Rhythmism.comQ&A With LEE BURRIDGE (Halloween 10.29 @ B.E.D.)
by rhythmism
Wednesday, Oct 5th 2005, 10:42 PM
Globe-trotting DJ Lee Burridge has set up camp in New York for two months as part of his new 365 Project, which turns life of a DJ on its ear in creating a new concept tour. This is a completely different approach to a residency and will be a full immersion in the clubbing culture of each respective host city. Rhythmism caught up with Lee midway in his NYC stay, to get his take on the state of NYC after-hours, partying with 89,000 people in broad daylight, and thigh-high black leather boots.
Welcome to New York! We're glad that your '365' project has brought you to NYC for an extended period of time. Have you adjusted to the pace NYC life yet?
Well thank you very much for the welcome! I'm really glad too that I've been able to host 365 here in New York. I've always wanted to live here as its such an exciting city to me. Have I adjusted to the pace of NYC life?... Yes... Slowing down from Ibiza has been great for my health!
Now that you're in NYC, which producers are you looking forward to working with? Are there any others on your NYC wish list?
I'm already working with Steve Porter. He's a very talented guy and we have a track finished which I'm planning on playing Friday night at Spirit. We're about to start on another today. Its been very easy working with Steve up at Porter Towers which is good as my studio skills really only extend to coffee and tea maker, hahahaha!
It has always been confined to someone's house therefore limiting who can go.... This obviously excludes a lot of people, which sucks... [Here,] an already great night was extended out until the afternoon, in a club with a dope sound system...Your first NYC gig for the '365' project was a secret after-hours gig starting 8am at APT. How does word get out about a secret after-hours anyway? We heard rumors that Mike Bindra was even smiling (!) and others reported back that it was one of the best parties this year. What contributed to that?
New York is a tough town to hold an event in. There's always so much going on on the same night, the same weekend or the same month and people pick and choose their events. The idea of a DJ doing multiple parties here has the potential of failure written all over it. Why go and see the same DJ more than once?! With 365 I wanted to do a few different nights here. I want all the parties to be a success which is why between Mike and I, we approached each one with some thought.
The secret after-hours came about as an idea due to the after-hours scene here in the city - for me at least when I'm in New York - being something I always look forward to. Unfortunately it has always been confined to someone's house therefore limiting who can go. You have to know the person whose house it is.
This obviously excludes a lot of people, which sucks. We decided to flyer the event at the Danny Howells show [flyers were handed out in the club]. I think there's a real crossover with Danny's crowd and my crowd and these are the clubbers who definitely stay up late! We also sent out a text message to cell phones. The party was excellent. I think the fact an already great night was extended out until the afternoon, in a club with a dope sound system, and the fact there doesn't seem to be this kind of after-hours party regularly here (yet) really got the 'stay up late' crowd excited. I am planning on doing other secret after-hours' in NYC in the future. Oh, and yes the rumors were true, Mike was caught smiling in public!
The '365' tour kicked-off in Hong Kong where you first started your DJing career. Has the city and its nightlife changed significantly since you last lived there (1997)?
Hong Kong is a city of expansion and contraction. Its always developing and because of that things come and go at a fast rate. Even while I lived there I saw the party scene at its best and worst during some years. At the moment the nightlife scene is thriving. Not in a huge warehouse rave style that used to be the trend a few years ago but in an underground way again. Small smoky dark clubs with loads of people crammed in. It was very cool to go back and be there for more than a few days. The main difference I guess is the crowd is almost 100% Chinese. The crazy energy that was brought by traveling westerners has gone. This of course is no bad thing. It's simply changed from a crazy vibe to a more cool and trendy one. I loved the whole month there. I'm always amazed at this city and how they manage to build 80 story skyscrapers in a month using bamboo scaffolding. How do they do that!!?
Summer in Ibiza. We heard you were sharing a villa with NYC's own Bill Patrick. We're sure that would make for some crazy antics. Were there any silver thongs involved? Any funny stories (potential blackmail?) that would be suitable for the web? If not we can always place them in the Carnal section.
I'm actually writing about the summer antics right now for another article in full detail, but all I can say as a teaser is look out for Bill's new career of modeling black thigh high ladies boots. (I am in therapy to help me overcome these images.)
You were recently in San Francisco. How was your LOVE LEE party at Mezzanine?
The Mezzanine party on the Friday before Love Parade was unbelievable. The hospitality, not only for me, but everybody who attended was something else. The organizers Gunita and Scott Carelli put so much into the party including giving away food, t-shirts, mugs, "Love Lee" condoms(!), "Love" lollipops and a whole load of other stuff that it has really set the bar high for next year. Good luck! The party itself....wow!
