Once I had the opportunity to attend an unusual party. I was relaxing on Palolem beach, which is located in South Goa (India), and while walking along the beach, I saw an unusual design on a rock. The drawing showed a cow wearing headphones. At first I just thought it was funny and didn't think much of it. In India, the cow is considered a sacred animal, and therefore I assumed that some unknown artist simply decided to depict this animal in such an unusual form. But when I found myself in a local bar in the evening, I found out that, it turns out, there is a headphone party in Palolem every Saturday. I had never been to such parties, and, of course, I decided to attend.

In the evening I was overcome with slight excitement. I couldn’t imagine how it was possible to dance in a crowd of people to music on headphones. In this regard, the question immediately arose - is everyone’s music the same? You can imagine how funny it looks from the outside when all people move to different rhythms. At the very least, it would look comical. That's exactly what I thought while walking to the beach where this unusual disco was taking place. My fears, fortunately, were not justified - no one cared what music you danced to. People came to relax, not to watch the movements of other people.

So how does such an unusual party go? When you arrive at the party, you wait in line to get your headphones. They are handed out at the entrance. Once they land on your ears, you become part of those who hear the sound. As soon as you hear the music, you are overcome with a feeling of euphoria, you begin to feel that you are “in the know.” This is quite an exciting and pleasant feeling. Just imagine yourself in a silent crowd of dancing people. Some people hum, others have their eyes closed and just enjoy. The emotions of a silent disco are difficult to describe in words. You just enjoy the music and involuntarily move to the beat. All your movements become smooth and harmonious. You look at the people around you and mentally understand what music is playing in their ears. As you meet the eyes of the dancing people, you exchange smiles - as if you know something that other people who don't have headphones don't know. It's funny and a lot of fun at the same time. Therefore, based on my experience, I would like to give several reasons why I recommend everyone to attend such a party at least once. Such parties are held not only on the Indian beach of Palolem, but also at many music festivals around the world.

1. A silent disco is very convenient. At many music festivals that have a headphone party, you have the option of switching between multiple channels of different music. On Palolem, I also had the opportunity to change the music channels in my headphones. There were three of them in total. My friends who attended the headphone party in Holland said that there was such an opportunity there too, and it was a lot of fun because the festival was attended by a large number of people.
2. Easy casual acquaintance. It's no secret that music enhances feelings. Especially pleasant correct music. A slight flirtation with your eyes, a mutual exchange of smiles with each other - and you are already sitting at the bar, sipping a cocktail and getting to know each other better. Very romantic, isn't it?
3. Possibility of communication. At a regular party in a club with loud music, even if you want to talk to someone, you have to shout or look for a quieter place. At a party with headphones, everything is much easier. You take off your headphones and, hanging them around your neck for convenience, you can calmly communicate anywhere on the dance floor without resorting to shouting.
4. Possibility of holding a party anywhere. Recently, the state of Goa has banned night parties on the beaches, which has greatly upset tourists and fans of noisy discos. But fortunately, thanks to such an alternative as headphones parties, this form of entertainment has again become available on Indian beaches at any time of the day. This ban on parties applies not only to India, but also to many other countries, so a headphone party is a great way to attract new tourists and not lose regular music lovers.

After visiting such a party, I became interested in whether it is possible to organize such a disco on my own, and what is required for this. It turns out that headphone parties are rapidly gaining popularity all over the world, and in order to throw such a party at home you need Silent Disco wireless headphones. They can be purchased at almost every music store or ordered online. Silent Disco has become a general term to describe a disco where people dance to music using wireless headphones. Instead of using a speaker system, music is broadcast through an FM transmitter to wireless receivers built into the headphones. Those not wearing headphones cannot hear the music, giving the effect of a room full of people dancing in silence. It is not necessary to purchase several sets of headphones to organize a similar party at home; you can rent them. It's very convenient and doesn't break the bank.

