DJ Everett Wayne tells YOUR EX what to expect from Saturday’s Urge Christchurch party, providing an alternative to “slender gay aesthetics”, and taking every opportunity – carpe diem!
Christchurch’s Pride celebrations are about to get a serious injection of energy this weekend as URGE returns to Ōtautahi for a night of music, connection and unapologetic queer celebration.
Taking over Exchange Christchurch (XCHC) on Saturday 14 March, the long-running party series promises a dancefloor packed with driving beats, community spirit and the kind of atmosphere that has kept URGE thriving in Aotearoa for decades.
At the centre of the night is Everett Wayne, co-owner of URGE Events and one of the DJs behind the decks. For him, the secret to URGE’s longevity lies in the kind of space it creates.
“URGE has built and maintained a loyal base of party goers by creating a space that reflects gay and queer subcultures for those who don’t quite fit in the mainstream slender gay aesthetics,” he explains. “This all started in the late 80s, and we like to produce events that align with that era and keep ‘The Good ol’ days’ alive.”
Over the years, URGE has become more than just a party — it’s a cultural fixture within queer nightlife, celebrating a lineage of dancefloor liberation that stretches back generations.
A creative venue for a creative crowd
For its Christchurch Pride return, URGE has chosen a venue that reflects the same creative spirit.
“XCHC is a space for creatives to connect, develop, grow and enjoy,” Everett says. “They are a true creative space devoted to the local community, art and artists.”
The venue regularly hosts a wide range of events and exhibitions, making it a natural home for a party that blends music, art and queer culture.
“I went to my first event there a few years ago and knew we had to do an event there,” he adds.
GET YOUR TICKETS TO URGE’S CHRISTCHURCH PRIDE PARTY HERE
Why Christchurch?
For Everett, bringing URGE to Ōtautahi is personal.
“I personally love Christchurch — it’s in my top three cities of NZ,” he says. “The city itself has a lot of heart, and the vibe from most of the locals is acceptive, friendly, helpful and bubbly.”
He says the city’s mix of community warmth and natural beauty makes it a special place to visit.
“You know it’s a great city when you can take a walk down the street and engage in decent banter with a random stranger along the way to the next cafe, bar or party.”
“And the beach, forest and mountains are so close as well, so when you’ve had enough human interactions, you can recharge out in nature quite easily.”
GET YOUR TICKETS TO URGE’S CHRISTCHURCH PRIDE PARTY HERE
Building the energy on the dancefloor
Saturday night’s soundtrack will come from a lineup of three DJs: DJ Gregor, Everett Wayne, and Division 4.
Everett says a great night on the decks is all about pacing.
“The formula that seems to work is the slow buildup. Start the volume at a low to moderate level and bring it up as the night goes on.”
“DJ Gregor always plays the hits and anthems. I really like his track selections, and he’s a great DJ to open up the night for us.”
Then things step up another level.
“Division 4 is the real McCoy. He has an insane amount of remixes that are produced brilliantly. He also produces his own sound, which I feel CHCH is going to eat right up.”
Music as a safe haven
Everett’s connection to dance music goes back decades. He bought his first DJ gear in 1998 — a pair of Gemini turntables and a mixer — and spent years learning the craft before ever playing in front of a crowd.
“I was really into 90’s trance (If you know, you know….) and I spent years perfecting my ears and feathering those spinning platters before ever playing out.”
For him, electronic music and queer nightlife have always been intertwined.
“Dance music has always been a safe haven for our culture and dates back to the 70’s, where marginalised groups hosted underground clubs and created spaces of liberation, accepting everyone.”
“Music knows no boundaries and defies all barriers. Music is the medicine of the mind.”
GET YOUR TICKETS TO URGE’S CHRISTCHURCH PRIDE PARTY HERE
The chaos and magic of URGE
Ask Everett about memorable moments at URGE, and the stories come quickly — from blown switchboards and smoke alarms to spontaneous dance parties in the street.
“Would switchboards being blown out and everyone sweating in the dark count?” he laughs.
“Or maybe smoke alarms going off and everyone’s dancing in the street for hours in their jockstraps and undies.”
Those unpredictable moments are part of what makes URGE special.
“I’ve also made some beautiful connections with people that are quite memorable,” he says.
More than just a party
For Everett, URGE has always been about more than music.
“URGE is bold, inclusive, and continues to create a space that brings people together, and sweat it out,” he says.
“We always enjoy hearing stories of genuine connections from our patrons — in fact, there are more than a few couples that met at our events and are still going strong today.”
When people walk through the door, the aim is simple.
“It means you’re in a safe space to be your genuine self.”
GET YOUR TICKETS TO URGE’S CHRISTCHURCH PRIDE PARTY HERE
Don’t overthink it — just come
If you’re wondering whether to head along this Saturday, Everett’s advice is simple.
“If you’re even considering it, like the smallest inkling, you should take that opportunity. That mentality extends to everyday life as well. Carpe diem.”
“If you attend the event, come find me, tell me a story about yourself or get a hug.”
“You can walk in anonymously and will likely leave buzzing with tribe vibes.”
And with Christchurch Pride in full swing, Everett says the timing couldn’t be better.
“All Pride events are LGBTQI+ allies home turf, and CHCH is craving it. Let the human experience continue.”
