Setting Sail With the Mastermind Behind Ship Show Presents

Debuting in August of 2013 with Toronto's Adam K headlining on the Enterprise 2000, Ship Show Presents made a speedy impact in Ontario's capital city. Surrounded by an excess of competition, the new event and promotion company located in Toronto and has already amassed a unique list of accomplishments highlighted by a cruise which was headlined by deadmau5 and Steve Duda,

The growing company continues its run this week with one of mau5trap's hottest commodities. Founded by burgeoning event guru Brendan Coates, we caught up with the mastermind prior to Eekkoo setting sail on July 11th.

Inspired by a plethora of sources, Brendan shared what drives him to create such unique events: "I come from an entrepreneurial family, being my own boss has been imprinted on me from young age. Since attending many boat cruises here in Toronto and with clubs, bars and attending Ink's big parties at The Guvernment—anything entertainment-wise has helped inspire me. I found myself always crunching numbers, curious as to how successful each event was. More often than not, I seemed to make up some ambitious dream, fantasizing if the event was my own, how I could have made it better or how I could perhaps earn a living in doing what I loved so much."

In the seemingly endless event sphere that is Toronto, the majority of events bring thousands of electronic music fans together to revel around international talent. "I just feel that we bring a very personal approach to a show; people feel connected to a Ship Show event, where the big competitors may have lost that sense of intimacy," Brendan commented. Intimacy is no issue aboard the Enterprise 2000, as capacity is extremely limited. The smaller capacity leaves less room between the cruise's headliners and fans, giving Toronto's electronic music faithful's plenty of time to get as close as they've ever been to their favourite producers. The result is a feeling that brings fans back to the days where all the 'celebrity' lure of the headlining DJ is absent and is replaced by the most important thing: quality music.

With an eclectic background of events bolstering his knowledge, credibility and drive, Brendan's resume continues to grow. From previous cruises in Jamaica, to hosting deadmau5 and Steve Duda last summer, Ship Show Presents has been supported by a solid background of quality outings, "I remember my first event like it was yesterday. From my boat cruises in Jamaica, then to Cayman Islands' lavish fine dining soirees, beach events, weddings, and now back to Toronto, I've evolved tenfold. Almost every mistake in the past that I've made in this business has not repeated. You learn a lot when you screw up with your own money. Failure has taught me lots about ambition, enthusiasm and growth. Those traits don't come naturally, they come after you scuff your knees from falling a lot-—trust me the scars remind me well."

With his newest event bringing mau5trap's own Eekkoo aboard the Enterprise 2000, Brendan is building a solid foundation for an excess of success in one of Canada's most demanding markets. A unique eye for talent, inspirations, and a continued drive to build this brand, Ship Show Presents is well suited to continue its uprising.

"I want Ship Show to continue producing events and become a household respected name here in the city. Ultimately I want to be known for the best boat parties in the city and booking major acts that are commonly recognized only at big name shows."

We're giving away three pairs of tickets to Ship Show's impending offering on July 11th in the middle of Lake Ontario and all you have to do is email contests.canada@vice.com with your name, address, and phone number.