Last Planet’s Drew Hale Talks DOCD 006 + More [Interview]

If you have partied in Toronto in the last 10 years, chances are you have had the luck to attend a Last Planet event. Started in 2012, Last Planet has been creating dance floor experiences with a focus on sound system based music and a DIY ethos.

FUXWITHIT caught up with Last Planet promoter Drew Hale to get under the hood of this phenomenal series of underground dance parties, DOCD a.k.a. Department of Civilian Dance. Drew, in collaboration with Kizmet32 and Night Shift, are kicking it up a notch for No. 006 in the series. Their next event features an all-female line-up this Friday (June 17th). Read on to get some insight into the scene.

What kind of music is Last Planet about, and who are some artists that have played past shows?

We glide across many genres including Jungle, UKG, Grime, 140, DnB, Dubstep, and House/Techno. The list of guests over the years has been a representation of some of the champions of the underground, old and new. Including: Alix Perez, Doc Scott, Youngsta, Conducta, Madam X, Khiva, J Kenzo, Sam Binga, Nikki Nair, Mythm, Anna Morgan, Flowdan, Librarian, Randall, and many, many more. Primarily, though, we focus on highlighting the local talent pool we have here in Toronto.

Why did you start DOCD?

Our primary focus has been showcasing the talent we have here in Toronto, both musically and artistically. We did it for mental health as well. The most rewarding part is the reaction from people that have been needing music in their lives again and we are able to provide that experience for them.

Multi-genre is always the format for DOCD and this one may have the most flavours yet.

You always curate an insane lineup; what is special about DOCD 006?

The lineup is all female on this one and we could not be happier with it. Toronto has some of the baddest women on this planet and the crowd will get to experience this on June 17th.

Full range of underground sonics. We have our dear friend Madam X coming and she will put the 40hz system to work. Bambii will be headlining the second room on Erebus System alongside Hangaelle and Minzi Roberta from Kuruzaa. Sofia Fly and Vaughan.

Multi-genre is always the format for DOCD and this one may have the most flavours yet.

What can you tell me about the ‘secret venue’ for 006?

We never announce the location until day of show and definitely feel like that adds to the excitement of each show. You never know where the night will lead you, just have to keep an open mind and wait for the email.

What are you most excited about?

The thing I get most excited about is being able to employ so many talented people. The team behind the scenes works so hard to make these events happen and the planning is months long.

Getting to watch the show come to life and the ideas we have become reality is the most satisfying part for me, personally.

There is a narrative playing out behind the scenes that not everyone has caught onto yet, but that each event reveals a little bit more. Excited to show Toronto what we have been working on.

What can people expect?

People can expect to be transported into the world of DOCD, which is driven by the unity of Music & Art. Big sound systems. Multi-room experience. Art installations. And good people. We put a lot of effort into each production and none are the same.

There is a narrative playing out behind the scenes that not everyone has caught onto yet, but each event reveals a little bit more. Excited to show Toronto what we have been working on.

How do you get tickets?

You have to get on our mailing list to get tickets and wait for the email.

Check out the DOCD 005 aftermovie (produced by yours truly), and keep up with this group of beautiful freaks via the links below.

To follow the two incredible sound systems, partners on delivering unbeatable sound:

@40hzsoundsystem

@erebus_soundsystem

Madam X and Bambii are definitely going to throw down some intensity:

@djmadamx

@bam_bii

A taste of what you’ll hear…

ness lee and other Toronto visual artists will be showcasing installation art, curated by Kizmet:

@nesslee

Watch out for our next interview later this summer with DOCD visual sage Kizmet, where we’ll dig into the art installations and narrative backstory of the series and future plans!