NIGHTLIFE CAMBRIDGE

Saying Goodbye to Momentum Mondays: The Reality of Running a Club Night

Picture of Michael Bryce

Michael Bryce

Founder of Nightlife Cambridge
November 5, 2024

When I first stepped into the world of Cambridge nightlife, I had no idea how much it would become a part of me. I didn’t see it evolving into the mixed reality it is today—part passion project, part personal journey, and part rollercoaster ride. It’s become less about presenting the “best night out” and more about sharing an authentic experience. With NLC, it’s turned into something deeply connected to my own life and journey, rather than just a series of parties.

But not every chapter is meant to continue indefinitely. Recently, I made the difficult decision to close down Momentum Mondays, one of NLC’s signature nights. Momentum was a space we built for early-week energy, a chance for people to connect and start their week on a high note. Yet as the nightlife landscape shifted, it became clear that Momentum wasn’t resonating in the way it once did. It’s tough to let it go—it feels like letting go of a piece of NLC and, in some ways, a piece of myself. But I believe this decision is essential for making space for NLC to evolve with the city’s ever-changing nightlife needs.

Lifestyle Influencing: Heart on My Sleeve

Nightlife in Cambridge has gone through a transformation that surprised me in more ways than I could’ve imagined. When I started, I envisioned a simple goal: to create spaces and nights that people would love. But the reality has become so much more layered. I’ve found myself drawn into a world where being real is more important than being glossy, where wearing my heart on my sleeve matters as much as bringing the crowd in.

In many ways, NLC has become more that a nightlife platform, but good story to tell the grandkids, as much as it’s a nightlife venture. It’s about showing all the parts, moments that feel like wins and those that feel like missteps. This openness has given NLC a different kind of life, one that isn’t about an Instagram-perfect party but about a night that’s raw, real, and true. I’ve realised people seem appreciate this honest approach, even if it doesn’t follow the typical “this is the best night ever!” script.

The Realities of Lifestyle Influencing: Showing the Good and the Bad

The shift into lifestyle influencing has brought with it its own challenges. It’s easy to show only the good, the sold-out events, the high-energy nights, and the success stories. But real influence, I’ve found, comes from being open about everything—the missteps, the nights that didn’t quite hit the mark, the personal struggles to keep it all together while balancing a 9-5 and a full-on nightlife brand. It’s sometimes humbling and even at times embarrassing when things don’t go as planned, but there’s value in being transparent about it.

Running a nightlife brand isn’t just about the party—it’s about the reality behind it. And I believe that honesty, that “heart-on-sleeve” approach, resonates with people. It lets them in on the fact that working in nightlife isn’t just glitz and glamour; it’s hard work, it’s unpredictable, and it’s intensely personal for those of us building it. That openness, I think, has been one of NLC’s greatest assets.

Why I Keep Going: A Commitment to Cambridge, My Future, and My Passion

Even with all its unpredictability, nightlife still feels like something I’m meant to pursue. There’s a sense of responsibility I feel toward the Cambridge nightlife scene, a drive to keep pushing forward and bring something meaningful to the table. Nights like Momentum Mondays, aren’t just another night—they’re places were people form and deepen connections, and every choice I make in this business feels personal. I keep going because I feel a sense of duty to create spaces where people can feel alive and connected, even if the business venture doesn’t always go as planned.

NLC is also a part of my future. It’s a pathway to secure a life for myself and, eventually, my family. As I consider my future as a partner and, one day, as a parent, building something sustainable and meaningful is crucial. NLC is an adventure, but it’s also a way to provide stability while doing something that genuinely excites me.

The Unpredictable Adventure

So, here I am, learning through every high and low, every shift in the Cambridge nightlife landscape, and every personal and professional lesson along the way. The journey with NLC has been nothing short of transformative, full of the unexpected and the deeply rewarding. It’s a path I didn’t entirely see coming, but one I’m thankful for every day.

Cambridge nightlife is always evolving, and as long as there’s a chance to make an impact, to bring something new, and to share the journey in all its messy reality, I’m here for it.

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