We sat down to quiz the electro-rockers on their party essentials now the weather’s warming up.
It might be obvious given the name, but when it comes to throwing a summer soiree, there aren’t many bands that bring the vibes quite like the lads from Melbourne outfit Northeast Party House. The electro-rock band has been bringing the party to Australian venues and festivals since they first started playing at warehouse raves in 2009, and they are now considered among Australia’s key musical tastemakers.
As such, with summer back in full swing, we couldn’t think of a better crew to give us some tips on throwing a legendary bash, including their ultimate seven-track playlist, and – with the boys recently appointed as Bacardi ambassadors – some killer drink ideas to get things flowing. Below, we chat to Sean Kenihan, who mans the keys for Northeast Party House.
- Q.Let’s say the Northeast boys are throwing a house party. What does it look like? What are the non-negotiables?
“We can’t go past a strong playlist and a line-up of Bacardi drinks, otherwise we try and keep everything outside of that pretty relaxed. We just like to make sure everyone is having a good time, chilling out and, most importantly, dancing.”
- Q.You’re all hanging out, which one of you hogs the (virtual) aux cord? What are you putting on?
“We usually share the love, given there are six of us and we all have quite different tastes in music. When you pull that together, you get a range of tunes. For me, I love putting on a lot of stuff from the early ’90s and 2000s, like The Chemical Brothers and Happy Mondays, as well as newer pop and electronic stuff, like The Blaze or Calvin Harris, and Troye Sivan’s new stuff is fun.”
- Q.The three key ingredients for a killer summer party?
“Music, dancing and overall good vibes!”
- Q.What’s the quickest way to get a party properly started, and the fastest way to kill the vibe?
“The parties that get hot the quickest are the ones that have the best preparation put in, so you’re not rushing around tying up loose ends. Make batches of cocktails or mixed drinks ahead of time – a group serve of Mojitos is perfect for this – get the snacks ready on the table and bang the tunes on. Then you’re free to chat and chill with your mates. The fastest way to kill a vibe is running out of ice – you can’t make the best drinks without ice!”
- Q.If you could distil the perfect summer party playlist into seven tracks, what would they be?
“A mix of our most popular tracks, of course, and great pop tunes that will have you tearing up the dance floor. The perfect party playlist should allow you to let loose and let the spirit of the music move you.”
- Q.What about your ultimate trio of cocktails?
“We’re all about the Bacardi right now! Here are three we’re making this summer.”
1. Northeast Party Punch
This excellent punch is perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients
- 30mL Bacardi Coconut Rum
- 15mL Bacardi Spiced Rum
- 7.5mL grenadine
- 30mL orange juice
- 15mL cranberry juice
- 30mL pineapple juice
Method: Build all ingredients in a tall glass over ice. Stir and garnish with an orange slice.
2. Coconut & Pineapple
A super simple, two-ingredient alternative to a Piña Colada.Ingredients
- 50mL Bacardi Coconut Rum
- 150mL pineapple juice
Method: Fill a highball glass with ice, add the rum and juice, stir to mix, then garnish with a pineapple wedge.
3. MojitoDid you know you can just multiply the ingredients to make a big-batch serve? Try building your Mojito in a punch bowl with these measurements.
Ingredients
- 300mL Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum
- 150mL lime juice
- 112.5mL simple syrup
- Mint leaves
- Soda water to top
- Lime wedges
Method: Combine the rum, lime juice and simple syrup in a punch bowl. Tear a handful of mint leaves and add to the mix. To serve, add crushed ice to individual highball glasses and pour, then top up with club soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.
