Schoppstall
If you’ve spent any time in 3DX you’ve surely come across rooms with the enigmatic Schoppstall logo. But who and what is this Schoppstall? And what’s up with all these sheep? Our reporter finds out in an interview with the two driving forces behind these fun venues: BigBoy and Dimez.
What was the spark that ignited the idea for Schoppstall? Was there a specific image, memory that inspired you both?
BigBoy ~ After spending some years in another game as a club host, I joined 3DX and wanted to start a club here as well. That was almost five years ago.
In the 80s I was a DJ in real life and working at a disco called “Schoppstall”. The club doesn’t exist anymore, but since I always like the name, I took it for the virtual world.
Dimez ~ I joined the Schoppstall Team first about two years ago. Started as a visitor after my 3DX break, played some tunes at the Rock events and about a year ago became Co-boss of Schoppstall.
What does the name “Schoppstall” mean?
BigBoy ~ Translated it means Sheep pen. “Schoppstall” is Northern German dialect, from the region where I am living. Same with the typical northern German greeting “Moin”, which can be used anytime of the day to say Hello.
Dimez ~ Believe me we witnessed all kind of slaughters to this name. It might be a tongue breaker for Non-Germans, but people remember it
Let’s talk about the music: guest DJs are a big part of the Schoppstall venue. How did that come about?
BigBoy ~ So to answer this question we have to go back some years. Schoppstall hosted the Oldie Night on Tuesday for a long time, the Rock Event Wednesday and once a month a Gothic Night. So every team member had their own area of the music they had a passion for. Me with my Oldies, Axxis and CrazyDoc with Rock/Metal and Rhina (RIP) was the Queen of Gothic and Dark Rock. During these times we hardly had any Guest DJs.
Dimez ~ After the passing of Rhina, which hit us all very hard, the dynamics and priorities changed. I joined as a Guest DJ myself at some of the rock openings or when there was a special event. We build up more for the rock events and invited some guest DJs we already knew were good and passionate bout the music, like we are. For example MellowDy, AlanErchiagrossa and SanDevil, Celtico. Those are our four current Guest DJs at Schoppstall. But to be honest, they are all friends way more.
BigBoy ~ We have plenty of requests from DJs wanting to play at our venues. But most important is that they fit in with us. Every DJ playing at our openings has an own unique style and passion. So you could say, Schoppstall has a hard door for DJs.
You said Schoppstall has a “hard door” for DJs. What’s something that instantly tells you a DJ won’t be the right fit?
Dimez ~ A good example is when we get requests and the person telling us they can play everything from Folk over Rap to Techno. Which shows us that they most likely had never been at our events before and just asking to play because of numbers.
BigBoy ~ The motivation to play at Schoppstall should be to support the party and the fun and not to be the third or fourth event this DJ plays on this day. That is also an instant: thank you, but no thank you.
What does make a DJ stand out in a positive way to you? Can you describe the kind of energy, preparation, or presence that makes you say, “Yes, this person belongs at Schoppstall”?
BigBoy ~ I don’t think there is any prime example for this as we like the different styles, attitude and understanding of DJs. It is the way people talk about music, how they react to some songs. How they use voice during their sets. It has to do with how professionally they take up this task to play at Schoppstall. It is the complete package which makes us feel, yes they will fit in right.
Dimez ~ I like to say: we take seriously what we do but we don’t take ourselves too serious.
Have you ever watched a DJ totally click with the crowd like how they play one track and suddenly the whole room comes alive? What does that moment look like at Schoppstall?
Dimez ~ We are both DJs, and yes those moments are very special for any DJ. It means the right song at the right time for the right mood. I think it is very interesting to see how groups react as we have a mix of international guests now, not only Germans. We have French, Italian, Belgian, British and Spanish guests and when a song comes on they know from childhood, teenage times or just one that brings up memories you can see each group going crazy in the room.
BigBoy ~ Beside the usual “Tuuune” and “wooooot”, I get a lot of private messages. Sometimes even with personal stories about the song. Could go from memories of love or losing someone to like Dimez said childhood or party memories.
Dimez ~ I have a sweet example of this. Some weeks ago Big played Gianna Nannini’s Un’ estate Italiana. The anthem of the football world cup 1990 in Italy, which Germany won. You were able to see groups of people (mostly Italians and Germans obviously) coming alive with surely different kinds of memories but united in this song. A great Schoppstall moment.
How would you describe Schoppstall to someone who’s never visited, what kind of world are they walking into?
BigBoy ~ Would say we like our events to be both an escape from the real world as also a balance to the daily routine to be able to switch off and enjoy a party, have fun and a bit of craziness. Which you can enjoy either on the dancefloor or at some more private place in the room.
Visiting the Schoppstall always means you get awesome DJs with tunes and no room filled with dance groups, bands and/or alts. Simply Party.
If you had to write a playful “enter at your own risk” sign for Schoppstall, what would it say?
Dimez ~ Warning! Catchy Tunes ahead! Risks of hummin’ along all night!
BigBoy ~ Attention! Crazy on the loose! High risk of infection!
What’s one lesson you’ve learned about teamwork through building and running Schoppstall?
BigBoy ~ Both Dimez and me have the experience in leading teams and projects. So we both knew a lot of communication is important. We have also a TeamSpeak server to be able to communicate quicker by voice. Or just hang out with friends there.
Dimez ~ I agree. Here communication is key. We talk usually after every event to summarize and see what we might could do better or different next time. We are both very into details of projects and you can feel that we are on the same page. We got so far that we just inform each other about our plans and ideas…and so far we were always able to bring them together.
BigBoy ~ Respect is also one of those things. Most of the people here spend their free time to make something happen in the game and there are different point of views on some topics.
Dimez ~ Yes, and those views usually come from experiences each of us made in life…real or virtual. We listen when the other one has something to say. Which is important to have open talks and not leaving a conversation with hard feelings.
What advice would you give to other creators trying to build a collaborative fun space like Schoppstall?
Dimez ~ Find a spot and a concept you are passionate for. Not because it is trendy at the moment in 3dx. Take your time to prepare. Sort our room and your music. Be active, visit other rooms, talk to people. It will take a lot of time.
When Schoppstall started almost 5 years ago, there were often only 5 or 10 people in all evening. Most important: Have stamina. Endurance is very important not to give up after a couple of openings. It takes time. Oh, and not everyone who is nice is immediately a friend!
Have fun, if you lose the fun and it becomes a burden…move on.
BigBoy & Dimez ~ Have in game and real life partners in crime like we do! Without LittleSuzie and CrispyT, who always have our backs, support the events and give us the time for our crazy and silly brainstorm meetings – there wouldn’t be a Schoppstall like it is today!
If this interview has wetted your appetite to visit Schoppstall, their Oldie Night opens every Tuesday and their Pure Rock night every Wednesday. Both from 7 pm CEST on. Also keep your eyes peeled for special openings for Birthdays or Anniversaries!
With special thanks to BigBoy and Dimez.
