Half Baked, London's seminal Sunday party, is turning six this month. Meoko talked to Bruno Ciaramicoli, one of the two founders about the forthcoming birthday party, whilst also recalling some of Half Baked historical moments.
Half Baked has passed through quite a few developmental stages, from being a new born underground event held in warehouses, it has grown into a full-blown, full-scale event that encompasses a booking agency as well as a record label. Yet it has managed to stay true to some of its original traits while also managing to grow into something more substantial. Half Baked is currently venturing out into the world, which is very exciting to say the least. Those bicycles – making up part of the deco since day one – have gone a long way.
The sixth year celebration sees some of the finest Half Baked guest DJs return to Studio 338, a place which has held quite a few Half Baked parties over the last year. This year's line-up is an extension of the former years, building on strong and lost lasting ties with DJs and artists who are forming part of the extended family. For example Zip, Birdsmakingmachine and Seuil, all backed up by residents like Robin Ordell and Greg Brockmann will be playing, and of course, there is the unusual shenagins of workshops, live art and photobooths.
What's the story behind Half Baked? How did it all start and why on Sunday?
Bruno Ciaramicoli: Half Baked started on my 25th birthday party. Remi and I had this idea of taking a carpark instead of a club or other usual venues, called the Fairchild arches, and for a long time after that party everyone kept asking us to do it again! We were all working during the weekend, so Sunday was the beginning of our weekend and that's why we picked that day.
What made you choose the name, wasn't there some David Chapelle stuff of the same name? Just googled... :)
Hahahah no, the name Half Baked came from arriving to Sunday afternoon "half" baked from the whole weekend, sorry no fancy references ;)
You once said that Half Baked is "catering for people who want to party outside the boundaries of clubs and bars." What's the philosophy behind Half Baked and how does it differ from other parties held in clubs?
Bruno Ciaramicoli: When we started Half Baked it was very easy to find carparks, warehouses and other "unusual" spaces so after the first party we kind of made it our signature to do our parties in alternative venues. It is getting harder though, so sometimes we've had to compromise. However, we've remained true to our original philosophy of having a more rounded artistic orientation so you'll always find art installations, live art, workshops and original decorations at our parties.
What's the secret behind Half Baked's success from day one?
Bruno Ciaramicoli: It started as a big Birthday party, so it was (and still is) about friends, family, love and our passion for music and really just having a lot of fun together! I guess that's what makes Half Baked very special.
What's the musical concept of Half Baked?
Bruno Ciaramicoli: We're rooted in house music, but we've often dipped into techno and more minimal sounds with some of our lineups. We don't really like to limit ourselves to one particular sound, our interests lie in many different genres and styles of music and so to keep things different and interesting we like to change it from party to party.
Did you ever imagine that Half Baked would turn six, and how do you feel about this progression of time? How did you choose the line-up for this Birthday?
Bruno Ciaramicoli: Well we didn't really think about it at the beginning, but yes kind of. Our vision is to work hard to keep it up and growing because it's our "baby" and it's what we love to do. Especially seeing it going worldwide has made us all very proud and even more motivated! This year's lineup is all about our closest friends and artists that we feel are part of the Half Baked family.
Do you feel it's hard to stay true to the self-made roots so many years down the line? Do you still have self-made deco (like the bicycle and mannequin)?
Bruno Ciaramicoli: Yes, it's very hard indeed to keep our roots alive – you know like the issues with finding new unusual venues and all the licensing issues that we as promoters face every month - it's become very challenging but we can only adapt to those changes and keep our core concept solid. With regards to the bike – I cannot believe you're asking me that question, hahaha... Yes, it's still the same bike from six years ago, just like the Half Baked sign! The Mannequin is currently on holiday, but he's doing well and is thinking about coming back soon ;)
Do you feel it's hard to stay afloat in London? What's your vision of the future for Half Baked and what's coming up next?
Bruno Ciaramicoli: Yes and no, we have so many new people coming who are interested in what we do and are keen to get involved, but also many of our older friends that still attend, even though it may not be as regularly as in the past (they would never miss the Birthday though!). For us the vision of the future, is the Half Baked family spreading across borders to different countries and becoming bigger. Some of those new friends we only see once a year, but it's every year so we're looking forward to every single showcase we do to reunite with them around the globe! For the future of Half Baked, we are planning some very special events and line ups for our friends and family in the UK and worldwide. We have also quite a few surprises for the upcoming releases on Half Baked Records, our record label, with... well, it's a surprise, right! Stay tuned ;)
MEOKO is offering one lucky person the chance to win two tickets to this truly amazing event. To win, simply email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with 'Birthday Baked' as the subject heading, and tell us what flavor cake should be (half) baked ready for the 6th birthday celebrations!
Words by Katrin Ritcher
Find the Half Baked 6th Birthday Resident Advisor event here.
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