I started looking for information about silent parties on the Internet and found out that, it turns out, there are entire flash mobs of such parties. There are even concerts and theaters that perform their performances using headphones. Silent disco technology has also been used in the last few years for silent film events, including film premieres and cinema rooftops. There are even silent operas. Silent disco technology was also used by sportswear chain Lululemon to promote its Christmas sale by installing a silent disco screen.

I was delighted that I learned so many new things from just one visit to a silent disco. For those who have never attended such events, I definitely recommend visiting at least once. It's very fun, unusual and interesting.

On November 4, 2017, in Moscow, on the territory of the Bread House in the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve, an extremely unusual hype silent musical event “Silent Disco with Silent Disco Headphones” took place.

A party with headphones is no worse or better than regular discos. Partying with headphones is a completely different experience. Everyone should try it at least once.

Moscow is one of the best places to test new event formats. Silent parties have long captivated Europe and America. We are glad that we are one of those who promote the Silent Disco format in Russia.

A silent disco in the center of Moscow is a unique event. Noise pollution follows us everywhere. Nowadays there is so much sound in the metropolis that you want to go somewhere where there is none.

Silent Disco is an opportunity to enjoy music in silence. Although not entirely true. A silent disco allows you to turn off the music at the festival exactly when each participant wants. You simply take off your headphones and head to the bar to the sounds of lounge music. Or just start a conversation with your friend without shouting at each other. This is hardly possible in a club.

The format of silent discos in Moscow provides a unique opportunity to plunge into the world of music. Personalized audio has a special impact on participants. The music seems to be transmitted only to you. At the same time, on the dance floor, you see other people listening to the same wave. A silent party in clubs is an opportunity to go beyond the usual music shows. People put on headphones and find themselves in their own world.

3 headphone channels allow you to switch to the desired music format without leaving the dance floor. Sometimes it's rock and techno, sometimes pop and deep. Everyone will find what they are looking for. A quiet party with headphones is a unique experience.

Headphone parties are just beginning to gain popularity in Moscow and Russia. Now more and more companies are turning to us to organize silent events. Although, if you think about it, just 5 years ago this format did not exist in Russia at all. Headphones can be used not only for silent discos, but also for silent cinemas.

4 reasons to fall in love with the Silent Disco format:

• 3 channels = 3 genres.
  Silent Disco three-channel headphones. Thanks to this feature, you can broadcast 3 different types of music on one dance floor.
• Capacious battery.
  The battery of Silent Disco headphones will withstand even the longest silent disco in Moscow. 10 hours without recharging.
• No wires.
  With Silent Disco wireless headphones you will feel true freedom of movement. The signal is stable for as much as 100 meters.
• Colored lighting.
  Bright lighting lifts your mood. Each of the 3 channels glows in one of the colors: red, green or blue. Adapt your party branding.

People used to wear headphones for personal audio, but now they use them to listen to music together. Amazing!

Independent Stage Company "AXIOMA" provided technical support with lighting and stage equipment for the event "Silent Disco with Silent Disco Headphones", which took place on November 4, 2017 in Moscow on the territory of the Bread House in the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve.

Alexey Voronin - about how headphone events are held and monetized

The format of silent events appeared and became popular in Europe and the USA in the 2000s - film screenings and outdoor dance parties, the participants of which wore headphones, were enjoyed by residents of big cities. And then silent events penetrated the corporate sector. In Russia, one of the pioneers of the new format was the silent events agency Silent Space. Agency co-owner Alexey Voronin spoke to Biz360 about how to make money on silence.

Alexey Voronin, serial entrepreneur, co-owner of the silent events agency Silent Space. In addition to this project, the entrepreneur is developing several more businesses (an iron casting company, a company selling equipment for summer cottages, etc.). The agency conducts events, the main distinguishing feature of which is the absence of noise, since all participants wear special headphones. Film screenings, dance parties, presentations, exhibitions, conferences, performances, etc. are held in this format. Among the agency's clients are the Rio shopping center, Levis, Lamoda, the Neptune yacht club, the 2x2 TV channel and other well-known companies.

