There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when a venue just gets it. Over the last couple of months, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Charlie’s Star Lounge from both sides of the stage—first as a head in the crowd, and most recently, behind the deck as Downpoly.
The systems and equipment for Downpoly all set up and ready for the show. The Model 4 Organ on top, and the Models 4P and III below tied together tracking MIDI.
_Vibe
My introduction to the venue’s monthly Caustic Beats night in February was exactly what I needed. There’s nothing like walking into a dimly lit, wood-paneled room, grabbing a perfectly chilled Guinness, and losing yourself in three back-to-back sets of experimental electronics. The atmosphere EV and the crew have cultivated is inclusive, gritty, and undeniably cool. It’s the kind of place where the bartenders are as much a part of the soul of the night as the music itself.
The bar and others enjoying the show
_Experience
When EV reached out to ask me to play the 3/17 Caustic Beats showcase, I was extremely excited. As a performer with classic fragile computers the logistics can make or break a night, but the process was seamless. EV and the team is incredibly easy to work with—professional, communicative, and clearly dedicated to the local scene.
Moving a bunch of 80s microcomputers with various musical gear isn't an easy process and can be time consuming sometimes. The load in times and sound checks gave me all the time I needed to get things setup for a fantastic show.
Then there’s the gear. For an electronic artist, sound is everything. Charlie’s runs a house system that is a total dream—clear, punchyhighs and a low-end that actually moves air without muddying the mix. While I monitor with the cans, I was able to feel my mix from the floor, and it gave me a good experience monitoring even without wedges.
Downpoly playing Live
_Visuals
I also have to give a massive shoutout to Jim!. He handled the visuals during the February show I attended and did a phenomenal job. When it came time for my set on 3/17, he was a total pro and superaccommodating, letting me run my own custom visuals to pair with the sound of my new album. Having a tech team that is this awesome and flexible makes a world of difference in delivering a complete experience.
Wendy
Whether I’m leaning against the bar with a cold drink checking out the sounds from yalk DX, DigiMechanoid, Doctors Vs. Cigarettes, Orgullo Primitivo and others or dialing in a set on that booming system, Charlie’s Star Lounge - Caustic Beats feels like a second home. The energy from the crowd and the quality of the production make it one of THE premier spots for undergroundmusic in Dallas right now.
I’m already looking forward to the next time I can get back on that floor and I hope to see you there too!
