New owner brings fresh air to Yot Club
Raglan’s Yot Club will be pumping this weekend, as its new owner uses his experience to bring big names to the venue.
The new owner of Raglan’s Yot Club is breathing fresh air into the iconic venue with a double-header weekend featuring New Zealand music royalty P Digsss and PNC.
Andy Meek, owner of Karangahape Road’s Ink Bar, bought the Yot Club in December, 2013, after the lease on his Auckland nightclub Coherent ran out.
“I was looking for somewhere I could do more of what I wanted,” he said. “More bands basically”
Meek took control after realising the potential of the club and moved to Raglan with his wife, Fiona, and two children.
“The Raglan lifestyle is amazing; we’re here for good,” said Meek.
“I’ve only been back [to Auckland] once in three months. And that was for the Big Day Out.”
A varied mix of local and out-of-town talent combined with a new policy to open during the day means Meek has experienced a successful first few months.
“I’ve had a lot of support from the locals,” said Meek.
Raglan resident Jacob Fyalka is one such supporter.
“There’s always an awesome crowd for getting loose on the dancefloor,” said Fyalka.
“I went to Guitarwolf and it was one of the best times I have had in my entire life.
“I like a good mosh and Raglan always comes correct. “
Meek credits his contacts gained through his experience in the nightclub industry for the calibre of acts such as State of Mind and Raiza Biza performing at the Yot Club in early 2014.
“But it’s also the little things,” said Meek.
A focus on high quality audio equipment and experienced sound technicians means bigger acts are confident to play the Yot Club.
“When the artist turns up and they know that everything’s mint, that’s my ultimate aim.”
One such act is Shapeshifter frontman P Digsss who headlines the Yot Club on Friday night.
Supporting P Digsss is local coffee guru Bobo ten Broek aka DJ Strange Attractor.
Saturday sees the Rip Curl NZ Pro Series after-party at the Yot Club with People of Paris supporting Kiwi hip-hop icon PNC.
There will also be a screening of Missing; a film chronicling the 21 day journey undertaken by world surfing champion Mick Fanning and directed by world-renowned filmmaker Taylor Steele.
