GAYLETTER

We’ve seen Seva Granik out and about for a couple years now. We knew he was involved in nightlife in many  ways; from promoting his own parties, to dating Ladyfag to drinking lots of vodka. The coolest thing about Seva is he attends more queer events than any other straight man we know. He’s also one talented light projectionist. 

Last year we saw Seva in action, projecting his amazing laser lights at several events. Stoned, his light shows are about the geratest thing you’ve ever witnessed—stoned cold sober they’re also pretty special. If you’re interested in seeing them for yourself, come to The Carry Nation this Saturday. Seva will be projecting lights until dawn. 

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How do you describe your lights project? I run a boutique agency that aims to not just produce, but also complement events of various kind with creative and unusual lighting.

When and how did you learn to do it? I got into special effects and lighting through my own events, actually, while seeking out, procuring or producing interesting lighting for my own parties.

How long have you been doing it for? I’ve been doing it for about 8 years now, and the goal was always to stand out and do something special, so eventually it made more sense to just do things myself.

Are these lights expensive? Most of the effects and solutions that I work with are uncomplicated and cost-effective, but there are a few Swiss-made high-power laser units that at one point had cost me most of my life savings; some of these things are definitely very pricey.

Is it difficult to match the lights to the rhythm of the music? These lasers are by far the most versatile and visually stunning things that I’ve ever worked with — or seen — and they are capable of some incredible things: matching pulsating visuals to the beat of the music, projecting custom graphics like logos, drawings, and text, and just tying spaces together with eye-catching, colorful beams and sheets. The effect is usually the same —everyone reaches for their smartphone to snap a picture.

What type of parties have you done lights for?  All kinds of events: underground dance parties, supporting live band shows, painting dynamic graphics for art shows at major museums, and even some TV commercials and music videos. The effects are just so unusual that just about anyone working with lights will want to use these in one way or another.

What do you enjoy the most about projecting these lights? There is definitely a learning curve for these things since the software for them is complicated, but I think it’s more important—and more challenging—to understand how to best compliment different events; an art exhibit at PS1 needs something different than a rave in Bushwick, and it took me a long while to come up with the tools and knowledge to be able to work both effectively.

Do you prefer gay or straight parties? I have done a few raves, including my and Ladyfag’s SHADE, and have also done some great all-night gay bangers like The Carry Nation, some straight parties and live band shows in Williamsburg, and a mix of all of the above. Brooklyn’s nightlife now tends to mix everything together. I’ve also done a fair share of high-end corporate gigs that want innovation in their events or presentations.

What’s the longest you’ve worked lights for during a party? Some of these event jobs are short and sweet, and others, like CarryNation, are 8 hours long! And the reactions at these gay events are usually the best; people at those are so happy with the visuals that they usually want to kiss me.

What’s your inspiration for the projections? As far as inspiration for this work, I usually look to the core idea or message of the event, and do my best to work closely with the organizers on what they need to communicate with these effects. Expensive and mind-blowing isn’t necessarily always the way to go, and there have been several times when I’ve chosen not to use the lasers and go for more conventional approaches, like LED lights or even black lights. I try to keep what’s best for the event in focus.

Hey Seva!