'Tiswas Steps Up with +1
by Matt Friedlander

For as long as I've been in New York, it has been the venue where Brit-pop, post-punk and indie all conglomerated into a wonderful euphony of a Saturday night. It is where the DJs can make you dance to songs worth dancing to. It is where, whether you are a regular or a first-timer, you know the hosts, you know the bartenders, and you may have even been briefed on the bouncer's surly, straight-outta-Brooklyn demeanor. It's fun, it's sweaty, it's pop music at its finest- it's 'Tiswas at Don Hill's.

But on the 24th of January, after attending fairly regularly through its sways in popularity, I have never seen the place so packed.

'Tiswas teamed up with +1 Management / Public Relations, brought Cityzen along for the ride, and flaunted the band that put them on the map for a night of debauchery and dancing you could never imagine. If you were there, you know. If you missed it, or if you didn't know about stellastarr*'s surprise performance at midnight, here's a basic treasure map of the evening:

- Enter Don Hill's and receive your greeting from the lovely Gina Ragosta, including a courtesy +1 badge

- Make your way to the bar through the entourage of Jonny Kaps and Nat Hays, the top guns of +1 Management, and their golden boys (and girl) stellastarr*

- Wrap around the rooms to find aspiring show biz big-wigs Craig Cook, Andy Shaw, and Melanie Rodriguez, drinking and generally looking cool.

- The industry crowd made appearances as well, despite the show being kept secret from RCA. Matt from Greener, Matthew Eller, acclaimed DJ/producer and event coordinator for Astralwerks, and the notorious Nite-Bob, tour manager for Cityzen coverboys Silvertide, were all in attendance as well.

- Make your way towards the stage. Inouk, Ambulance Ltd., and stellastarr* take the room to ludicrous speed. Jumping at the front are Jessica Cohen, Audrey from melodynelson.com, Jasper and his trusty lens from jenyk.com, Miss NewYorkDoll.com Giulia, Ultragrrrl and that very very tall redhead who you'll see at every stellastarr* show, throwing everyone and anyone out of his way.

- Bands play, bands attend. Gerry Aerial Love Feed, Matt and Doug GoStation, Patent Pending, and Doug Dirty On Purpose were clearly seen bobbing their heads. Not to mention rockstarhelper extraordinaire Erica Bals.

- The true heroes of the night rounded things out with extraordinary spins and fabulous smiles. On your way out the door, tip your hat to the legendary DJ Tony Fletcher, co-hosts Nick Marc and Justine, and Bobby the Bartender.

- Get a falafel sandwich, pop two Advil and run it through your mind one more time when you wake up, hungover as hell.

Congratulations to +1, for living the dream, making it happen, saying "what the fuck" and making their move.