“At first I just laughed”

I saw this format in Europe at a major music festival in Serbia in 2011. Two years later, I decided to bring a batch of headphones to Russia, where this format did not exist at that time. I didn’t plan to make any business out of it at that moment: I just bought headphones for myself and my friends to have silent parties.

Then a partner appeared - Alexander Yaroslavtsev, who was already doing something similar on a commercial basis. They had separated from a former colleague, and he was looking for a business partner. When I first heard about this idea, I just laughed, not imagining how such a hobby could be turned into a profitable business. But Alexander was quite optimistic, and I agreed. In addition, my current partner had experience hosting such parties.

The first silent event on a commercial basis took place in Sokolniki Park in 2013: it was a “Bali-style” party, where we watched cartoons from the 2×2 TV channel on a large inflatable screen at The Pool. Everything took place at night, we didn’t disturb anyone with headphones on. Quite a lot of people gathered. Well, we were paid for this event.

“Headphones are consumables”

We make money from two services. Firstly, this is equipment rental. That is, some event company comes up with an event, and we provide equipment for rent. In this way, for example, a silent master class was organized at S7 Airlines. Equipment rental costs about 500 rubles per set. In Europe, prices are higher - about 10 euros per set, but we have kept the old prices for now.

The second option is when we come up with and hold the event ourselves. For example, we set up a cinema with two screens, organize a dance party, etc. There is silent yoga - a project that we spotted in the USA; we consulted with an American company on the nuances of its organization. Moreover, they came to us themselves. They said that we were the only ones in Russia whom they could find. The first silent yoga took place in the Empire Tower, where 150 people gathered. We are now planning to more actively develop this area.

At some events we act only as technical partners. For example, Mozart Inside is currently running in Metropolis, where we provide headphones.

Headphones are a consumable item for us. They are stolen, broken, and in general - everything happens to them. After each event we lose several pieces, so the costs for them are quite large.

“For parents - melodrama, for children - cartoons”

The main driving force in the company is three people. This is me, my partner Alexander Yaroslavtsev and Alexandra Pushkareva. For example, Alexander is an excellent salesman. He is moderately persistent, and sometimes it is easier for him to say “yes” than to refuse and explain the reasons for his decision. Alexandra is involved in promotion and interaction with the press. We do everything ourselves, but sometimes, on complex projects, we involve friends and partners.

We have quite a lot of equipment. Firstly, the transmitters to which the sound source is connected. There may be one or more of these. Secondly, you need the sound source itself - even a mobile phone can act as it. And, of course, the headphones themselves, which are made to special order.

The headphones operate in the FM range. Using Silent technology we can output sound at multiple frequencies. For example, a DJ plays electronic music on one, and rock on the other. Using the same principle, we can make a cinema with two screens: for example, a family option: melodrama for parents, and cartoons for children.

We now have two inflatable pavilions that allow us to create a normal picture on a projector in an hour to an hour and a half with a small amount of electricity. There is DJ equipment and film projectors. But I want more, I always want to improve somehow.

I cannot say that economic sanctions have significantly affected us. But it’s a shame for the country.

Because of the dollar exchange rate, headphones have become more expensive: if previously they cost us a little more than a thousand rubles, now they cost us much more than two thousand. But for me this is not a business that should bring global profit, so I am not very upset. For me, this is more of a business hobby, and you need to invest in hobbies. So, the starting capital was initially mine, with this money we bought 120 headphones and held our first party.

The cost of some Silent Space corporate services: film screening (up to 100 people) – from 33,000 rubles; conferences and trainings (up to 200 people) – from 20,000 rubles; dance party (up to 150 people) – from 25,000 rubles.

We have parallel business projects, and this makes life much easier. For example, we can use a warehouse, a truck, etc. for free. There are certain reserves, a financial cushion that allows you to do this for your own pleasure.

Of course, we earn some money from this project; the project pays off even despite all the fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate.

