09/04/2012
Position available
The Vic is an intimate venue promoting a relaxed drinking environment supporting upcoming artists in music and visual art.
We’re after an exceptional character to lead our dedicated team and oversee the daily operations of the venue.
This is a long term, full time position and the successful applicant will be an industry professional with at least 3yrs experience in a similar role in a reputable venue. Must possess an understanding of the Melbourne bar scene and have a genuine appreciation of beer, wine, cocktails and all things hospitality.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Venue Manager:
• oversee daily operations
• ensure the bar and bar staff function efficiently
• hands-on role providing exceptional customer service
• proactive in bringing creative ideas to the table for increasing profit and improving service
• oversee staff with a lead-by-example approach
• promote a positive, happy environment for customers and staff
• improve and maintain processes
• liaise with suppliers, security and directors
• oversee ordering and receiving
• participate in weekly management meetings
• oversee seasonal cocktail lists and contribute to the wine list
KEY CRITERIA
• solid bartending and supervisory experience in a reputable venue
• passionate for wine, beer, cocktails, customer service
• motivated with an ability to motivate others
• strong work ethic
• positive energy
• reliable and flexible
• excellent communication skills
• possess a sense of urgency with a calm & confident demeanour working in a fast paced environment
• attention to detail, organised & tidy and ability to remain busy during quiet trade
• weekend availability essential
• experience managing POS software
If you are passionate about providing exceptional service and enjoy the challenges of this industry we’d like to hear from you. This is a full time long term position of approx. 45hrs pw with salary negotiable based on skill and experience. Only skilled and reliable applicants with a proven track record in a similar role will be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Resumes to drink@thevicbar.com.au, 281 Victoria St Abbotsford 3067.
15/11/2011
DJ Interview
Dear friends, let me introduce you to one of our most iconic DJs, Huw Joseph.
So, how did it all begin?
My dad slept with my mum and then she gave birth to me... Oh you mean DJ'n?? My bad. I moved into a share house with four DJ's when I was 19. We had five turntables and three mixers set up in the lounge so it was all systems go from there.
Where did the name come from?
I chose Huw Joseph because it's my name. I thought of using a stage name like 'Captain Googy Pants' or something but in the end I stuck with Huw.
What gave you that initial push?
A love of hip-hop and living with all those DJ's. Good times.
How will you define your style?
2 words.....Party Set. Old and new hip-hop/RNB and funk. Fun stuff to get down to. Party shiiiiiit.
Which other countries have you played?
UK and Amsterdam.
Where was the first event you ever played?
Apart from numerous house parties (btw that's how you start gigging generally) my proper paid gig was in a City Beach Surf Shop school holiday event back in, like, yonks ago.
What’s the best event you’ve played at?
Boogie Festival 2011.
What was your first record you bought?
Alvin and The Chipmunks. I was 5.
Out of all the tunes you have, which one never fails?
Jackson 5 'Want You Back', Z-Trip Remix
.
What's you favourite tune of all time?
Too hard a Q. But thanks anyway.
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
I watch re-runs of The O.C. Over an over and over again.
So how is the scene in your eyes at the moment?
I think it's great, lots of gigs and tours and everyone gets involved. I'm a bit of an optimist so it's hard to keep my smile down. I love the scene and I love my job.
How big is your vinyl collection? What do you think of CDJ's?
I don't have a huge vinyl collection like SpinFX (ah-hem) but I've got a bookshelf pretty jam packed. I always prefer turntables but if CDJs are the only thing available I'll use ‘em and won’t complain.
Funniest thing that ever happened at an event?
Not getting let into the venue by security. I had to call the manager and ended up late for the gig.
Other DJs you rate?
Wasabi, Flagrant, Nick Thayer, SpinFX, Daniel Son, Mafia, Doc Felix.....
What advice would you give to up and coming DJs?
Keep practising, play at house parties and keep on keeping on. Don't be afraid to ask people for gigs. Get amongst it.
Do you preplan your sets?
Not usually because the crowds are always different. I usually test a few things out and then go with the flow of how people are responding.
What gigs have you plan for the next couple months?
Got my beloved Vic Bar regular spots, Sat nights @ Sweat at The George Basement, Cool Aid @ Laundry, Funkoars support in Frankston, cuppla corporates and that's me til next year.
When was the 1st time you played at the Vic and has the place have change much since then?
I first played Vic maybe 5 years ago. Since then it's had a full refurbishment and a few staff changes yet it retains its awesome energy. Vic Bar is renowned as a cool as fuck bar and it still holds that title.
If you could stage a party anywhere, where would you choose?
Ibiza and I'd charge $1000 a ticket.
What is your favourite cocktail?
Espresso Martini
Top gun or Point break?
Point Break all the way... dude.
Anything else you want to say? Any shouts?
Thanks for having me all these years Vic Bar. I love you. Signed, sealed and dlivered, Huw Joseph.
11/10/2011
Park Street Party
Dear friends,
We are taking over Park Street for a mini street festival Saturday 15th October from 1pm.
Flying in from Philadelphia to rock the party is Low B, M.I.A's tour DJ and Diplo's partner in crime from the famed Hollertronix crew. This will be the first time Low B has brought his world renowned party sets to our shores. Joining forces with him across 2 stages will be local DJs Mu-Gen, SpeakEasy, SpinFX and Huw Joseph.
Check out live graffiti and mural painting with some cool kids: Mayo, Dvate, Prism and Yeti.
