Founders: Nicole From Sub.Mission

Founders: Nicole From Sub.Mission

27 January, 2012 | 3.52PM

• Written by: BeatportSean
• Filed under: Music News: denver, founders, sub.mission

We here over at Beatport are long overdue in extending honors to one of the most crucial figures in dance-music culture: the promoter—the person whose vision creates a local outlet for fans to come together to celebrate the music they love. The culture wouldn’t even exist without their support. Without the sounds and sights soaked up locally, today’s producers and DJs would be without one of the most crucial sources of inspiration.

In order to uncover the story behind producers’ passions, we’re reaching out.

The first stop in our journey lies in Beatport’s own backyard, in Denver, Colorado. Nicole Cacciavillano is head of Denver’s biggest and best-known dubstep entity, Sub.Mission. Her events attract hundreds of party-goers with popular acts like Flux Pavilion, Borgore, Excision, and Datsik, while also servicing the most rigid dubstep die-hards with sounds from Hatcha, Distance and Appleblim. As they come up on their their fifth anniversary, we caught up with Nicole to see what it is that lies behind Sub.Mission’s success.

What turned you into a fan of electronic music?

Besides the obvious, which is the bass, I would have to say I loved being a part of the underground scene, the family vibe and experience at every show.

What were you doing before you started as a promoter?

I have been a teacher for the past 10 years. I worked with students with severe disabilities for five years, and then the last five I worked with at-risk students focusing on behavior modification.

How long have you been involved with promoting events? How did it all start?

Sub.mission started April 7, 2007. So, almost five years. Sub.mission started out of pure love for the dubstep sound. We could not afford to fly to the UK every weekend, so we decided to bring the sound to us.

What was your first event like? Who were the performers? How was the turnout?

The first Sub.mission event was with Nick Argon at Kasmo’s. That was the first and only show that we have recorded, and I still listen to it weekly. Denver is a very hip city, and the first show went extremely well. We packed the house, line outside and everything.

How have the crowds changed since your first event?

The crowds have gotten bigger, that’s for sure! Our first year we would average about 70 people at a show; now, our Tuesdays average about 300 and our one-offs 1000. Our NYE show was the largest single-day event in Colorado history, with 11,000 people in attendance. Besides the increase in size, I have also noticed an increase in the younger population as well.

What performers do you have in store for some of your upcoming shows? How do you decide on your next performers?

For 2012 we partnered up with Mala (DMZ and Deep Medi) and Distance (Chestplate), and we’re also continuing to work with Caspa and Dub Police as well as Juakali. We are involved in several nights—our proper events will all showcase where dubstep started. February 25 we have Tunnidge, Kush Arora and Juakali working on something special for our five-year in April.

We also work with Beta and reload for Bassic Fridays and have Urban Assault, Noah D, Pinch, Joe Nice, Kill The Noise, Dub Police Tour and many more to come.

Electronic Tuesdays showcases local talent as well as gives us a chance to showcase some out-of-the-box talent such as Pearson Sound, DBridge, and Slugabed in the next few months.

Who are your resident DJs? What do you look for when finding local talent to play at your shows?

The Sub.mission residents are Coult 45, Dayquill, Dirt Monkey, Dodger, Ishe, RumbleJunkie, Subliminal, Thorazine and Zeno. My residents must be talented and skilled DJs and producers. However, I am more concerned in finding a group of core people who love this shit as much as I do.

What’s the hardest thing about throwing events?

Not being able to dance as much as I used to… I am pretty hands-on during shows—my job is to make sure everyone from artist to patron is having a great time.

What’s the most rewarding thing about throwing events?

Meeting some of my idols… being able to see the moment when dubstep hits kids like it hit me… creating an experience.

What are your most memorable nights?

Mala’s first appearance, our one-year anniversary show, Dub Police at Cervantes (the first time); Bass Invasions have been insane, NYE was a blast… That’s a few, but you can bet there is something I take home from each show.

What advice would you give someone thinking about starting his or her own event? What are some things people should avoid doing?

Integrity is key. People should avoid doing this for money. To do it right, it’s about the sound and culture.

What ventures are in the future for Sub.Mission?

We have a mountain tour planned, X Games show, SXSW showcase, but mostly want to work more with nature and the mountains of Colorado. Homegrown, baby!

Learn more about Denvers’ Sub.Mission crew and events at subdotmission.com.

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