Alexey Voronin first saw silent disco - a silent party - at a festival in Serbia. People wearing headphones danced to different rhythms, because everyone chose music from the festival stage that they liked. Interested in this format, Alexey ordered a speaker system and 100 headphones from China to organize parties for friends. A year later, he received a call from Alexander Yaroslavtsev, who was already involved in the business of organizing silent events. Together they began organizing silent film screenings and discos - in two years they managed to hold about 100 events. Last year, the company's revenue reached 1.2 million rubles. Voronin told The Village about the peculiarities of making money in silence.

How it all began

Alexey Voronin, co-founder of Silent Space: I have been going to the Exit music festival in Serbia for many years. Musicians perform on different stages and play completely different types of music. And one of the venues was given over to silent disco. The difference is that several thousand people dance in complete silence, and the sound from the remote control is sent not to speakers, but to wireless headphones. You can choose the music yourself from what is heard on different stages. I liked this story - before that I could not imagine that I could have so much fun with headphones. Having returned to Moscow, I decided to buy myself such a system. At that time I had (and still have) a business: I sell greenhouses and goods for the garden. Plus I was a director in a music group. I decided to start organizing silent concerts and apartment parties. So I ordered my first hundred headphones.

At that time, in 2011, my future business partner Alexander Yaroslavtsev had already begun to hold silent events. Together with his friend, they made several projects. Among the successful ones is a silent cinema on the territory of the Flacon design plant. But in the spring of 2013, the partners separated, and Alexander was left with nothing: without equipment and a website. But Sasha decided to find a new business partner. Therefore, I began to write to Chinese suppliers and ask who else from Moscow ordered such headphones. Sasha is a punchy person, he will reach anyone. Under his pressure, the Chinese gave in a week later and gave him my phone number.

When Sasha called with a proposal for cooperation, I was skeptical. But at the meeting he changed his mind. Sasha was convinced that it was possible to make money from silent events. "Why not?" - I thought, and we decided to try.

First projects

Preparatory and routine work began: creating a website, price lists, presentations. At the same time, we were working on the concept and thinking about what other services we could offer. The site initially cost us 30 thousand rubles, but we are constantly adding updates and additional sections to it, so now it has probably already exceeded 100 thousand. The biggest investment is buying headphones. At that time, one pair cost a little more than a thousand rubles, plus wires and transmitters. We also purchased the first projector; it cost us 70 thousand rubles. (We currently have two professional projectors - one mid-range and one small for road presentations.)

Our first large-scale project was launched in the summer of 2013 in Sokolniki Park. In it we installed a silent cinema for 100 people, where they showed cartoons from the “2x2” channel. For this event we had to rent a large inflatable screen. It was set up in front of the pool and people were watching cartoons from their sun loungers. After this film screening, we bought an even larger screen, on which we spent almost 120 thousand rubles. The event was not very profitable: they earned about 30 thousand rubles.

In August we were invited to hold the open air Silence in Stavropol. And it still remains the largest in our portfolio: it was visited by a thousand people. For this event we bought another 200 headphones. But working with the Chinese was difficult. You explain to them which model you want, pay $200 for sample delivery and get something completely different. You write to them that the product needs to be replaced, you pay for delivery again, and in response you again receive something that is not what you need. And this happens more than once.

We decided to rent the remaining headphones, so we wrote to everyone who has them. As a result, they were transported, for example, from Naberezhnye Chelny and Kazan. So we collected 700 pieces of headphones. It turned out that not all are compatible with our equipment. I had to figure out on the spot how to connect them. There were also difficulties with the wires, because the organizers did not warn that their length should be 40–50 meters. There I soldered for the first time in the last 10-15 years: I had to repair the power supply. But the problems didn't end there.

