Photo of Nati Pitch by Wyatt Kostygan.

With the end of another year drawing nearer, it was due time for another SRQ Media holiday party. Hosted at the exquisite for the second year at Waterworks Sarasota—a networking and social club for members in the historic Waterworks building downtown—the event kicked off with bubbly and bites from Michaels on East. The genial local vibe of our attendees and entrancing interior decor of the space set the scene for a magical evening to celebrate the holiday season.  

As for the soundtrack—it was supplied by the newly founded production company SRQ-BEATS by producer, Nati Pitch. In addition to being a light, sound and stage rental company for major music festivals and events worldwide, SRQ-BEATS produces unique experiences by organizing, filming and broadcasting concerts in unusual locations in and around Sarasota. The carefully-chosen locations may hold historical importance or be artistically interesting; they may pop-up outside at a beautiful Gulf Coast natural attraction or be top secret in downtown's most stylish bars. “Our prime goal is to showcase cultural heritage and landmarks throughout the prism of music and videos,” says Nati. With that cultural goal in mind, SRQ-BEATS culls talent internationally—collaborating with artists from Israel, London, Italy and Brazil—to bring experiential events to the (941) so party goers don’t feel like they have to go to Miami, Tampa or Orlando for a top-notch performance.

One artist in particular, happened to be Antoinette Van Dewark—a Los Angeles DJ and producer who met Nati at a camp in Burning Man two years ago where Nati did the sound and lasers for three of the thousand-plus stages at the world renowned art and music festival. As SRQ-BEATS’ special guest, DJ Antoinette flew to Sarasota to perform at SRQ Media’s holiday party last night—mixing upbeat and ethereal sounds for the room, and even performing her new EP release exclusively for the first time. Her newest EP under Fantastic Voyage record label consists of five originals, as well as remixes from her first album. Though Antoinette has played for some of the largest and liveliest crowds from the biggest stages—including the Dome set at Burning Man, in Tulum, Ibiza and throughout California—she admits that some of her most memorable shows have been the smaller, more intimate ones where she can truly connect and interact with the crowd. “There’s a reason music is universal and heals,” she shares. “When I sense the audience is connected to me and my music, it’s the best feeling in the world.” 

SRQ-BEATS plans to continue bringing “the creme dela creme” in the industry and cultivate the music scene here by putting on one live show or community event per month—each entirely different in location and DJ guest appearance. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get big name artists here to educate the people of Sarasota about music,” says Nati. “I want to influence the way this city connects with sound.”

Photo of Nati Pitch by Wyatt Kostygan.

Click to see more photos of last night's event