FAQ
What is Spins & Needles?
Spins & Needles is a mobile art party that travels to different cities around the world, mixing DJs with creative types, dancefloor with art gallery, and underground beats with hands-on art/design projects. The event takes place in bars, clubs, galeries, museums and other esoteric spaces. Over 100 events and workshops have been produced in the US, Canada, UK and Europe.
Who started Spins & Needles?
Spins & Needles was first conceived in Montreal by designer Melanie Yugo and DJ Jason Pelletier. It is produced by both Melanie and Jason, alongside amazing artists, DJs, volunteers and other collaborators. You can check out more of Melanie’s work on Spins & Needles DIY Blog: www.spinsandneedles.com/stuff and Jason’s music on his site: www.djjasonpelletier.com.
Who goes to Spins & Needles events and workshops?
Anyone looking for an alternative night out. Students, cubicle dwellers, artists, designers, those working in the arts/cultural industries and anyone looking for a fun party. Our events usually include alcohol so it is targeted towards legal drinking age crowds (18+ in Quebec and Europe, 19+ in the rest of Canada, 21+ in United States). Occasionally we produce all-ages events.
I love what you guys are doing. Can I start up a Spins & Needles in my city?
Thanks! We are currently in the process of developing ways to expand Spins & Needles. If you’re interested in setting up a branch in your city, give the producers a shout at spinsandneedles @ gmail.com and we can talk. In the meantime, if you want to collaborate and bring us to your city, we’re keen about that as well! Again, reach us at spinsandneedles @ gmail.com
I really love Spins & Needles. Can I help out somehow?
Yes! Mozy over to the Volunteer page and let us know your interests. As an indie event, when we say DIY, we really mean DIY. So we’re always on the lookout for eager beavers to join us.
ABOUT ATTENDING SPINS & NEEDLES
Do I have to be an artist/designer/musician/DJ/creative person to attend Spins & Needles?
Nope. Lots of people who have never made stuff or art before stop by the event.
So I’ve heard about/seen posters for an upcoming event. How do I register? Do I have to buy a club membership?
No need to register or buy a club membership for our regular night time events and workshops. Spins & Needles is open to everyone (well, at least those of legal drinking age for our bar events). Except for special events, you just show up at the door and pay cover. You can check out our upcoming events on our home page. And if you’re even more keen to know about future events, what’s going on behind-the-scenes, and useful creative blog posts, sign up for our mailing list in the sidebar.
For our Silkscreening 101 Workshops, anyone can participate but you’ve got to pay in advance to register yourself a spot. Just to make sure that you won’t be a no-show, you know?
What kind of music do you play at events?
The DJs spin a blend of funky underground beats: house and funk all with a jackin’ beat. The occassional nostalgic retro set. Please no requests for classical, rock or country. Seriously. Click on the Play button in the sidebar to get an idea of what we play.
I’m under 19. Can I come to your event if I’ve got an adult with me?
If it’s an event held in a bar or anywhere that serves alcohol, unfortunately, no. Every so often though we hold workshops and events or collaborate with organizations to throw parties that are all-ages.
I’ve attended events and see that you are a snap-happy group. What if I don’t want my photograph to be taken?
Spins & Needles events are often photographed and occasionally recorded. If you don’t want your presence recorded for all to see, you probably want to think twice about coming. But why wouldn’t you want to show off you were there?
