Dreaming of a White (Rabbit) Christmas: 33 45's Christmas Eve Party

It's been a topsy-turvy year for the people behind White Rabbit, the electronic music club that started 2010 with a new beginning in Sanlitun yet finds itself looking for a new home as the year closes out. One of the success stories was the club's establishment of its "33 45" party series, which has kept the Rabbit team busy with parties in other Beijing venues and around China while the hunt for a new club location continues.

As he got started decorating the tree at Yuanfen New Media Art Space for their 33 45 White XXX-mas party on Christmas Eve, we asked White Rabbit/33 45 crew member Thomas Gaestadius to evaluate 2010 and what we can expect on December 24.

Tell us about your 33 45 White XXX-mas Party.
It's a Christmas party, old-school style, produced by 33 45 in a very nice venue where nobody else has done a party like this before. I think people will feel it's a fresh new place – and of course the music will be of the highest caliber.

So what will be Christmassy about it?
It's a party to celebrate Christmas, but not as cheesy as the normal Gongti clubs usually do it. But for sure we will have some nice decorations to make people feel the Christmas spirit and some ‪glühwein‬.

Who’s playing?
Zhi Qi, who just came back from playing in Paris and Berlin, along with Jiong Jiong, Yang Bing and Donald Summer.

You’ve said you’re excited about the venue – why?
The venue is usually a gallery, and one person even lives there, so it's a space with a lot of personality. It also looks really nice, with big skylight windows. It even has a pool, but I think it’ll be too cold to take a swim.

People will need a good reason to come out in the cold – what’s the best reason to come out for your party?
We can offer a combination of the more relaxed and music-loving people, the venue, the more exclusive location away from the over-commercial Christmas scene.

2010 started brightly for electronic music in Beijing, but it’s fair to say there have been a few setbacks. Looking back, has the year been a disappointment?
For sure there have been some setbacks, with two great venues like Lantern and White Rabbit closing. However, new things have also entered the scene – The M Agency and SOS have both been doing some good parties lately. One thing you learn in this city is that a lot of things go up and down and anything can happen.

What positives have there been?
Overall, it has been a good year. 33 45 has been very successful, with lots of great parties around China. And of course, we had some great events at White Rabbit – visitors like Rhythm & Sound, Ben Klock, Til Von Sein & Chopstick – and The Syndicate boys always put on a great show.

What’s one thing you’re glad you did this year?
Move in with my girlfriend. That was a big and quick decision, but it turned out to be a great one.

And one thing you regret doing this year?
Not going on more hikes with Beijing Hikers, but that's because my girlfriend doesn't want to go.

What’s 2011 going to bring for Thomas Gaestadius?
Luck, money and fame.

Got a New Year’s resolution?
Lose some weight. The winter eating started early this year, so I’ll have to hit the gym a lot in 2011. And have more daytime pictures on my Facebook.

If you could only have one track for company on New Year’s Eve, what would it be?
“Miura” by Metro Area. A perfect mix of house and disco that is timeless. Played on a good soundsystem, where you can perfectly hear the bass, nothing beats that as a dance track.

Who would you invite to your ideal Christmas/New Year party?
Snooki. She would totally create a scene and spice up the party. Pamela Anderson, for the same reason as Snooki, plus she’s hot. And Santa, if he has time.

And who wouldn’t be welcome?
Jackie Chan, because he is busy being everywhere else.

Finally, give us a three-track playlist to keep us warm this December.
“Ignition (remix)” by R. Kelly. I can play that song over and over, but at our parties it's a good closing song. Two Door Cinema Club’s album Tourist History – the whole album just kicks ass, it’s impossible to pick one track. And “Things Are Gonna Get Easier” by Low Motion Disco.

Thomas brings the Christmas cheer at the 33 45 XXXmas Party on Dec 24. Yuanfen New Media Art Space, 798 Art District. RMB 100. 10pm-5am.