Today we’d like to introduce you to Javi Nunez.
Javi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Well, Honestly, Hemlock was never meant to be anything more than a 1-off event for my Birthday. I used my Birthday as an excuse. An excuse to throw an event with no motive, no expectations, and no agenda, except for the one goal of being able to play the music I wanted to play, surrounded by the people I wanted to play it for, that’s it. With that in mind, I approached Allen of Blonde Bar and pitched him the idea. I’m sure he didn’t have a clue as to where I was going with it, but, he took a chance on me and said: ” Let’s do it.”
About a month later, I did the night on my birthday, and it was a lot of fun. I played what I wanted to while being surrounded by my close friends, even Danny Fuentes of Lethal Amounts came down from LA to guest DJ with me. It was a special night, and that was it, well, at least I thought it was. I guess that night resonated with a few and people wanted more, so a couple of weeks later met up with Allen, Robin Roth, and Jamie Ryckman, and decided to make this an ongoing event.
From then on, we have been creating events focusing on old school Goth, Deathrock, and Post Punk. We have also been providing a home for Bands that would normally overlook San Diego as a viable place to play, and not only bringing them here but giving them the best possible reception while they are here. We want to let them know that San Diego is more than just a laid back surf town with good burritos, that there is a healthy and thriving music scene here for the dark and obscure, as well as good burritos.
Hemlock has since become something special to me, and I can confidently say that we have had the pleasure of working with amazing bands, DJ’s, and venues, all while remaining true and not deviating from the initial goal of playing the music we want to play, surrounded by those we want to play it for.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If anything, I’d say it would be selecting which band we would like to play. There is so much good music out there it is sometimes difficult to narrow it down.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about CLUB HEMLOCK – what should we know?
We are a unique event that strives to differentiate ourselves by the music we play, the bands we book, and the free merch we provide at every event. From tees, silkscreened posters, to stickers, I’ve got my merch game down, and it is quite apparent with every Hemlock event.
I mean, free event tees and posters at every event, you don’t really see that. I do the free merch because I want every event to be special. Yes, it costs money, yes, it takes a lot of time and labor, and yes, I don’t always want to do it, but, it takes that extra sacrifice and dedication to set yourself apart and really carve out an identity.
I’m sure bands don’t always want to get together and practice night after night or dedicate the time and money it takes to travel, but, they do it. They do it for the love of it, and that is why I do what I do for my events, to reciprocate that love and dedication to the music the best way I know how.
Plus, I know it means a lot to those that come out and support us, from the loyal patrons to the bands. It’s important to always have something to take away to commemorate the night, to be able to look back and say, “yeah, I was there, I remember that night, and I had a blast.”
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have a lot of strong mentors. I’ll try and keep short and sweet without having this turn into an Oscars acceptance speech.
Hemlock wouldn’t exist without the help of Robin Roth and Jamie Ryckman. Without them, I would have probably ended the night and started competitive eating or taken up Checkers. My DJ mentors in Vaughn Avakian and Aeroc Atone. These guys showed me the lay of the land, and from day one have always been there, willing and able to answer all my redundant questions regarding gear,DJing, music, and etiquette. Blonde Bar and Bar Pink for taking a chance on Hemlock. My business partner at AKA Jason Feather for tolerating me making merch for all these events. Also, all the beautiful faces that come out and support, it’s you guys who really make this event what it truly is. 
There has been a recent resurgence of interest and good momentum in San Diego for the dark and obscure, and that wouldn’t be possible without the help of promoters like DJ Disorder, FN1, Mario Orduno, Anthony Skeeter, Camilla Robina, Errol Fritz, Daddy Grimm Beatz, and Robin Roth, just to name a few. SD is getting some shine, and it’s all because of these hard-working individuals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.galleryaka.com/
- Instagram: @hemlock_sd
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/clubhemlock
Image Credit:
Oscar Aranda
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