort to hide it, because the security is not thorough.

10. A club clearing out at 2am: That’s right, strangely enough, the club’s upstairs was practically vacant at 2am, and the downstairs was thinning out too. It’s rare to see more people in a club at 11 than 2, so it’s safe to assume half of Output’s patrons headed to “real” clubs in Manhattan after Fred Falke’s set. One thing you will see that you see at most downtown spots worth noting is the “daddy’s little hipster” type (walkable heels, that Chanel bag every girl has, and American Apparel), and luckily for you, she’s already in Brooklyn and she likes slumming it.

Check out outputclub.com for upcoming shows and events, or “Like” them on Facebook: facebook.com/outputclub

Social Set’s Cinco de Mayo 2013 Party Calendar By: Kris

Sat, 04 May 2013 22:40:48 -0400

Vikas Sapra and Steven Rojas are throwing a rager to ring in Cinco de Mayo at midnight, in case you felt like drinking as much tequila as you can in one weekend.

Tommy Saleh has an incredible line up of djs at B Bar starting at 2, which is around the time most LES residents wake up on Sundays.

The Hudson Hotel's latest installment Hudson Common is hosting a soirée with DJ MSB, who always keeos the energy high.

Lucas Walters is DJing in Roberta's backyard, so, half of WIlliamsburg will probably be getting cray with a taco in one hand and a PBR in the other by sunset. PS: All Girl Mariachi Band

The Woods is going hard for Cinco de Mayo, with a Modelo open bar from 2-4, and $1 tacos. Do not wear shoes you want to wear again.

East Williamsburg's best kept not- so- secret is One Stop Beer Shop, which has such a crafted and elaborate menu of beers and cocktails, that you'll want to call into work sick Monday morning.

Social Set’s Cinco de Mayo 2013 Party Calendar

By: Kris

Blood Orange Basil Mojitos by Kris Last Sunday night, Ken and I...

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:39:00 -0400

Blood Orange Basil Mojitos by Kris

Last Sunday night, Ken and I were getting ready for our usual Game of Thrones/ Mad Men private viewing party, and I asked Ken if there was a special cocktail I could make for my master chef. He requested a Blood Organge Basil Mojito, so I consulted the Internet and hit the grocery store.

Below is my adapted recipe:

6 Blood Oranges (each cocktail uses 1.5 orange)

1 Bundle of fresh Basil (way more than you need)

Simple Syrup (easily made with 2 parts sugar, 1 part water)

Light Rum (1.5 oz/ 1 shot glass per cocktail)

Seltzer Water

Sugar

Put 3-4 large Basil leaves into a highballs glass, sprinkle with white sugar, and squeeze the juice (and some pulp) from 1.5 Blood Oranges into the glass and muddle together, leaving the orange slices in the glass. Add rum, simple syrup (1.5- 2 Tbsp), and shake in a martini shaker. Pour into the glass without straining, and add Seltzer Water. Garnish with a small Basil sprig, and add a bendy straw.

Photo

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 20:41:42 -0400

the saturday schedule

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 17:05:57 -0400

the saturday schedule

By: Kris

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 16:02:00 -0400

By: Kris

Tonight’s social agenda! Also tonight, but lacking a flyer...

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 12:22:00 -0400

Tonight’s social agenda!

Also tonight, but lacking a flyer is Simonez Wolf’s Le Tuesday party at Le Baron!

If you’re looking for an after work drink and stimulating conversation, check out Tech Tuesdays at Tribeca Grand with Steven Rojas.

By: Ken & Kris

In the summer, Sunday is fun day… By: Kris

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 17:22:37 -0400

In the summer, Sunday is fun day…

By: Kris

By: Kris

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:25:00 -0400

By: Kris

By: Kris

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 21:06:00 -0400

By: Kris

Personality Profile: Shinnosuke Katsube & Keiichiro Nakajima

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 20:43:00 -0400

By: Kris

Shinnosuke Katsube

Keiichiro Nakajima

Were you friends in Japan, or did you meet in NYC?

S: We were classmates in first grade of high school in Numazu-shi, Shizuoka, Japan. We weren’t the closest of friends, but we both liked going to cafés, reading novels, and playing soccer, so we got along well. K: We became closer when we were studying to get into universities. We both liked the same girl, and we both wanted to do something unique (Shin wanted to be a movie director, and I wanted to be a writer and musician), so we started to talk a lot about our mutual interests.

How did you two end up working together?

K: After Shin graduated from College in Japan, he traveled to Paris, then London, then Shin finally came to NYC to visit me and fell in love with the party scene here. S: At the time, Kei was coordinating events and djing, so Kei taught me how to dj and we started to dj together, but I started to enjoy socializing and taking pictures more.

Aside from you two, who else is involved with 24HPP?

