BY CHRIS BRAUER
Advance staff
“If I’m being honest, I don’t really consider it a job,” said Josh Vincent. “I’m having so much fun jumping around like crazy, and I’m full of energy – trying to get the crowd excited – and I forget that I’m getting paid to do it. I really enjoy meeting new people and I’m discovering new music, and I’m already looking forward to the weekend when I get to do it all over again.”
Now working Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights as DJ and social media manager at the Kokanee Pub, Vincent is playing a mix of popular songs, requests, and his personal favorites to an ever-growing crowd that appreciate the high-energy music. Vincent fell into the role by happenstance and now the twenty-year old is having the time of his life hosting Club Nights and Karaoke.
Making a name for himself as a talented DJ while building up the pub’s reputation as the weekend hot spot, Vincent has recently taken STÍX as his stage-name. “But this isn’t about me,” said Vincent. “This is about all those people that come and have a great time. I wouldn’t have fun if no one showed up. I really encourage the crowd to request songs that they love, and it makes the nights more personal and interactive.”
After seeing a poster for the now-defunct Metal Mondays at the Kokanee Pub, Vincent began to frequent the establishment. He soon struck up conversation with McRorie (famed for his wearable musical instruments) who was working as DJ at the time. “McRorie told me he was having dance parties on Friday and Saturday night, so I went and had a really good time,” said Vincent. “After a while, I talked with the pub owner Jack Schwartz and I did some social media work on behalf of the pub. I really wanted to promote the Kokanee and get the word out.”
Vincent and his family then wintered in California and, though he listened to more electronic music and was becoming more and more interested in working as a DJ, he wasn’t sure what opportunities would be available when he returned. But it wasn’t one day after coming home to Creston that he heard McRorie was leaving the pub after receiving a coveted spot as a performer on Granville Island. “I wasn’t sure if Jack wanted someone so young to take over, and I was hesitant to let him know I was interested. But McRorie taught me how to run sound on Saturday night and the following Sunday, and then I was off and running,” said Vincent. “Now I host Karaoke on Thursdays and Club Night on Fridays and Saturdays. If we hadn’t left California earlier than we planned, I don’t know if I’d be doing what I’m doing. But it all worked out, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Hoping to stamp his own style on the Friday and Saturday Club Nights, Vincent also encourages the crowd to request their favourite music. “I think it’s awesome to have a live DJ and be able to be a part of something rather than just listening to a pre-selected mix. It’s a special thing – people get pumped up and it becomes a communal event and people are letting loose in a safe environment,” said Vincent. “I want people to start associating Friday and Saturday nights with the Kokanee Pub, and I want people to look forward to the next weekend.”
Vincent also stresses that he doesn’t expect everyone that attends to hit the dance-floor. “I want to make it the most fun I can and I really encourage people to come, even if they are nervous about dancing – as long as everyone is having fun jumping up and down or nodding their head or just watching the video screens. It’s more about creating an atmosphere where no one has to act or be a certain way,” said Vincent. “There have been some Friday nights where the place is packed and the energy is high and it’s really euphoric. Canada Day lands on a Saturday this year, so I expect the place will be packed for that night. It’s going to be great.”
Vincent hopes to pursue different avenues of DJing, and make a success of playing at different events and weddings. While working at the Kokanee Pub and experimenting with how to best blend songs and maintain the energy, Vincent is also starting to work on original songs that he hopes to one day complete and add to his repertoire. “I have dozens of songs – or parts of songs – in various stages. Some are just melodies but others are starting to form into completed pieces. I’m slowly figuring out what will define my sound, with different effects and tempos. I’d also like to incorporate my drumming background and combine the musicality of metal music with electronic music – crossing genres for live performances, especially,” said Vincent. “I always thought I’d be a drummer in a metal band but when I was in college, working on my business diploma, I was dreaming of making electronic music. I don’t have fancy equipment but I’m making it work.”
Club Night at the Kokanee Pub (123 9th Ave S) runs every Friday and Saturday night from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Karaoke runs every Thursday night from 8:30 p.m. to close. More information is posted on Facebook.com/KokaneePub and Facebook.com/STIXofficial