How to Be a Host

Robert has continued to throw parties throughout the years, but it's only been in the past two years that he has been back in full force. Aside from the occasional loft party, he helped start up (though is no longer a part of) Saturdays at Da House Spot, probably the best afterhours party in the city today.

At one time I had heard that Robert was planning to create an organization for all Chicago promoters to join under one umbrella and plan out ways to share and support each other's club nights. "I've since abandoned that idea. Because of a lot of them being fickle in a sense, it would be hard to bring them together. Because of egos." He has since changed the idea to that of sponsorship. "We would help sponsor each other's parties. Now I feel people should co-sponsor each other in Chicago. It doesn't have to be with money, just support. That way we can help each other out and have a way of locking that party down to know that people are all going to that party."

When I first met Robert Williams, he was handing out envelopes with invites inside of them. "One of my promotion techniques is putting the flyers in envelopes. They take them away from being just flyers and make them actual invitations. It's more personal. And while they're looking at your flyer, you can't walk away. You have to explain to people what this event is about and warmly invite them."

Almost every person who had been to the earlier parties talk about how they were so much better then. Robert explains that it was because then "they were warmer and there was more thought into putting these events together. People took their time to plan an event. People now think you can just open a door and give a party which is just not true. Music and people do not make a party. What makes a party is harmonious relationships between the people there. As a promoter and host, your job is to cater to people. Especially people who are paying to come to your event."

DJs are Teachers

An interesting observation Robert made is that in House Music women love vocals. Why? Because vocals are romantic, you can sing along with them and are ultimately more feminine. When vocals are played women will dance. Whereas men will dance anyway because their boy may be playing or they're just more apt to dance anyway, it takes a little more sonic persuasion to get women on the floor. And when women dance, more men will dance.

For all his kindness, Robert did have a few words about today's DJs. "I think personally, today, that most every DJ I encounter is lazy. Because they do not want to take chances musically, they do not do their homework musically, they do not take the people into consideration. Because if they did, they would not only play old school music, they can integrate new music along with hip-hop; all the music that encompasses people's evening. Take them on a musical journey. You cannot do that if you're mixing 5 DJs in one evening, because it's so humble jumble. You get too many personalities, people talking at once. One or two DJs who are on the same musical plane would be better. DJs are teachers."

Robert remembers how Ron Hardy used to turn it out at the Music Box. "He was a musical rebel. His music was sort of like a sexual experience. If one position didn't work, let's try another one. It was about pleasing the audience because they were his concern." With today's DJs, "They just don't get it. And they all have egos."

Don't let these harsh words fool you; Robert is an incredibly warm and funny person, always cracking a joke. His personality is what has made him known for being an amazing host, one who throws the best parties. At this point in time, he has just wrapped up a party (co-sponsored by 5 Magazine) on the southside with DJs Alan King and JMJ. There are plans for many more parties to come. I know I'll be there, because he is truly the veteran of clublife and parties, and I know I'll be guaranteed a good time.