Even though it seems like nightlife in New York City has slowed down, when seeking underground dance parties and edgy musical events in NYC, there seems to be something happening every night of the week—each with solid musical lineups. There are a few people we have to thank for providing this selection, including talent curators DJ Spun, Justine D., Jen Lyon, and Justin Carter.
DJ Spun |
These are the creative minds behind some of NYC’s best musical bills. Traditionally the “music booker” at a venue is someone who handles the logistics of lining up bands and DJs to fill nights at a space—but these nightlife experts view their roles as nothing short of art forms. To them, it’s about curating experience.
After throwing more renegade style parties as a young kid, DJ Spun, who now curates talent for the outdoor P.S.1./ MoMA events in Long Island City, took on San Francisco’s dance scene. His talent caught the interest of P.S.1.’s music director at the time, Lokke Highstein, who invited him to get involved with the contemporary art/media space.
“I generally focus on bringing all the right key ingredients together,” says Spun. “The people, the music, the venue, the sound — every element that contributes to the partygoer’s experience is very important. It's also important to be original and provide some element of surprise.”
Justine D
photo by Ben Rosenzweig |
Justine D. began promoting and DJing at the age of 22, which led to her role in the famous 7.5-year-run Motherfucker party in NYC. Today she is the event director at Studio B in Brooklyn, one of NYC’s busiest live music venues.
“I see it as a social and artistic project, not just a logistical task,” says Justine about her role, “While there is the aspect of organizing set times and sound checks, it’s really about matching the right acts with the venue and even marrying certain promoters with an act. Maybe social engineering would be a technical term for what I do—to mold the vibe for a venue is important and it’s what I’ve done for Studio B with my tastes, contacts, and friends behind me.”
Jen Lyon |
After learning the ropes at the legendary Joe’s Pub in NYC, Jen Lyon launched MeanRed Productions in 2006 as a platform to curate events independently. Today she curates a seasonal outdoor venue called The Yard, on the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, as well as presenting events at 205 Club, LOVE, Hiro, Studio B, along with a 2008 Summer Stage event and loft parties throughout the city.
“Alternative spaces are some of my favorite adventures because the space becomes one of the players,” says Lyon. “In a beautifully strange space, even if plaster is falling on the DJ's head, everyone is in a bit of shock and awe—out of their comfort zone and open to something new.”
Justin Carter works for APT, plans the summer Saturday night series called The Beach Party at Water Taxi Beach, is working on a series at The Yard and also throws “Easy Lover” loft parties. “I absolutely view my job as a curator's,” says Carter. “I've been equally excited by hosting DJs like Lovebug Starski and DJ Premier as I have about hosting Claude VonStroke, Robert Owens, or Danny Wang.”
Studio B |
Creating the unexpected seems to be a common thread throughout all of their jobs, though their venues and tastes might be different. “I'm most proud of bringing together artists that one wouldn't expect like Peanut Butter Wolf with DJ Harvey or the Mad Professor's Dub Show and the Triangle Orchestra,” says Spun.
Referred to as curators, rather than talent bookers, these four talents are using their intrinsic understanding of music, art, and events to build an exhibition where the displays are the parties themselves—and they are some of the best NYC has to offer.
