An Interview with David Tillson

For decades, the nightclub at 1325 Government Street has been a mainstay of entertainment & dance culture in Victoria, and throughout various incarnations & ownerships, David Tillson has been keeping things bumping in the iconic underground venue. I think it’s fair to suggest that most anyone who has spent time in the ‘dance scene’ in Victoria has some memories in what is now HUSH Nightclub – and I was excited to interview David recently about his time there and some of his inner ideas about the space and the community it serves! Enjoy…

1) First, when was Hush born & how long have you been involved?

This incarnation called “Hush” was born January 1st 2000. The bastard child of “the Limit” and “Rumors”. The 1325 Government St. space has been and underground music bar since the late 70’s. Originally a jazz/blues live venue, turned gaybar turned electronic music until sold in September 1998. I have worked there since 1933 for a total of 4 different owners.

2) If you were talking to someone who had never been, how would you describe Hush?

It is an old, beaten on, picked on, sometimes bullied, hole in the basement that concerns itself with the best in underground dance music.

3) Hush hasn’t changed a whole ton in the years I have known it – no LED dance floors, projection-mapped visuals, oxygen bars and all this stuff – and yet in the years Hush has been here we’ve seen many other clubs come, and go. To what do you attribute Hush’s staying power?

I think the staying power is in the often crazy commitment of the owners and management, past and present to own and work in a place that is unique and special. It is built on a small clientele base, of which I lovingly call ‘weirdo’s and outcasts’. We have never been the in crowd or the popular kids. All the worlds musicians, artists, voyeurs and adventurers have found a place that feels like home or a community.

4) One of the things that has always stood out about Hush is the high quality of your staff – which in the club scene must be very hard to maintain. What do you look for in team members, and to what extent has your team impacted your success?

To get and keep a job at Hush, makes you part of a family that spans decades. Most people have been chosen, or picked by owner, management and senior staff. There are 5 interview questions, which can’t be told to the public.

5) In this little hidden club under the pavement in wee Victoria BC you’ve hosted some of the biggest names in the whole world. What shows really stand out, and why?

I am sure I have forgotten more than I can remember. Would you like me to name drop? As the manager, my experiences are influenced and therefore different than the customers. My experiences are also a lot different than say the 1990’s when I was just a bartender. I have seen and heard some of the worlds top ranking dj’s play at Hush. I have also seen and heard local talent that could hold their own. I have danced to great shows, with a full room, and I have danced to great shows in an empty room.

6) What kind of music is Hush delivering, and what factors are going into its selection?

Booking is a balancing act. Hush tries to concentrate on quality. We book local, national, and international, but still have to be conscious of rent day. One thing to remember is that Hush only holds 210 people, so there is always a tight budget.

7) If all goes swimmingly, what does the next evolution look like for Hush?

If all goes swimmingly? then I will probably get a vacation later in the year. You can all look forward to more….

Photos courtesy of PBJ Foto!

8) What’s 1 thing the community could do that would make a big impact for Hush?

Support musicians, djs, and promoters.

9) You’ve been also deeply involved in the Pride Festival for some time. What’s your role there, and what do you think we might want to know about Pride 2012?

I am on my 8th year as President, and will probably continue until someone else wants the job. Pride is to celebrate equality and freedom with your friends and family.
We are very blessed to live in the country we do.

10) Anything else you’d like our community to know?

When I don’t smile… doesn’t mean I’m not having fun. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the intensity that is everyday life, sometimes you just have to let it all go and have fun. The better answer to this question should be.. not without sounding preachy or like a cola, nike, or military commercial.