Gold coins BBQ
Drink specials all day and night.
This free event is proudly brought to you by The Vic Bar, Yarra City Council, Red Bull, Kiss FM, 3000 Custom, Acclaim Magazine and OBEY.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=156144244478330
02/09/2011
Dj Interview
Dear friends,
Winter has been long and cold but our loyal friends have filled The Vic with love every week through the fun and crazy times. Friday and Saturdays are just awesome so to all our punters and Dj’s a big thank you. We’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work with amazing artists and today I want to introduce you to Sam Ryan aka SpeakEasy, one of our DJs who have had you up and dancing throughout winter.
Victor: So SpeakEasy, how did it all begin?
SE: About 5 years ago I was setting up a cafe/bar with a friend. He was putting decks in the place with a focus on playing only vinyl. I wasn't into just listening to what he had so I started buying wax. It turned into $200 a week habit. After accumulating a few crates of vinyl a friend asked me to bring them to a party where another DJ liked my collection and asked me to play a few hours a week with him.
Victor: Where did the name come from?
SE: My friends used to call me Sammy the Bullet. I wasn't sure if I wanted a DJ name. When in an L.A. bar Isabel Lucas invited us back to an afterhours party as everything closes at 2am in California. It was this studio looking bar where you knocked on the door and someone let you in and you could buy drinks or hand over $20 and drink all you wanted. Bad Rn'B vibes so we left before the Black Eyed Peas showed up. Later found out that is what they call a Speakeasy.
Victor: What gave you that initial push?
SE: It beats working. The feedback I got when playing. Support from friends. Exploring new music keeps me interested.
Victor: How do you define your style?
SE: I don't understand that question...Sweaty, Finger-Lickin'.
Victor: What’s the best event you’ve played at?
SE: Prob the MIFF closing party at Billboard. It was the 2nd time playing a big venue. I was still playing vinyl then and it was just before I went overseas for a while.
Victor: What was your first record you bought?
SE: I bought about 5 funk records from John Idem the last day his record store was open on High St. Antibalas - Who Is This America? and Miami - Notorious Miami to name a couple.
Victor: Out of all the tunes you own, which one never fails?
SE: Juvenile - Back That Azz Up.
Victor: What's your favourite tune of all time?
SE: couldn't name just one…
Hip-hop
Souls of Mischief - 93 Till Infinity
The Pharcyde - Passing Me By
Dance
Zinc - 138 Trek
Donaeo - My Philosophy (Bounce)
Cajmere - Percolator
Victor: When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
SE: Listening to other people play, watching a tv series or re-watching The Wire. Surfing the internet for music.
Victor: So how is the scene in your eyes at the moment?
SE: Locally I think its getting real good. There are a bunch of guys pushing great new music and punters are responding better to stuff they haven't heard. All the festivals are kinda killing the smaller underground gigs though. It sucks when you go to see someone you really respect and only a handful of people show up.
Victor: How big is your vinyl collection? What do you think of CDJ's?
SE: Probably got a few thousand. I don't really like the feel of CDJ's but sometimes I have to play them. Don't use them enough to get used to the response.
Victor: Funniest thing that ever happened at an event?
SE: Wish I had something really good here. Was always funny playing with Sexface and Robbie Coleman would drop his pants. But that would happen almost daily.
Victor: Other DJs you rate?
SE: Scatterblog guys Mat Cant, Lewis Can-Cut, Paz, Mu-Gen, Fellow Din boys Gaijin Credible, Tony Black. Doc Leroy, Too-Much crew, Rob Diggity, Paul Devro, The Club Cheval guys, Ikonika, Dubbel Dutch and Low Budget, you should listen to his stuff, I heard he'll be playing at the very soon.
Victor: What advice would you give to up and coming DJs?
SE: Learning to mix is essential. iPod DJ's are so 2007 and you don't want to get stuck playing to barely 18yr olds. Don't go too hard too fast. Play a collective of new and old and interesting. Always Keep Digging. Look for bars and clubs that like what you do. If the girls are happy, everyone’s happy.
Victor: When you play do you pre-plan the set?
SE: I never play pre planned but sometimes I prepare a few things. I try to read the room. Yet everyone has a few tracks that work well together.
Victor: What gigs have you planned for the next couple of months?
SE: At the moment regular Saturday nights @ The Vic and Sundays @ The Windsor Castle. Pop @ the Laundry Bar and some gigs with an International Guest to be announced.
Victor: When was the 1st time you played at the Vic? Has the place changed much since you started?
SE: I first played at The Vic a couple years ago, it’a always been good vibes and cool people but the place took on a new dimension recently with the renovations and new staff. It's a great place to socialise and party.
Victor: If you could stage a party anywhere, where would you choose?
SE: In the parking lot of my home above Beat Mag/Furst Media headquarters.
Victor: What’s your favorite cocktail?
SE: Negroni. a great starter or end of the night drink.
Victor: Top gun or Point break?
SE: Point Break. I only like Tom Cruise in 'The Color of Money' when he played an asswipe and 'Eyes Wide Shut'.
Victor: Anything else you want to say? Any shouts?
SE: Thanks Mannie @ Piccolo for introducing me to turntables, to all who have let me play, shared music with me, and given me props.
Thanks for your time SpeakEasy!
SpeakEasy is playing every Saturday night at the Vic 9pm ‘til close.
Peace
Victor