K: Mainly just two of us — but supported by many great friends we met in New York! Especially Shoko Tagaya (http://www.shokolaterie.com/), who was essential for building our website and logo; her playful and happy taste helped us in forming our brand.

Shin, you photograph a lot of events in Manhattan, do people invite you hoping you will take photos, or do you just party and bring your camera?

S: I get many invites, but I often just go to whatever interesting parties I find with my camera.

Kei, I see your music posted on 24HPP a lot, are there any artists you’re currently working with?

K: I am doing few remix projects for King Street Sounds, but I am spending most of my time creating my original music.

What does the 24HPP brand currently consist of?

S: We are just doing whatever we are interested in. Kei likes making music and designing, and I likes meeting people and taking photos, so we think we complement each other well.

When you’re not working, where do you like to go in the city?

K: We are doing what we like to do, so other than djing and taking photos, we usually just go to cafes or try new restaurants in NYC. S: Oh, and we like house parties and exploring places we have never been.

What is your favorite venue to DJ?

K: We love Le Baron and Le Bain!! We have many good memories at Chloe81 too.

Are there any parties/ concerts this summer that you’re excited about?

S: We don’t have any specific ones, but we would love to enjoy the sun and maybe beach parties!

What events do you guys have coming up?

S: June 5, Keiichiro will be djing at Simonez’s “Le Tuesday” at Le Baron, June 7 we’re doing Zigzag at Le Bain, and June 8, a party with Greg Krelenstein & Sophia Lamar at a new venue called DL (former Ludlow Manor).

Shin & Kei’s Website: 24HPP, 24HPP Facebook Page, and Follow 24HPP on Twitter

Keiichiro’s website: djkeiichiro.com

Shin’s Twitter: @theshinshine

Keiichiro’s Twitter @djkeiichiro

Ete D’Amour with Tommie Sunshine & Populette @ Le Bain

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

By: Kris

Last Sunday was the triumphant return of Été D’Amour to Le Bain at The Standard. This is Été D’Amour’s third year at Le Bain, brought to New York from Paris courtesy of the Nouveau York team. Every Sunday this summer starting at 4pm, you’ll find the pool, dance floor, and grassy rooftop of Le Bain littered with Frenchies, francophiles, and half naked people of all nationalities. Tommie Sunshine, legendary producer, songwriter, and DJ, headlined the summer kick off with Throne of Blood’s Populette, the Brooklyn based duo consisting of Max Pask and Andrew Potter. Monsieur Sunshine took over the decks around 10pm, filling Le Bain with his signature blend of disco, funk, and minimal techno. Leading the crowd on the dance floor was Daniela Morselli, Tommie’s long time girlfriend/ muse, providing some visual stimulation on par with the sexy sounds of bass and storm clouds.

I’ve seen Tommie Sunshine DJ many times over the years, and I’ve never been anything but ecstatic and enamored. Tommie Sunshine was nice enough to answer a few questions for me about his plans for the summer, and I can’t wait to see him next.

What are your plans for the summer, and are you playing any summer music festivals?

I’m headed to Holland to finish the Horsepower album with Bart B More & RipTidE. playing the Spring Awakening festival in Chicago & hunkered down in the studio writing & producing my musical output for the next 12 months. It’s time to take EDM to another level.

Are there any albums coming out that you’re anticipating the release of?

The Boys Noize one should be good (they always are) & the Azealia Banks album will be bananas.

When you’re not working, what are your favorite spots in the city for date night with the Mrs?

Frankies, Angelica Kitchen, late night dancing at Le Bain, Brandy’s Piano Bar & of course Central Park. It never matters where we are because we are so in love we could enjoy each other’s company in a gun battle. (editor’s note: that is too cute)

Are there any artists performing in the city this summer that you’re excited to see?

Stevie Nicks!!!

Who have you been listening to lately?

The new Scissor Sisters album, Fleetwood Mac & lots of old Romanthony.

Daniela was nice enough to send over the above photo and a couple videos of the party taken by Tommie’s assistant Kevin Cerrato, which can be seen here and here

For more information on Tommie Sunshine, visit his Facebook and SoundCloud.

For more information on Populette, visit their Facebook and SoundCloud.

For upcoming artists at Été D’Amour, join their Facebook group.

