It’s been twelve months since Brisbane’s newest hotspot The Met threw open its iconic (and massive) doors. And since then, club enthusiasts and industry types have speculated over the trials and tribulations over the newest superclub, but in the process The Met has proven its status as Brisbane’s most cosmopolitan venue. With it’s astonishing décor over three levels, from the glistening browns and chocolates of the Bamboo Lounge to the ambience of the caged interior within Coco Lounge; the seductive allure of the Spy Bar, the ornate lushness of the bathrooms and the many well-stocked bars. That’s not to mention the expansive main room with incredible video screens, the U-shaped balcony to view the ongoings of the dancefloor, and the many nooks and crannies you can accidentally (or intentionally) ‘lose’ yourself in.
There’s a good argument to be put forth that The Met has inflated Brisbane as a city, and a scene worthy of acknowledgement in Australia’s electronic vista. With its sophisticated décor and ambience, The Met is just as much a venue to showoff to visitors as it is a place for locals to enjoy an evening out. But while The Met surged onto the scene with plenty of speculation and gossip, it’s also had to cope with the aftermath of being the new kid in town. But what a fine selection of acts we’ve seen over the past year: on the international front, we’ve heard everyone from 2 Many DJs, Anthony Pappa, Boy George, Erick Morillo, Fedde Le Grand, Goldie, Junior Jack & Kid Crème, Kitsune DJs, Lyrics Born, Will White and heaps more. The Met has also relied upon its residents Pete Smith, Matt Kitshon Nick Galea, Jason Rouse, Dope n Dusted and DJ Mr Sparkle to keep the dance floor rocking.
As with any new business in Brisbane, The Met has had to prove itself worthy to a city notorious for its reserved attitude and tough character. With Michael Watt as the entertainment director of The Met and a stalwart of the industry for the last two decades, his experience and determination has come to the forefront whilst at the helm during its ups and downs. What thoughts come to mind about the last twelve months? “Big challenges with great success!” he notes enthusiastically. “And a lot of fun! As you would expect with getting the place open, getting the right staff and creating an amazing atmosphere is a big challenge – so we are very proud of what we have achieved in such a short time.”
So how has Brisbane adjusted to the new kid on the electronic music block? “I suppose it would have been different if we hadn’t done it before and in particular in the Valley – which has been a second home for most of us, collectively.” Michael affirms. “There is a lot of experience behind the director and the management of The Met,” Michael points out. “We knew there was a market for what we wanted to do and we also knew what the market wanted, so it was just a matter of sticking to our guns – and of course with a couple of surprises along the way.” So how different or similar is the final product compared to the original ideas and plans? “It’s very different, as the building was no small feat to deal with, and the way clubs are today – it never really stops. We still aim to create and remould as we continue. If you stop still in this day and age, you’re dead in the water. Although we have been very successful, we are not resting on our laurels and 2008 brings a few surprises that will send a few shock waves,” Michael firmly states.
In the nightclub industry, you can be sure at all times that you’ll encounter surprises. “The hospitality industry – actually, the entertainment industry for that matter – is always full of surprises but as shitty as they sometimes are – they do keep you on your toes.” In terms of what they nailed, he names the layout of the venue, staff and client service as playing a large part of the success so far. “The design allows you to spend the whole night in the one venue with the ability to still get lost. I find it a bit of a buzz when you find someone wandering around the place like they are lost in some wonderful adventure story,” he grins. “The comfy factor makes it a great place for friends to meet and hang out and the staff are also very friendly. The DJs have done a remarkable job adding to the atmosphere of the different rooms. We have asked a lot from them to assure it isn’t same same throughout the venue. We are also building a formidable lineup of talent and it’s great when they’re writing their own stuff and bringing it in that night and playing it. It gives you a sense that they get it, they’re totally into it and they’re going to rock it and give people the best night out!” Indeed!
Now that The Met has firmly established itself within the psyche and consciousness of the fickle nightclubbing inhabitants, the acts and ambience of The Met will prove to only get bigger and better. As well as 2008 being Michael’s twentieth year working in the industry (fifteen of which has been dedicated towards promoting), Michael Watt promises that 2008 will be a year to remember for The Met too, with this weekend in particular set to be a cracker “January is going to be a great month with our first Birthday party celebrations with Carl Cox heading the night! He has been a firm favourite of mine since the first time I booked him to play Strawberry Fields all those years ago and he is the ultimate player and never never leaves the crowd disappointed,” Michael grins. He’ll also be bringing a couple of friends with him on the night to make it even more special – Intec Record label mate Jon Rundell and Brisbane favourite Bush Records honcho Eric Powell. With Sydney’s Miss Match performing on Friday January 18 and Carl Cox performing the Saturday evening, The Met is certainly the place to be this weekend.
So what other plans does Met have for 2008? It’ll be hard to top Carl Cox. Like a benevolent Santa, Michael pulls out his Christmas sack with, “Well, another big highlight in January will be the return of our bi-monthly night Famous – which is in association with Future Entertainment. After two amazing Famous nights already under our belt with the likes of Richard Grey, TV Rock, Sander Klienenberg, Junkie XL and Mark James turning the place up side down, we will be returning with our third Famous. This time, it will be headlined by the man of the moment and direct from Sweden, Axwell,” Michael pronounces. “We also have Dirty South signed up for a home coming set in February.” Is there anything else he wants to blow us away with, I ask cheekily. Michael as always, delivers. “Yep. On the summer front, since we hosted the VIP area at Summerfieldayze in 2008, we also have our own area at Future Music Festival this year – which will be a lot of fun in the sun!”
As we enter the week of their first year celebrations, The Met will continue to provide banging nights with plenty of quality entertainment “It’s going to be great nights with great shows!” Michael asserts “In particular in the main room with the new Pioneer VJ (SVM1000) setup will be a mind blowing experience.” Michael promises. With Michael Watt continuing to book the entertainment and well supported by the staff, The Met’s success will no doubt continue to rise, and pave the way for a glorious and triumphant path to a rocking future.
Don’t miss Carl Cox when helps The met celebrate its ‘Anniversary’ this Saturday January 19th!
donnaforrester says...
the met is shit! at first it was an awesome club now they just let in anyone ... especially city people. The met is chasing the dollar not attracting a good valley crowd