What Happens When a Bunch of Music Journalists Throw a Party

We decided to call our first IRL Hearing Things event a Spring Party because 1) it took place on the first day of spring 2) we really want spring—and all of its symbolic rebirth—to happen ASAP and 3) maybe, if all went well, we could try to turn these gatherings into a regular, seasonal occurrence. I’m pleased to report that all did go well. Very well. Life-affirmingly well. Maybe-this-world-is-not-going-to-complete-shit well. It may have been dreary, spitty, and bleak outside of the venerable Queens venue Trans-Pecos last night, but inside spring had officially sprung in all its glory. This is what getting cozy with a whole bunch of people who love music can do! We are infinitely grateful to the friends, family, and diehard Hearing Things supporters who made it out. Memories were made. For everyone else, we wanted to offer a glimpse into what went down so you can at least try to absorb some of the impeccable vibes through the screen!

But first, if you’ll allow me to get a little emo: After more than 20 years of writing about music, I can tell you it’s a rewarding exercise. It’s also lonely. Just you and what’s coming through your headphones and the thoughts rattling in your brain. This is part of why I wanted to start Hearing Things alongside four other brilliant friends—talking about songs, albums, and ideas with Julianne, Jill, Dylan, and Andy every day is what makes starting a new independent music media company such an exciting thing to do. (The spreadsheets? Not as exciting!) This is also why we wanted to organize live events—to gather like-minded folks who love music and want to be a part of the culture surrounding it. To hear the same things at the same time. To breathe the same air. To know we’re all in a room with people who actually give a shit. These ideas rushed into my head during a quiet moment minutes before the party started, and it was overwhelming. Can we really pull this off? Then I stepped inside to the sounds of our very own Andy Cush behind the decks spinning Roy Ayers’ “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” and all of my anxieties—about life, the world, everything—started slipping away.

In addition to being a wildly talented critic and reporter, Andy is an excellent DJ. (He’s also a very good singer, songwriter, and guitarist! And he did pretty much all of the heavy lifting organizing this party. He can do it all.) He set the mood perfectly, easing everyone into the night. By the time he played Janet Jackson’s “Nasty,” the place was getting sweaty, and it was about time for our headlining performer. 

Lollise was the subject of our first Going Up profile, and we were thrilled when she agreed to play our party. She represents so much of what we value at Hearing Things: fearlessness, eclecticism, wonder. She makes experimental Afropop that you can dance to and think about at the same time. All of this was on full display during her set. Alongside her musical partner Morgan Greenstreet on drums, Lollise—who is also a fashion designer—looked the part of an Afrofuturist star in leather boots, an exquisitely tassled suit jacket, and a stunning headpiece that practically glowed in the dark. She played tracks from her amazing debut full-length, I Hit the Water, which includes odes to family, legacy, and perhaps the only drum’n’bass-y track that addresses medical racism ever recorded. Some attendees were familiar with her and others weren’t but, by the end of her performance, I think it’s safe to say everyone wanted to learn more about this incredible artist.

I watched Lollise do her thing from the back of the room, because I was also manning our raffle table—ripping tickets, chatting with friends, and preaching the gospel of Hearing Things to anyone who would listen. There were several instances when I directed someone to subscribe to the site via QR code, and they responded, “Oh, I’m already subscribed!” It was humbling and gratifying.

About that raffle—which was the brainchild of Jill Mapes, it must be said—people were pumped! And rightfully so, since the prizes included huge stacks of vinyl that were donated to us for the occasion by some of our favorite labels. They all deserve a shoutout: Sub Pop, Anti, Mexican Summer, Ninja Tune, International Anthem, Backwoodz Studioz, Wharf Cat, Matador, and the record store Loudmouth. The person who won the International Anthem package (which included around 10 LPs) was like, “I’m excited to listen to all this new music!” It made my heart burst with joy. 

The great hip-hop producer and DJ Edan closed out the night with some timeless crowd-pleasers. There was dancing, there were smiles. By then, it was full-on raining outside, but we didn’t care. Sometimes you just have to make your own weather.

As a bonus for paid subscribers only, listen to Andy’s Spring Party DJ playlist below via Spotify and Apple Music. Relive the night’s magic from the comfort of your home!