MMC #109 Report: SCENE IS BELIEVING
Take a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what really goes down at a Music Makers Club (MMC) event—and how OCA students get stuck into the action while they’re still studying. Written by one of our crew, it’s a fly-on-the-wall snapshot of MMC #109, our latest bi-monthly night, where students didn’t just watch things unfold—they made them happen. From handling real industry guests to managing last-minute lineup changes and running live production, this event was packed with hands-on lessons you can’t get from lectures alone. It’s a real example of how learning at OCA gets loud, fast, and fully plugged into the real world.
The anticipation for MMC #109 was evident even before the doors opened, with a higher-than-usual run on pre-sale tickets. The first allocation sold out within a week, and the second within two, demonstrating the highly supportive and committed nature of Decaf's choice of programming from their scene—a pleasant surprise that initially left our student marketing and sales analysts scrambling to identify the driving force behind this positive impact.
The day began with a significant opportunity for students: a music-sharing session with EMI's A&R Manager, Helena Ho. This early event added considerable weight to the day, heightening the sense of reality and the stakes involved in being an active participant in artist development.
The real-world education continued immediately, with a lineup change, which unfolded during soundcheck. Hayley, our student Event Coordinator, had to swiftly adapt to an unexpected request from Theo Katzman and venue management. To avoid disruption to Theo's quiet, intimate sold-out show on the main stage, which was scheduled to overlap with Comar's rambunctious full-band set, Comar's slot needed to be pulled forward from 8:35 PM to 7:55 PM,. Hayley's quick action and collaboration with the OAF production manager and the artists ensured a smooth restructuring of the lineup, which was then communicated across social media. This experience was a raw, real-world lesson for OCA students, exposing them to the realities of live events, from lineup changes to last-minute artist arrivals.
As the doors opened and the first acts took the stage, red and blue lights washed over the Gallery Bar, helping everyone settle into the evening's four diverse sets. The crowd was dynamic, with some drawn close to the stage, interacting directly with the artists, while others mingled towards the back, soaking in the collective energy. Calliobel’s and LXGCY's crowd work kept the energy buzzing. The Comar set saw palpable rush from his supporters, who poured down the stairs to make it in time for his first song. Student crew member Matt Newton, stationed at the door, expertly managed the enthusiastic influx, ensuring an orderly entry while getting everyone in for the set. Throughout the night, Student Production Coordinator Pat Crawford deserves commendation for expertly keeping the sets running on time amidst the dynamic flow of the evening.
The highlight of the night, of course, was our student Decaf's set, featuring four songs from his new EP. Decaf’s performance, personal and aspirational, drew in his family, friends, and scene members alike. The subtle, lower lighting perfectly accentuated the lo-fi and reimagined boom-bap sound, embracing hazy aesthetics and enhancing the lyrical depth. Decaf's conscious rap lyrics and DIY ethos truly reflected a commitment to authenticity, resonating deeply with his highly supportive audience. The night's soundtrack was a deep cut of classic boom bap, dark fairy core, and raucous band-driven beats.
The event saw a strong turnout, with 52 pre-sales and 2 on-the-door tickets, totaling 54 attendees. Students actively participated in the event, not only engaging with the performances but also passively observing the compelling dynamics of a truly supportive scene.
Music Makers Club #109 was a resounding success, particularly in its ability to guide students through the artistic and commercial considerations of programming and promotion as well as managing emergent situations. The event not only fostered a fantastic vibe but also successfully covered venue costs and managed to pay each artist approximately $100 each, all achievable at just 45% capacity in the Gallery Bar. This outcome is a testament to the effective planning and the overwhelming support from the student body and the wider community.