Miami Miami @ Le Bain

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Simonez Wolf and Sebastian Puga have made the Wednesday party Mercury Nights at Le Bain a staple in the social calendars of the downtown social set. With past DJs including Elijah Wood, Jus Ske, local favorites like Kei Nakajima and MSB, Mercury Nights has brightened the otherwise dull meatpacking scene. Last Wednesday, the duo brought their second installment of their pop- up party Miami Miami to Le Bain, featuring Miami favorite Johnny the Boy as the headlining DJ. The party was a birthday celebration for former Miami- current New York nightlife impresario Joshua Menendez, who is well known for his events in both the North and South. The sound was Miami- inspired, featuring New Wave and 80’s mixed with Hip Hop and Electronic. Johnny the Boy is known in Miami for his signature style of seamlessly crossing musical genres while keeping the energy high and the dance floor packed, much to the delight of the guests at Le Bain. The party soon became standing room only, and guests moved the debauchery to the pool, in true Miami fashion. Bronques of Last Nights Party fame was seen working the crowd, arousing playful sexuality from every scantily clad party girl he could find. Underground Hip Hop artist SpaceGhostPurrp and his crew Raider Klan Mafia invaded the DJ booth at the height of the party to perform a handful of songs from his forthcoming commercial release, The Chronicles of SpaceGhostPurrp.

For information on upcoming Mercury Nights, visit standardculture.com’s New York Event Calendar.

Photos of the party are available on lastnightsparty.com, and music by SpaceGhostPurrp can be found via his Tumblr.

A special “Throwback Teaser” made for Miami Miami by Johnny the Boy is available for download here.

5 Reasons Chinatown is the new Nightlife Neighborhood

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

By: Kris

Apothéke (9 Doyers Street)

Apothéke is easily one of the most original bars in New York, and a Chinatown pioneer, opening in 2008, when none of the trend- setting jet set crowd would go south of SoHo. It may be hard to find, hidden in a small alley in a neighborhood that used to be turf for gang wars, the former opium den would be easily missed if not for the well- suited bouncer and swarm of smoking hipsters. The sign outside still reads “Golden Flower Restaurant”, though little of the previous tenant remains after an awe- inspiring transformation by owners Christopher and Heather Tierney. The lounge, modeled after a 19th century apothecary, is lined with banquettes leading to a 30- foot bar made of imported Carrera marble. There are no bartenders, but pharmacists, and the hand carved back bar is filled with hundreds of antique medicine bottles from across the world. The cocktail menu is divided into categories such as Health & Beauty, Stimulants, Stress Relievers, and Aphrodisiacs- over 250 cocktails all made from local and organic ingredients from local greenmarkets or picked straight from their rooftop garden. Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays you can catch live jazz acts, and most other nights you’ll find this intimate space packed with the more sophisticated end of the hipster spectrum. Come early, as the door becomes very strict as the lounge fills. Best night to go: Prohibition Wednesdays featuring DJ Dominique Keegan of The Glass/ Plant Music. “Like” Apotheke on Facebook to receive updates on the weekly password.

Mister H (9 Crosby Street @ The Mondrian Soho)

Standing apart from the dim sum pop ups and “secret” underground dance parties, Mister H invokes a sophistication and mystique that isn’t often seen at New York’s boutique hotels. After opening last March, the speakeasy/ opium den reminiscent of 1930’s Shanghai has been through a few changes in management, finally landing on Derek Feinman of Sky Hospitality/ Deluxe Experiences. Along the vacant backside of The Mondrian Soho on Lafayette Street, the glass entrance is guarded by Disco, formerly of Bungalow 8 and XIX. Booking a room at The Mondrian only ensures your entrance until 10pm, and Mister H demands a certain aesthetic of its patrons. Inside, you’ll find Chinese newspaper lining the walls, red velour sofas, and lanterns providing enough light to ensure a view of the stripper poles. Behind beaded curtains, the backroom is lit with a red neon sign that tells guests “this is not a brothel”, and there is a strictly enforced no photography rule. The dancers here are far more beautiful and talented than you will find in any strip club, and exude a sophistication rarely seen of any scantily clad nightlife ingénue. Mister H provides the right atmosphere to elicit debaucherous behavior from the models and creative types who frequent the spot, and if you’re fortunate enough to be permitted entry, you will not be disappointed.

Best night to go: Thursdays for Mister H Sessions featuring the infamous DJ Vikas Sapra

Bantam (17 Stanton Street @ Chrystie)

Along the hazy border between the Lower East Side and Chinatown, nestled on a lonely strip of Stanton Street, you’ll find a velvet rope and an attractive door girl below a neon sign reading “17”. Inside, what was formerly Stanton Public, has been transformed into an intimate lounge, designed by Steve Lewis of “Goodnight Mr. Lewis” fame. Blue hued walls, brocade wallpaper, and a bar made of refurbished stain glass doors add a touch of regality to the former neighborhood dive. Scott Hockens, Seamus Regan, Norman Reedus, and Amit Zaman have already cultivated a crowd of scenesters and socialites, with a rock n’ roll sound and a tight door. For those who miss the good old days, the Stanton Public’s drink specials remain during Bantam’s happy hour. In a week the fully renovated garden with retractable tent will open, ensuring this will fast become a summer hot spot.

