On the 1989 single “The Last of the Famous International Playboys,” British pop star and former Smiths frontman Morrissey sings, “I am not naturally evil/ Such things I do/ Just to make myself more attractive to you/ Have I failed?” To answer his question, Morrissey has certainly not failed Washington-based promotions group FYM Productions or its The Cure vs. The Smiths dance party known as Cryfest.
Subtitled “The Crybaby Championship of the World,” the popular dance night has consistently drawn 800-plus attendees since its move to the Black Cat in Washington after the 2002 closure of it previous venue — the Metro Café. Now in its ninth year of existence, Cryfest will take place again at the Black Cat this Saturday.
The event, which exclusively plays the music and remixes of The Cure, The Smiths and Morrissey, was born out of a simple idea that event DJ and FYM Productions founder/co-owner Stephen Petix, a.k.a. DJ Steve EP, had after noticing dance floor trends at parties.
“I used to go to dance parties a lot and I just noticed that whenever a Cure or Smiths song came on, the dance floor freaked out,” Petix said. “So, we [FYM Productions] were like, ‘Why don’t we do a night of only The Cure and The Smiths so they’ll freak out all night?'”
Since then, FYM’s niche-pleasing show has only grown in size and stature. Cryfest continues to be a part of the Black Cat’s schedule once or twice a year.
“There is nothing else like this in the area,” Petix said. “It’s actually like the biggest one in the country. I researched this stuff; there’s only a couple other ones and I am convinced they stole the idea from me, which is fine!”
Those who aren’t familiar with The Cure or The Smiths may be befuddled by the fervent fan bases who demand events such as Cryfest.
Both acts are known for their gloomy songs and for their legions of hardcore fans, Petix included.
“The Smiths — hands down — were one of the most influential bands in my eyes,” Petix said. “In an era of keyboards, they were doing guitar rock. That band is iconic to me. Something about that band, even Morrissey [solo], is still relevant today, it’s not even dated. You listen to it and it’s still totally relevant musically. I love that.”
Petix is also a devoted fan of The Cure.
“I’ve been listening to The Cure since I was a little kid,” he said. “There’s another band to me that’s iconic, but they’ve been around a lot longer. The Smiths were only around for five years; The Cure for [more than 30 years]. They’re all over the place; that’s what I like about The Cure. They’re so malleable. They take so many risks in their music, and it’s just brilliant.”
The public feud and rivalry between the frontmen of the two bands, Morrissey and Robert Smith, only sweetens the idea of a competition-style dance party.
“[These bands] are the two home runs at a dance party,” Petix said in explaining how The Smiths and The Cure became paired for the event. “They have a similar disposition. In real life, they don’t like each other. It was all those factors, and more importantly, it was just an idea I had and I thought it was super funny.”
Some balk at a dance party named Cryfest. But that’s all a part of the appeal, according to Petix.
“If you don’t know either of these bands, you’re not gonna come to the night and you’re not gonna get it,” he said. “You don’t happen into this night and ask me to play Jay-Z songs.
The people that come usually understand [the name Cryfest]. If you knew nothing about either of these bands, it would go right over your head. It’s just supposed to be funny, and it’s a total homage to these bands that we love.”
And because so many people love these bands in so many ways, Petix explains that he especially enjoys Cryfest because of the visible division between fans of The Cure and fans of The Smiths.
“There’s definitely two camps that show up,” he said. “[Some people] come dance for a Smiths song and then sit out The Cure song. It’s really cool when you play a couple songs back to back that just makes sense and the place goes crazy, it’s so much fun. People get rowdy at this night, I like that.”
Even though the concept of competition with a “crybaby championship” adds fun to the night, there is a clear sense of unity and mutual appreciation between the two sides.
“Honestly, I love The Cure, I love The Smiths, there’s really no contest to me,” Petix said. “I love those bands. I just want to play them loud. It’s so awesome to crank that stuff.”
CRYFEST: The Cure vs. The Smiths Dance Party with DJs Steve EP, Killa K and Krasty McNasty will be at the Black Cat tomorrow. Doors open 9:00 p.m. Tickets cost $10.
rhiggins@umdbk.com
