Patient Zero: An Interview with the Mastermind Behind Columbus Event Biohazard

 

A week before the event, word got out and buzz spread around the city like wild fire. The night came and with each new person through the door, fog and infectious dance rhythms flooded the streets. It was dark and wild. The unexpected was to be expected. Hundreds of people filled a space that was arguably too small for them and for a single moment in time, they let everything loose. It was everything that you’d expect from an underground house and techno event in New York City. Except this wasn’t in NYC. It was Columbus, Ohio. And it was the vision of Sam Gwin coming to fruition.

Some of you will recognize the name Sam Gwin, while others may not. Gwin has had a long active role in the Columbus entertainment scene, yet has always been somewhat removed from social media and the spotlight, making him quite an enigma to the local scene. After spending the past few years in NYC, Gwin is back in his hometown and is ready to bring his exploration of New York’s vibe to Columbus.

While in New York, he experienced a different type of industry scene: Each place was distinctive, ranging from smoky fashionista lounges to exquisite velvet rooftops to something similar to James Bond’s play room. Gwin recognized that business owners trusted fashion and music executives. Those executives trusted the creative directors. And the creative directors trusted the unknown and underground artists, that in-turn molded the entire vibe of New York City — A vibe that Gwin hopes to bring to Columbus in the form of a reoccurring event called Biohazard:

JP: What is Biohazard?

SG: Biohazard is a monthly event here in Columbus that I’ve been curating with a friend of mine for the past couple of months now. The main driver of the event revolves around techno and deep house, yet it’s sprinkled with some eclectic music and what not. With Biohazard, we’re trying to make an elevated ‘scene’ out of techno and house, and not just another venue gig or house show. The music will be different, the lighting will be different, the crowd will be different, even the smell of the club will be a surprise to most!

JP: How do you think something like this will be received in Columbus?

SG: I think Columbus is ready, specifically because of the trends that I’ve seen over the past 5-10 years. This includes the exponential growth of the music scene, the commercialization of the Short North, downtown and surrounding areas, the openings of a multiplicity of rooftops, and a modernized architecture trend that is geared towards the industrialism of Brooklyn — I think there’s just a lot of factors that pertain to seeing Columbus being ready for something like this. There have been elements of it here and there, but there hasn’t been the full package here just yet of the type of events that would occur in Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, or some place like that.

JP: What about Biohazard specifically will be different and how will it give that added value that other events here may be missing?

SG: Because Columbus is a part of the Midwest, this event is going to help influence and change values. A lot of times what happens with events here in Columbus is that they end up as a sort of homogeneous melting pot of a lot of different ideas that don’t really give credit to a brand or event. There’s not enough specificity for the public to recognize something concrete. People try to be everything all at once and it’s actually working against their concept. Biohazard is going to help shift the model of what people see as excellence in events and in unique ideas that can be incorporated into events, rather than just standardized procedures such as, you know, photo booths or things of that nature. Hopefully our vision will inspire other event producers to proceed in a similar direction.

JP: So do you think Columbus tends to play it safe in sticking to what’s trendy?

SG: Yes! That’s exactly it. Unfortunately, that’s just a part of the Midwest culture. We’re generally playing it quite safe with a lot of ventures, not just EDM events. What ends up happening as a result of playing it safe is that you always end up being left way behind the trend. Funny enough, I’ve found that ‘the trend’ is what you originally thought was too edgy, but now you’re now 5 steps behind. You’re the 5th link in the chain, rather than the leader or innovator who can influence other cities. I think Columbus needs to step up as being a leader.

JP: What is unique about your background that you think enables you to start to change the tide in terms of Columbus leading in this way?

SG: A big portion of it started when I had spent time in the studio with Brian Lucey. He’s a mastering engineer out in LA and he got his break doing stuff with The Black Keys. He had a studio here in Grandview and when I was in my early 20’s, I spent late nights there learning a differentiation in excellence within music that I had never experienced before. He was doing high caliber work at a pro level that nobody else in Columbus was doing. I learned a lot of things from him that helped formulate my view of music, events, etc. I also learned a lot from my brother, Wade, who is an industrial designer and CCAD alumni. He’s always had a high eye for luxury aesthetic and quality companies that were way above average. His fascination with excellence taught me how to design my ideas with purpose. I think those two people, along with a bunch of my own other interests, definitely gave me my start.

JP: If you were to use key words, what type of vibe can people expect from Biohazard?

SG: I would say that Biohazard is smoky, obscure, sexy, edgy — it’s unpredictable.

JP: Who is your Biohazard team? Any partnerships in Cbus?

SG: Yeah, I do have some partners on the forefront. I have a business partner Mico Cordero, who is really brilliant with all of his marketing endeavors. He’s one of my main partners for Biohazard. We’re also working on getting sponsorships through Stella Artois, the Bacardi liquor company, and we have local vendors such as Watershed and Middle West Spirits that we’re talking to, along with other breweries. We’re also pairing with local influencers, photographers and videographers that help on the day of event.

JP: Cool, so when can we expect the next Biohazard event?

SG: We’re hoping to have the next event in the beginning of April (though very tentative with the Coronavirus). You can follow us on Instagram instagram.com/biohazardbureau or check out our website biohazardbureau.com to keep up to date. Location is currently under lock and key and TBA.