Behind the Scenes of KEMO CLUB: The Philosophy and Grit of Organizing

Following the end of KEMO CLUB Vol.4, organizer SORAMI shared insights into the tasks he manages and the guidelines that shape the event.

Here's a closer look at what happens behind the scenes to keep multi-person projects running and events thriving.

1. Staff Enjoyment Creates the Ultimate Guest Experience

Keeping staff motivated matters more than anything. There is a strong belief that if the staff isn't truly enjoying the creative process, that energy will reach the audience. Attendees are very perceptive; they notice the expressions, attitudes, and atmosphere from the crew. If the crew is having fun, the event will be better. It's that simple.

2. Three Policies for DJ Booking

KEMO CLUB has specific standards for selecting and booking DJs:

• Sociability and Musical Balance: We look for DJs who can energize the event and read the crowd for the right track choices. It's important they can manage pacing, knowing when to build energy and when to let dancers catch their breath.
• Preventing Mismatches Through Dialogue: During the booking process, we communicate three key points:
  1. Custom System: KEMO CLUB uses its own high-quality audio streaming system, which is different from standard platforms like TopazChat.
  2. Global Audience: Even though the event occurs in Japan, our attendees come from all over the globe. This requires musical selections that appeal to a diverse audience, rather than focusing on any specific subculture (e.g., anime songs).
  3. A Promise of Commitment: While we cannot provide financial compensation, we commit to promoting the event and building the performer's brand. "If you're serious, I will be serious." This promise is always exchanged.

3. Talking About Music, Thoroughly

We believe that since this is a DJ event, we should properly discuss the music. By gathering three recommended tracks from each DJ in advance and sharing them with attendees, we create a pathway for guests to understand whose music they're hearing and what kind of sound to expect. This helps them enjoy the night with confidence.

4. Building Promotional Infrastructure

To quickly turn ideas into reality, all promotional text and assets are templated and stored in one easily accessible location for the entire team. Creating an infrastructure where team members can always find the required data keeps things moving fast.

5. Designing the Streaming (OBS) System

For streaming operations, the focus is on creating systems that are easy to share and pass on to others:

• Twitch Streaming: The user interface is built so that operators can run the show by selecting scenes from top to bottom. All assets come from the network, and a single JSON file allows anyone to replicate the exact broadcast layout.

• VJ Streaming: Where video compositing is incomplete, we display a clear warning message stating "NOT CONFIGURED." Since an all-black screen makes it hard to determine whether the setup is complete, this visual fail-safe helps avoid mistakes.

6. Multi-Tasking on Event Night

During a live event, the organizer uses the following tools simultaneously, serving as the central command hub:

• Unity: Observing the venue and monitoring attendee movements
• TeraTerm: Real-time server and operational controls
• Discord: Communicating closely with staff
• OBS: Managing the video broadcast
• Lighting Control Tool: Adjusting the venue's lighting effects
• Yahoo! Real-Time Search: Tracking social media buzz and detecting issues in real time

Using these tools together, the organizer manages all troubleshooting behind the scenes to ensure that neither attendees nor performers encounter unnecessary "noise." Protecting the quality of the live experience so that every performer can deliver 100% of their potential is the organizer's main responsibility.

Finally.

...It's a lot of hard work. But for my personal growth and to share these practices with others in the future, I want to keep watching as something even more wonderful takes shape. That's my hope, and that's why I do all this. The world has many professionals who likely view these principles as common knowledge. But if I can introduce those "obvious" best practices from outside and return them to our community, that's what brings me the greatest joy. So I will keep at it.