Behind the Troupe parties with Capulet

Running parties all over the UK is no easy task. Thankfully Chris and Lucas – the crew behind the Troupe parties – seem to have nailed the concept. Calling on everyone from wAFF to Omar S, their music policy is an eclectic but simple one: they just book musicians that they like to come and rock the joint. And in typical Troupe form, they’re very busy too, so much so that they’re started a production outfit, Capulet, as well as a label, the aptly named Troupe Records. Having come far in but a small space of time, one still can’t help feeling that they best is yet to come for Troupe. We checked in with the lads to find out more…

We only book artists that we both like. We don’t think it’s a great idea being stuck to one type of genre of music. We want to mix it up with different artists and music, but it all depends on the venue and time of year...What are your backgrounds? When did you realize you wanted to start throwing parties?

Lucas - I loved DnB in my teen years going to all the big events with a fake ID. Found it amazing going to night clubs/warehouse’s where the music was so loud you couldn’t hear your friends speaking. That made me want to start doing my own nights so started doing DnB nights in Bristol for 2-3 years. Then moved to London and found the love for house music. So started to work with Chris on Troupe as we have very similar music tastes.

Chris – My musical taste is varied and I have always loved stripped back clean music with heavy percussion. My mother is an opera singer so I’ve always had music around me. I developed a love for throwing parties at University in Birmingham and I found that the better and more unique the music the more your crowd became loyal.

Are you guys DJs first and promoters second? Or how does that work?

We started as promoters first which is a little weird. About year and half ago we started dj’ing together, which has been very enjoyable, normally playing the last set at our events.

So is promoting a full-time job for you guys? Or what else do you do?

Yes it’s my full time job but working on other areas of music too from YouTube channels, Label and our finding our own Troupe DJ’s to start making our own family. So the next couple of months will be very busy for us.

You’ve had a really eclectic array of guests, and have even put on Omar S with more contemporary minded artists. What are your thoughts there?

We love all types of music from deep house to techno. We only book artists that we both like. We don’t think it’s a great idea being stuck to one type of genre of music. We want to mix it up with different artists and music, but it all depends on the venue and time of year. So Omar S was amazing when he came and played for us in London. Perfect for our second day party in London. Amazing vibes and the weather was very kind to us that day.

We love the underground vibe to all of our parties we put on. Smoke and maybe one colour all night. What ever works best for the night, we love to keep it simple...How often are you running parties now then? Do you find there’s a lack of decent venues in London or what are you doing to combat that?

We run parties every 6 weeks generally, which are a lot for London. There is a distinct lack of class venues in London. Generally in the summer though we find unique outdoor spaces in East London and bring everything in for a terrace party. During the winter we use Warehouses and some clubs. We can’t wait to throw out first party at Great Suffolk Street. The best warehouse venue we have been to around the world.

What’s been your favourite Troupe party over the years? Have you one guest who’s really made an impression on you above others?

We really loved Sidings warehouse in London Bridge (sadly closed now) and one that stands out for us was with Jimmy Edgar, Boddika, South London Ordnance and Eliphino. You know it’s a good night when it’s still packed to the end and people are begging you not to stop. One of our favourite guests has to be Boddika. Always a pumping set with tracks we’ve never heard before.

What’s the most exciting thing about running your own party? And the most stressful?

To see some of our favourite DJs coming to play for Troupe and saying how good it was the next day. Most stressful for any promoter is the first hour of opening. That nervous wait for people to start coming to fill the club, Even if it’s sold out it’s still nerve-racking.

What’s the weirdest thing that ever happened at a Troupe party?

When we were playing our set a girl was right at the front taking all her clothes off. Security had no clue what to do. We were just laughing at the situation. They finally sorted her out then 20 minutes later she came back and did it again! Security’s face was priceless.

Why should our readers go and check out one of your parties then?

We love the underground vibe to all of our parties we put on. Smoke and maybe one colour all night. What ever works best for the night, we love to keep it simple.

We have some of the best crowds to our nights. Hardly any problems at all… (Only girls trying to get naked). We are very cross genre and have something for everyone.