Ye gods, what a pain in the ass of a week! Problems with the Batmobile meant I was stuck in the Batcave for a week and a half. The normal person gets out one night a week, if they're lucky. Me, I average four nights, and while the money isn't great, I do get paid to go out, I don't wait in line and never pay a cover.
I got this gig not just because I can string words together better than the average bear, but because I know how the scene works. And now I'm going to share my secrets with you.
The first club I ever went to was Utopia. I was hooked. Research for a screenplay about the scene, and my own debaucherous nature, insisted that I go back again and again.
Read that last line over and pay attention this time, because there's the big DT secret: I became a regular. I started going to other clubs and saw the same faces. Not just club kids, but DJs and promoters. After a while, they noticed me and started letting me in for free.
When you go to a club, be friendly. Ask the doorman his name. Always greet the doormen and VIP hosts with a handshake, a smile and a "Hey, insert-name, what's up?" Yes, an extra $20 never hurts, but they get that all the time, plus hundreds more. The friendly angle works a thousand times better.
Let promoters know you're a regular and how much you enjoy their parties and clubs. You might get some passes or a drink ticket. You might get a business card. I've even seen promoters hand out VIP cards.
DJs also may hook you up. Aside from providing the music, a DJ is a club's most visible promotional tool: The club expects him to pack the house, and resident DJs are required to hand in guest lists. If you dig someone, be sure to go up to him and let him know you're a fan. You may get a CD, you might get some passes, or you only may get a smile.
Now, I'm not telling you to be pesky and start asking for free shit. I hate beggars, and so do club staff, promoters and DJs. But we like people who are genuine and charming.
There are other routes. If you've got money to burn, well then, be my guest and tip the door guy $100 and buy a bottle. If you're clever, you can get around that. Like I've said a thousand times before, the Internet is your friend. Sites like Vegas.com, Clubplanet.com and Napkinnights.com have guest-list sign-ups, as do online groups like VegasVIP on Yahoo. Vegashotspots.com offers an inclusive VIP package guaranteed to work, but it'll cost you. And, if you go to the club and promotion company websites, like Bowtown or Dubb Productions, they have mailing lists. Sign up. Most clubs' e-mail announcements have guest-list sign-ups. You really only have to sign up for a couple, because once you're on one mailing list, you're pretty much on all of them. Set up an e-mail account just for this stuff, too; it's just smart.
There you go. Have a friendly and charming demeanor, mixed with a heavy dose of clever. It's the philosophy I live by, and it works.
Antonio Llapur walks softly and carries a big club. E-mail him at [email protected].