Firstly, the organizers began promoting the open air just two weeks before the start. Of course, they convinced us that the city is small, everyone will recognize it anyway. Secondly, for some reason they made, in addition to the sound in the headphones, a quiet main sound. Thirdly, the organizers made two entrances: one for those with headphones, the other for those without. As a result, half of Stavropol came just to watch people dancing with headphones on. And the entrance price - 800 rubles - is not quite adequate money. As a result, not 700 people came to the festival, but 300–400. The entire event cost us around 60 thousand rubles, half of which was spent on renting a minibus. We drove it from Moscow for almost a day, alternately sitting behind the wheel.

Another new format - a silent cinema at the exhibition - appeared in January last year, when the Geek Picnic science and technology festival came to us. They offered us a small space in one of the VDNH pavilions. We covered it with artificial turf, placed ottomans on top and installed a screen. We broadcast science fiction, films about robots and space on it. Participation was free for us, and the organizers provided us with ottomans. We brought 50 headphones - several thousand people watched the movie in a few days.

Organizing a silent event

The minimum cost of operating a silent cinema for 50 people costs the customer around 50 thousand rubles per day. We work at all events ourselves, but if over time we get stuck, we bring in hired administrators from outside. During events, headphones sometimes disappear. Most of the money was stolen, surprisingly, at the opening of the yacht club, where not only poor people gathered. Moreover, before the start of the event, we always try to warn that headphones without special charges and transmitters are a useless thing. But they apparently take it as a souvenir, and nothing can be done about it. At public events we try to take a small deposit - 500 rubles, for example. Of course, in case of theft, it will not cover expenses, but people may not have a large amount of money with them.

The system connects quickly, literally in 5 minutes. The signal is transmitted over FM frequencies, so sometimes interference from cell towers, for example, can creep in. Therefore, we always go to the site in advance and set up the desired channel. At the same time, we are planning where it is better to install the DJ console or transmitter. The event can be done anywhere - in a field, forest, on the roof of a building. You can move 100–150 meters away from the transmitter using headphones. But load-bearing walls do not transmit signals well, so the distance in a building may be reduced. Previously, the headphones ran on batteries, now they run on batteries. Therefore, if it is cold on the site, their charge will be used up faster.

Equipment sales

We never thought we'd be selling wireless equipment. But at the end of this year, the Alexandrinsky Theater approached us with a request to help them purchase headphones and transmitters. The equipment is needed for the new play “Noise”, which uses complex sound effects. First, we installed our equipment for them so that they understood how it works. And then they purchased new ones through suppliers from China. We currently have several planetariums that want to purchase equipment through us.

This winter we launched a new format - silent discos at skating rinks. There have been four of them so far, all at the Meteor skating rink near the Arc de Triomphe. We agreed with the administration of the skating rink that we do not pay rent, but if there are more than 50 people at the disco, then we divide all the proceeds in half. We made entrance to the disco area payable - 200 rubles. The work of two DJs is not paid, because usually our friends or enthusiasts who are interested in an unusual format work. But the first disco turned out to be a failure: it was minus 19 outside, and there were 40 people on the entire ice, of which only nine came to us. Then it started to grow and already at the last disco there were 50 people dancing with headphones on. We are thinking of developing this format further.

We also have private clients, but rarely. For example, Sasha recently went to Chelyabinsk for his birthday, where we organized a silent disco. The people were adults, over 40, but they were having such a blast that Sasha could barely take off their headphones. As a result, instead of the agreement for two hours, they danced for three.

Market

The market for silent events in Russia has not yet been formed. Therefore, we ourselves come up with what we can offer our clients. But not all ideas come true. For example, we once had the idea of ​​a network of silent cinemas at train stations and airports. But it is very difficult to move this colossus that makes decisions.

There is no competition as such either. There are people with such headphones in Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg, Naberezhnye Chelny, they have 100–200 headphones each. But, for example, a company from Nizhny Novgorod considers us its older brother and turns to us for advice or help. We are for the culture of silent events to develop and become increasingly popular in Russia. 90% of those who contact us learned about us through word of mouth. The silent disco format is very popular in Europe. Let's say there is a company called Silentarena, which has 20 thousand headphones in its arsenal. And events for a thousand people are a common story for them. For example, in Serbia everyone knows what silent disco is. We probably have one in ten at best. For a person to understand how cool it is, he must attend some large-scale event. We will try to make this happen.

