You name it and Eric Phillips has probably done it. He was Director of Promotions for Circus Disco (where he resurrected Spundae) and Arena Cafe from 2000 to 2003. In 2003, he founded “The Mor Bar” in Santa Monica and went on to work with acclaimed promoter Dave Dean on Giant Village (the nation’s largest 21+ club event with over 10,000 people in attendance) on New Years Eve 2004. In the summer of 2005, Eric founded “Will Spin For Food” - an annual charity event that raises thousands of dollars in food and cash donations for the Los Angeles Food Bank. In addition to all of the above, Eric has been associated with events at Avalon, Vanguard, Ivar, The Room, Play Lounge, Hollywood Canteen, and many many more!
Versatile does not even begin to describe this veteran of club promotions. His past accomplishments run across the board: he was a Marine who served in Desert Storm, a Business and Japanese major who lived in Japan, a graduate of FIDM fashion design school, and a game store owner. Eric’s enthusiasm, creativity, commitment, dedication, pride, and work ethic are key components of almost a decade’s worth of success with end-to-end event management and the creation and development of nightclub marketing and promotions.
Eric’s colored the West Coast with his smile, and it is definitely one of the most genuine things I have ever seen and he is one of the most sincere individuals I have ever met. Read on to learn more about this marketing maven otherwise known as eMonkey and be sure to check out his weekly events in Los Angeles. He’ll have a big, warm hug waiting to welcome you!
Where did the nickname eMonkey come from?
I honestly can’t remember. I am sure someone just called me that and it stuck. Monkeys make me smile, that is good enough for me.
How long have you been a club promoter and how did you get started?
As far as the club scene, about nine years, but I have been promoting events since high school - different types of events, parties and things.
While on vacation in Europe, I went on a boat trip in Austria. Far away in the distance I saw this huge crowd and heard this bass. We slowly crept up on it from five miles away. I was just like, “What is this?” It was the Love Parade on its way to Berlin. I saw all these people, and I just stood there with my mouth open for about twenty minutes. I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was so insane. And right then I said, “Whatever I do when I get back home, I’m going to get a Visa and work here. I’m going to be a part of whatever this is.” I started telling people about this when I got back. They mentioned that there was a club in LA that was just like that called Giant. I started going to Circus every week. I would wait in line early in the afternoon, so that I can be the first person to get in. I made friends and said, “Okay I’m going to work here.” Six months later I was Promotions Director of the club.
What differences do you notice in the club crowd today, as opposed to when you were starting off?
The crowds today are pretty boring in my opinion. Not many people are dressed up, it is just a night on the town. In say 2000, everyone really seemed to get into the night. It was like they had spent all day getting ready. When I was Promotions Director for Spundae at Circus, people would be in line at 5pm. EVERY Saturday was like a sold out concert and it seemed so much easier to meet new people. I know it is cliche to praise the good ole’ days, but, in this case, it is a slam dunk. I am not worried, things go in cycles, it will all be back, better than ever.
How many events do you now produce or execute throughout the year?
Hehe, I tell people I am semi-retired. I am doing EM Sundays at Joseph’s and an after party at Play Lounge (which I don’t have to be at). Then there is Frequency Fridays at Hollywood Canteen. That is kind of a hobby night. I just farm it out to friends and promoters around the city - keeps it fresh and different every week. Not sure if I will ever do the BIG events again. It would just have to be the right situation. I really don’t want to work every day anymore. The only big event I will keep doing is Will Spin for Food, which is a local charity event for the Los Angeles Downtown Regional Food Bank. I hope to keep doing that at least once a year.
What methods do feel you have been most successful using to promote events?
Local DJs that have a good following. Let’s give Will Spin for Food as an example. The first one was 26 hours long and had 52 DJs doing one-hour sets. When you have 52 DJ’s pumping a party, it is going be great, and, it was.
I am SO happy the internet has taken over as the main promotional tool. I will never miss the headaches of making 25,000 fliers a month and hiring street teams to pass them out every night. Just making sure they were out at the clubs was a full-time job.
Who do you think is throwing the best parties at the moment?
When I want to let loose (and not feel like am working) I get away to Deep thrown by Marques Wyatt at Vanguard. He brings in some awesome talent and everyone is there to dance.
What advice would you give to up and coming DJs/Promoters?
DJs - If you play great music, have a small following, and get along with others, you are golden. If Digweed got booked at Avalon and nobody came, he would never be invited back. If you realize it is more than just playing good music, then you will go far.
Promoters - Do all of your work before the party starts. When the lights come down, smile, shake hands, and have a great time.
If you could stage a party anywhere, where would you choose?
The White House. Maybe we could spread the love.
Any words of wisdom you would like to leave us with?
PLUR! (heehee)
Oh, and if one of your hot female customers starts stripping in front of the DJ, watch for his girlfriend (sorry I got you in trouble mang).