Best night to go: Tuesdays for Skull City, featuring downtown favorite DJ David Katz and friends.

Le Baron (32 Mulberry Street @ Mosco)

For two years we’ve all been awaiting the arrival of André Saravais and Lionel Bensemoun’s Le Baron New York, the fourth outpost of the Le Baron franchise, following Paris, London, and Tokyo. You’ve probably heard about Santigold’s album release party, Theophilus London’s live performance, multiple Lindsay Lohan sightings, the doorman in a bunny suit- or maybe you’ve spent an hour waiting in the street only to be turned away. Refusing to allow hopeful patrons entrance has been an effective marketing tool for the club, whether or not it is intentional. Mr. Saravais has cultivated a loyal following and well- defined brand of cool across the globe, and it seems everyone in New York wants an invitation to the party. Those lucky or clever enough to get in past the intimidating doorman will find that the snobbery stops at the door, and once inside patrons need little encouragement to let loose. The three stories of Le Baron resemble a 70’s Shanghai brothel, with seductive red and black wallpaper crowded with the silhouettes of naked women, wall- mounted octopus lamps, and a few very graphic pieces of art. The only beer served is Singha, and the waitresses are dressed like Bond girls- in red Asian inspired dresses with thigh high silk stockings. The top two floors have tables for socializing, but the bottom floor is where all the real fun happens, as models and celebrities alike take advantage of the no- photography rule. The crowd is reminiscent of Beatrice, but the ambience is more indulgent and seductive. Le Baron’s location may seem to be in the middle of nowhere at the moment, but it is worth facing the possibility of rejection to spend an evening here, arriving early is recommended.

Best night to go: Much like Beatrice before it, any night is a good night at Le Baron, though Saturdays downstairs with DJ Prince Language are not to be missed.

INGA (141 Chrystie Street @ Delancey)

Travis Bass and his crew are well known amongst a certain social set for their pop up parties at White Slab, Madame Wong’s, and Red Egg, and if you missed out on those parties, you’ve heard enough to be envious. Don’t fear, Bass and crew may have finally found a home at 141 Chrystie, where all three floors have been taken over and revamped from the former horror of bridge and tunnel club Mystique. The first floor hosts giant paper lanterns, swirling lights, leather banquettes, and a raised DJ booth and VIP area overlooking the crowded dance floor. The second floor hosts karaoke, the third floor has private rooms which at this point are only a rumor, and in a few weeks the rooftop will be open for outdoor summer parties and BBQ. You may recognize many staff and former regulars of Kenmare and Beatrice, but Inga hosts a much more diverse crowd, creating an atmosphere of idealized downtown New York. A veritable melting pot of cool, just like you’ve always imagined, but far less pretentious, and far less constrained.

Best night to go: Thursdays, with the fashionable Franco V and friends.

Encore! Sessions #5 featuring Little Dragon at Le Baron

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

By: Kris

This past Thursday night, the line outside of Chinatown’s Le Baron extended a three blocks down Mulberry street, as crowds eagerly anticipated a live set by Swedish electro pop band Little Dragon. Encore!, Le Baron’s summer concert series, promoted the show on their Facebook page for weeks and hundreds of fans were waiting before doors opened at 7. Unfortunately, the door policy wasn’t different than Le Baron on any other night, and the line didn’t move. While the line remained stagnant, Le Baron’s regulars and downtown social set marched straight to the front and into the doors. Close to the 8 o’clock show time, a doorman walked down the line falsely telling the crowd the show was over, they had already performed, and to clear out and go home. Inside, Little Dragon kicked off their set right on schedule, and Le Baron’s main room and balcony were as crowded and lively as the club’s wallpaper, as excited hipsters fought for a view. The band set up on the floor of the main room, immersed in the surrounding crowd, and posing for camera phones. Little Dragon played an hour long, intimate, upbeat set, including “Ritual Union”, “Please Turn”, and even a cover of “Here Comes the Rain Again” by Eurythmics. Lead singer Yukimi Nagano danced about the makeshift stage smiling and shaking her tambourine, until she and the rest of the band disappeared through the doors to the kitchen. After the show, the crowd dispersed throughout Le Baron’s three floors as the musical equipment was cleared, and the party commenced, with the band mingling amongst their fans. Encore! Sessions are sponsored by Absolut Vodka and produced by Fabien Moreau’s firm Forward, heralding the shows as “the most exclusive live concert series in America”. The next session has yet to be announced, but Forward has been very active with Encore’s Facebook fan page, posting up to date information on all things Encore. Previous artists include The Virgins, Friends, and Theophilus London, whose performance was posted about a week ago on Encore! Sessions’ YouTube channel.

Encore! YouTube Channel

To view more photos of the show, please visit my good friend Shin’s website 24 Hour Party People for exclusive live photos HERE.