Income and plans

In our company, Sasha is in charge of sales, and we go to meetings with clients together. I manage the finances: I invest everything I earn here and in the greenhouse business, because I like this project. If we consider the financial component, then Silent Space is still unprofitable for me. But we don’t spend money on a warehouse: for example, I use the one I need for another business. In this two-story, 400-meter space, Silent Space items occupy a small corner. There is also a truck, so there is no need to rent one additionally.

Now, taking into account the recently purchased prefabricated pavilion for 5 thousand dollars and the next batch of headphones, investments have reached 2.5 million rubles. Revenue for last year amounted to approximately 1.2 million rubles. Over the years, we have held about 100 events. Half of them are large. Demand is growing: 2/3 of the events took place in 2014. We now have preliminary agreements with several major festivals across the country for street film screenings and silent disco, and in May we will begin working on cruise ships.

As you may have already read on our blog, the history of Silent Disco begins at the end of the last century.

Disco with headphones- this is no better and no worse than ordinary parties.

is a new format of events that will give you new sensations.

Just imagine yourself in a silent crowd of dancing people. Some people hum, others have their eyes closed and just enjoy. The emotions of a silent disco are difficult to describe in words. And yet I would like to describe a few points why you simply must visit at least disco with headphones.

6 reasons to attend a silent disco with headphones:

1) The feeling that you are “in the know”

You are waiting for your turn to receive your headphones. Once they land on your ears, you become part of those who hear the sound. Oh, yes 🙂 That same feeling that you are “in the know,” and others don’t know “what you’re dancing about here.”

2) Several dance floors in one

Silent disco- it's amazingly convenient! After all, with 2-channel Silent EVE headphones, you can switch from one music to another with just one short press of a button on the headphones. I remember how at the EXIT festival in Serbia 2 DJs danced and played music in front of me. Just not in time with each other. Funny. By switching from one DJ's wave to another, you can skip tracks that you don't like.

3) Easy acquaintance

It's no secret that music enhances feelings. Especially the right music. Imagine how you caught a super juicy track on the “red” wave and noticed that the girl you liked was listening to the “green” one. Smile and show visually that she urgently needs to hear what you hear. She switches and... now you are already enveloped in the melody of your acquaintance. Silent disco connects hearts :)

4) Calm communication without headphones

You can continue your rapid sympathies without headphones. Lead them around and in silence get to know each other better. For your comfort, other people are immersed in music from headphones: no one will bother you.

5) Easy to talk on the phone

Are you lost and can't find your friend at the disco? What will happen at a regular party: you will start screaming into the phone and get annoyed by the loud music. On silent disco with headphones this won't happen. At the right moment, take off your headphones and start a conversation. After the discussion, just put on your headphones and you're back on track.

6) Best singer at the festival

Remember how wonderful your voice is when you sing with headphones? The voice merges with the singer, becoming one. Also on silent disco. There are only dozens of you. There are hundreds of you. Take off your “ears” and you will find out what the pleasure of singing in the absence of hearing means :)

Bottom line

- this is not a replacement for standard parties. This is a different format that delivers different emotions and solves technical issues under sound volume restrictions.

With Silent EVE headphones you can spend silent disco even in a museum! Not to mention the apartment building after 23:00 :)

And lastly: the transmitter can be connected to any sound source via a 3.5 mm mini-jack. Well, the transmitter itself does not require power from an outlet. Dance in the park and by the lake.

Try new things and don’t skimp on expressing your emotions.

Silent EVE - high-profile events without unnecessary noise.

Semyon Kibalo - founder of Silent EVE

Want to try it?

We are ready to rent out our sound system for your corporate events. We can also easily organize a silent disco for you in Moscow or any other city in Russia. With wireless headphones, you can easily organize a video or seminar within a large, noisy exhibition. I'd love to hear your creative ideas :)