Do you remember you first wiggle at the Electric Pickle? The Wynwood dance hangout has grown into a world-renowned deep house institution over the past six years. Even Richie Hawtin was like, "How come y'all don't book me?" And the Pickle's people were just like, "Because we don't do techno, bruh."
That's kind of a joke, but also, it happened, along with a lot of other delicious moments that partners Will Renuart, Tomas Ceddia, and Diego Martinelli are still pinching themselves over. We don't blame them. It's hard to make it in this business for a couple of years, let alone six. And thanks to the club's recently reinstated late-night liquor license, the Electric Pickle's run is nowhere near over.
New Times: How does it feel to be on the verge of six successful years?
Tomas Ceddia: I'm tired.
Will Renuart: I have a lot more gray hair on my beard, but I am incredibly thankful. Excited for what's in store for the Pickle.
Diego Martinelli: Wiser, more resilient, and motivated than ever. More than anything, grateful for the fact that people love what's been established and continue to believe in us.
What moments have become your favorite memories?
Renuart: The day I told Richie Hawtin that we don't book any techno, after he asked me why we had not invited him to play. I was joking. Otherwise, among the many top moments, the heyday years of the Get Lost parties at Pickle are memories that will never fade. Also, the countless debaucherous nights that turned to days with the Crew Love guys. Having Harvey and Dixon as residents also prompted me to occasionally pinch myself to check if I was dreaming. We've had so many wonderful moments. The many debuts, like Little Dragon, Blood Orange, Nico Jaar, Maya Jane Coles, Solomun, Maceo Plex, Daniel Avery, and so many others.
Martinelli: There has simply been way too many over-the-top magic experiences that would be worth mentioning here. One night that is unforgettable was the Miami debut of DJ Sprinkles during Art Basel 2013. I did not think music that powerful even existed. Another sequence that was unimaginably fantastic was James Holden in August 2012. Most recently, our friend Roman Flügel played a set in October that may have broken the fabric of space-time and altered all megabeliefs. I'll never forget the image of Jamie xx and John Talabot dancing in the middle of the floor like Looney Tunes. These are drops in a bucket, I'm telling you. It's really been a magical six years.
What were your greatest obstacles? And how did you overcome them?
Ceddia: The loss and then eventual recovery of our 5 a.m. liquor license. That's all thanks to perseverance, rallying the support of the community, plus an amazing group of friends and fans.
Martinelli: What Tomas said.
What have been the greatest lessons in your six years?
Renuart: The golden rule, and pull all your permits!
Ceddia: Do things the right way, the first time.
Martinelli: To always be patient, mindful, kind, and welcoming.
What's next for the Electric Pickle?
Renuart: Six more years? And finally launching our organic gourmet pickle line.
Martinelli: Continuing to push it musically. Continuing to do what we love.
What would you like to say to the city of Miami?
Ceddia: Sometimes it's better to say nothing.
Renuart: [Remains silent.]
Martinelli: We love you, Miami.
Electric Pickle's Sixth-Anniversary Weekender, Day One. With Krisp and Millionyoung, Afrobeta, Bluejay, Moon Caravan, and DJ sets from Cryin' Out Loud, Benton & Mixx Piggy, Brad Strickland & Aramis Lorie. Thursday, February 26. Electric Pickle, 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami. The party starts at 10 p.m. Weekend passes cost $30 and one-day tickets cost $10 to $20 plus fees via residentadvisor.net. Ages 21 and up. Call 305-456-5613 or visit electricpicklemiami.com.
Electric Pickle's Sixth-Anniversary Weekender, Day Two. With Osunlade, Djinji Brown, Tomas C, Captain Ridiculous, William Renuart & Carmel Ophir, and Michelle Leshem & Sean Drake. Friday, February 27. Electric Pickle, 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami. The party starts at 10 p.m. Weekend passes cost $30 and one-day tickets cost $20 to $30 plus fees via residentadvisor.net. Ages 21 and up. Call 305-456-5613 or visit electricpicklemiami.com.
Electric Pickle's Electric Picnic Sixth-Anniversary Party. With Thunderpony & Ms. Mada, Jeremy Ismael, Brad Strickland, Baez, Basti, Cryin' Out Loud, Diego Martinelli, Sub-Matus, The Electric Sandwich Shop, Andrew Ward, Nightdrive, DHM, William Renuart, and Slap & Tickle. Saturday, February 28. Electric Pickle, 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami. The party starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 11. Weekend passes cost $30 plus fees via residentadvisor.net. Ages 21 and up. Call 305-456-5613, or visit electricpicklemiami.com.
Electric Pickle's Night Moves Sixth-Anniversary Party. With DJ Three, William Renuart, Diego Martinelli, Brad Strickland, and special surprise guests. Saturday, February 28. Electric Pickle, 2826 N. Miami Ave., Miami. The party starts at midnight. Weekend passes cost $30 and one-day tickets cost $20 plus fees via residentadvisor.net. Ages 21 and up. Call 305-456-5613, or visit electricpicklemiami.com.
