When Creative Loafing puts on a party, it puts on a party! The HoneyPot (1507 E. 7th Avenue in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida) was the host for the fourth annual “Sensory Overload” party, a mix of live music, djs, circuit bending, models, artwork and booze. While not what I expected, it was an excellent collection of elements.
When I first heard about SO4.0, I imagined a combination of rave and art show. I had thought the art would be digitally created and printed and the music would be electronic/techno. When I walked in, I realized I was in for a whole different sense-probing experience.
From an art standpoint, the mediums included large LCD televisions showing off presentations and a series of lavishly dressed models on platforms. There were a few standing presentations of a non-digital and non-fleshy variety, but the real stars of the show were the costumes and the digital experience.
As I made my way through the main floor, I was surrounded by fog, dancing people and flashing lights. A screen hung on the wall showing people tweeting about the party, at the party, for everyone to see. After just leaving the Tweetup an hour before, I was beyond burnt out on the idea of twitter, but most people seemed to enjoy it.
The music was really exceptional. On the experimental electronic side, there were guys playing video games and using the soundtrack in their musical act. There was a band with a horn section and a real life drummer, a far cry from the drum machine and synthesizers I was expecting.
As I made my way up to the 2nd and 3rd floors, there was a whole different vibe to each. The 2nd floor was a very private and chill down tempo room with people lounging about and producers working the controls for the lights and sound of the main dance floor.
The 3rd floor was playing a mix of hip hop classics and video game controlled sounds. At one point, on DJ was using a modded Nintendo DS (perhaps it was a PSP??) to control the sound. Projectors displayed a Google Maps presentation on loop and several other monitors showed digital living room designs and marketing campaigns.
As the third floor got louder and more full, I made my way back downstairs. The place was packed, and for good reason. The party continued to rage on, showing new models, more artwork on the televisions and more fun music. Shortly after midnight, I ducked out but I hear it continued to rage on well into the night.
