For over 8 years Barbara Basti has been giving Miami its weekly shot of indie cred with a few breaks in between. Along with Aramis Lorie, she has been bringing the Poplife party every Saturday night. While the party has had many homes, including Piccadilly Garden, I/O Lounge, the District, Post, Pawn Shop and its current home White Room, it still remains the same -- good music, eccentric people and fun times.
MN: So 8 years later and Poplife is still going. Why do you think your night has been successful when so many others have failed?
BB: POPLIFE - The Recipe (for all those who've been wondering) three parts really believing in what we do. We -- me, Aramis (my partner), my DJs, everyone involved -- live this, the music and events, the people. I consider it a lifestyle:
2 parts crazy ridiculous persistence
2 parts hard, hard, obsessive hard work
2 parts focus on quality
1 part obsessed with new music
1 part can't stop dancing
1 part cocktails
A sprinkle of love from all the great people
Mix and serve.
Vio la!
MN: Poplife has moved around quite a lot: I/O, The District, Post and Pawn Shop just to name a few. What venue that has hosted the party has been your favorite thus far?
BB: Well, I'm really loving White Room presently. My favorite location would have to be Piccadilly Garden which was where we were before I/O and what we subsequently opened as The District. I have extremely fond memories of the party there, and the venue, before their really was a scene, it was just so refreshing, so new, just magical really. But have to say I/O was our first venue, so very fond, nostalgic memories there and The District as well.
MN: What have been some your most memorable Poplife moments?
BB: Some of the shows of course. But also just the fun things that happen, the friendships I've made, the people I've had the pleasure to work with -- so many great memories. Getting lost on the dancefloor, having such a good time that everything else just melts away. The crazy artsy kids are always my fav, or when a random celebrity shows up, I always think that's hilarious.
MN: There is something noticeably different about you and most other promoters, which is the fact that you are a woman. Do you feel you've have to work harder than most? Do you ever feel you don't get the same respect as others because your a woman?
BB: Well that's a super loaded question. I feel that I've worked hard just due to the nature of the business, and that's completely unrelated to the fact that I'm a woman. Respect and treatment from others in the industry -- everybody is different. Being a woman actually has to be advantageous more than anything, it really lets you see direct to a person's character based on the way they treat you. Plus I get to dress up all the time!
MN: What your insight on the current state of Miami's nightlife? How do you think it's change over the course of the years you've been in the business?
BB: Miami nightlife has changed dramatically over the years. I think it's a work in progress, and has a buzz that is not going to be extinguished anytime soon. I'm always excited for the future. It's definitely up to us (promoters, and venue owners) to continue to add value to it.
MN: What will Poplife be doing for WMC this year?
BB: At POPLIFE we will be featuring a live performance by my favorite latest Scottish import Calvin Harris. He's so much fun. Along with other treats -- Wednesday through Saturday. People can always visit our website www.epoplife.com to catch up on our events.
[Photo by Jipsy]
