HOT HOW-TO THROWING A PARTY ON ZOOM
Logic might dictate that parties would cease when social distancing kicks in — but humans are resilient, and have taken the party to you. Here’s how to get the vibe right.
1. DECIDE ON A BACKGROUND
If you’re on Zoom, you have the entire web to pull from for your backdrop image — but it’s better to just make your room look nice. Make your bed, find some on-theme decorations, and make sure the lighting hits your most flattering angles.
2. FIX YOUR AUDIO
As a conference-call technology, Zoom is, sadly, not designed for DJs. The platform’s default settings seem to prioritize making sure everyone is heard — not ideal when everyone’s there to listen to one thing, together. Make sure everyone’s muted, and set a test run before the big event.
3. RECRUIT HELP
Finding friends to work the virtual door is key. “I’ve been at a party where trolls have bombed Zoom with explicit images,” says Rolling
Stone’s Suzy Exposito, who hosts a Zoom party called Emo Nite. “We have designated bouncers who take out the trash as needed.”
4. KEEP GOING!
Hosting a party can be a stressful experience in the best of times. Online, it can be a nightmare — but don’t give up, even when there are only a few attendees. “I get caught up in playing,” says DJ D-Nice, whose Club Quarantine sets can run up to nine hours. “Had I ended at two hours, Rihanna wouldn’t have been there.”