A local event collective is giving Wollongong nightlife a makeover with the introduction of a new DJ night.
Deja-Vu hosted the first Face Off night on Saturday, featuring a 360 degree stage setup at the Grand Hotel.
Deja-Vu Director Hayden Bliss said Face Off is the catalyst for a new era of clubbing culture in Wollongong.
“I feel like the scene has been too much of the same for too long,” Mr Bliss said.
“It’s the same thing every single week and I think people want that to change.”
Saturday nights have been hosted by Deja-Vu at The Grand for over a decade, but Face Off is the newest addition to the courtyard.
Face Off has been approved for a second installment after the success of last weekend, with organisers aiming for an even bigger production to encourage crowd participation.
“They don’t want to feel like there’s a disconnect between themselves and the artists,” Mr Bliss said.
“They want to really get involved, so we’ve got some ways to really increase that level of interaction and production.”
Marketing Manager Noah Yates said Deja-Vu is a growing brand that aima to establish Wollongong as a key player in Australian clubbing.
“It opens the possibility that Deja-Vu can be more than just partying in the smokers’ area,” Mr Yates said.
“It’s a produced experience where people can experience Sydney-level nights in Wollongong.”
The event featured a stacked lineup of DJs in a Boiler Room-style setup, complete with custom light fixtures and programming.
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Future events will aim to showcase an expanded range of DJs and music styles in order to reach a wider audience.
“It’s going to help grow the music culture,” Mr Yates said.
“The more of these large-scale events that people come to see, the more music they’re introduced to.”
The Wollongong community has expressed excitement for events from Deja-Vu like Face Off.
Attendee Kalani Francis said the event was a positive addition to Wollongong nightlife for everyone involved.
“It brings a sense of community because we’re all there for the same reason” Ms Francis said.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a DJ or a regular person at the club.”
Deja-Vu continues to host Saturday nights at the Grand Hotel between its spotlighted events.
