Los Angeles had plenty of parties happening this past New Years Eve that made the city an easy choice location to bring in the new year. One event any Angeleno couldn't really go without hearing about was Rhonda International's annual Rhondapolis NYE adventure. Located at The Standard in Downtown Los Angeles, the promotion of a complete hotel takeover with open bar, stellar music, a rooftop party, and even the option to book a room (for those who did not want to brave the road immediately after the party) made this particular event a promising option that was even cited by LA Weekly as one of the city's most anticipated NYE round ups. The folks over at Rhonda International thought this one through and with a loyal following of music-loving party animals notorious for embracing all things fabulous, glamorous, and extravagant, Rhondapolis NYE 2015 was set up to be an adult playground not likely to flop.
One of the main reasons for that was the talent invited. Although there were a handful of names that mirrored last year's line-up such as Derrick May, Peanut Butter Wolf, and Perseus, it was the standout additions this year with Martyn, Jimmy Edgar, and Hot Chip (DJ) that reinvigorated the potential of the night for me. Even with last minute artist cancelations, the line-up had a keen sense of roundedness. Wether you preferred tropical-house vibes, gritty house tracks, or even a bit of the good ol' Detroit warehouse jams, this was an event with a little bit of everything for everybody. And to find all of that under one roof is not easy in LA.
Reaching the Standard was easy enough, and the staffing outside had everything organized. I was wrist banded, let in, and had my coat check arrangements ready in less than five minutes. The District Prime floor had a proper warm-up vibe that was working up the crowd in nice fashion. It didn't take long to reach any of the open bar stations that, notably, had a fine selection of beverages to choose from, but by 11:15 I wanted to make the second floor to catch Jimmy Edgar do his thing.
Getting up to The Hyperdeck room proved to be one of the night's challenges, however. Security was regulating the escalators to prevent a swarm of bodies going up there all at once, but after 25 minutes of seeing about 30 people come down the escalators without a single person being allowed to go up, I began to wonder if I'd even make his set on time. By the time I ascended and made my way from the Sektor Reflektor room to The Hyperdeck I was surprised to find Jimmy Edgar getting down in an empty room. Now, I've seen J. Edgar at sold out events in the States and in European venues, maybe more people would have had the opportunity to enjoy the first half of his set if lines would have been managed more accordingly.
By the time the clock struck midnight and all the champagne cups had been emptied things certainly picked up in The Hyperdeck, but I must admit that the Madonna-friendly vibes happening next door at Sektor Reflektor were always grooving. When Martyn made his way behind the decks, the floor sparkled in a special way, needless to say. Reaching the rooftop was a whole different experience that gave the citizens of Rhondapolis a spectacular view of the city while Etienne De Crecy and Moon Boots grooved into the night. There were even blankets provided in case you got a bit chilly out there (a nice touch).
Regardless of where you spent your night, the common consensus was that everyone was having a good time and feeling good. Personally, The Hyperdeck is what really made the night for me. Once the room got filled up with a moving crowd, the stage's neon-themed decor really came to life while the DJ's there dropped a grittier style of house and techno that fragranced the night splendidly. But that's simply what you get with the folks at Rhonda international, and it's what they consistently do best for the city party-goers.
(all photo credit to Rony's Photobooth)