What did you think about Love Parade San Francisco?
there will be a discussion on who played the best, but the night's not about that. It's about a night of great underground music.The energy of Love Parade blew my mind. The whole weekend was absolute madness. People screaming, dancing like they were possessed. So much diverse dance music to choose from, and on and around all the floats thousands of people enjoying themselves. San Francisco is definitely one of the most unique and coolest cities in the USA. I love the laid back attitude and beauty but it also has a real gritty feel. San Francisco has always been an important place for music and this is something that is really going to grow over the next five years. I hope to base 365 there at some point.
You are playing with Richie Hawtin on Friday, October 7th @ Spirit. Have you ever played together before? Are you preparing in any different way for a more techno-oriented crowd?
We have played together a few times and its going to be a pleasure to play together again this Friday. I don't prepare for different parties in different ways. I pretty much bring the same record boxes with me. As for the crowd being more 'techno oriented'; I think its actually going to be a mixture of people who like Richie and people who like myself, but mostly people who know the night's going to be sick music from the beginning.
When you put on two DJs, there are always going to be comparisons and there will be a discussion on who played the best, but the night's not about that. It's about a night of great underground music. I can't wait to hear Richie play as I think, for me, he's the most interesting and exciting DJ out there right now. He's pushing the technology and playing amazing music. I'll definitely be on the dance-floor when I finish.
Can we look forward to any more NYC after-hours during your residency here?
You'll have to come to the other parties to find out......
After New York City, where are you off to next?
Next stop is Italy. I'm going to be resident at Tenax which is this amazing club in Florence. Its been around since 1981 I believe, and has put on everything from Grace Jones, Depeche Mode, Thievery Corporation to every super duper DJ under the sun. It has a crowd of black,white,straight,gay,confused,young,old,male and female - all of which look far cooler than I do! As I'm in Europe its easier to bring in some guests so I'm going to be playing with Booka Shade, Alex Neri and Steve Bug during the 4 weeks.
You just finished a new compilation which will become the 3rd installation of Sander Kleinenberg's "Everybody" series. How did your involvement the project come about?
Sander and I have been friends for a long time and he asked me if I wanted to do a single CD alongside him. I had no plans to release a CD until the 365 CD next June and haven't done one for a while so thought what the hell! We've had a few bumps in the road with the release date as I actually finished my CD back in May but it should be released November 1st (Ultra Records). Hopefully!
Friday, October 29th
MADE EVENT presents
Lee Burridge
Halloween Feast
Lee celebrates his Birthday with a feast full of wild and wicked sounds on B.E.D.'s brand new Integral Sound System...bring your appetite.
B.E.D.
530 West 27th
6th Floor Loft
212.594.4109
Limited supply advance tickets $15 from Click here to purchase now!
Tickets also available at Satellite Records
259 Bowery, NYC
212.995.1744
$500 CASH PRIZE for the best costume!
$20 at the door
Doors at 11pm
18+ valid I.D.
www.made-event.com
MORE INFO: Lee Burridge '365' World Tour - Destination: New York City
http://www.leeburridge.com
http://www.madeevent.com
http://www.loveparadesf.org
Welcome to New York! We're glad that your '365' project has brought you to NYC for an extended period of time. Have you adjusted to the pace NYC life yet?
Well thank you very much for the welcome! I'm really glad too that I've been able to host 365 here in New York. I've always wanted to live here as its such an exciting city to me. Have I adjusted to the pace of NYC life?... Yes... Slowing down from Ibiza has been great for my health!
Now that you're in NYC, which producers are you looking forward to working with? Are there any others on your NYC wish list?
I'm already working with Steve Porter. He's a very talented guy and we have a track finished which I'm planning on playing Friday night at Spirit. We're about to start on another today. Its been very easy working with Steve up at Porter Towers which is good as my studio skills really only extend to coffee and tea maker, hahahaha!
It has always been confined to someone's house therefore limiting who can go.... This obviously excludes a lot of people, which sucks... [Here,] an already great night was extended out until the afternoon, in a club with a dope sound system...Your first NYC gig for the '365' project was a secret after-hours gig starting 8am at APT. How does word get out about a secret after-hours anyway? We heard rumors that Mike Bindra was even smiling (!) and others reported back that it was one of the best parties this year. What contributed to that?
New York is a tough town to hold an event in. There's always so much going on on the same night, the same weekend or the same month and people pick and choose their events. The idea of a DJ doing multiple parties here has the potential of failure written all over it. Why go and see the same DJ more than once?! With 365 I wanted to do a few different nights here. I want all the parties to be a success which is why between Mike and I, we approached each one with some thought.
The secret after-hours came about as an idea due to the after-hours scene here in the city - for me at least when I'm in New York - being something I always look forward to. Unfortunately it has always been confined to someone's house therefore limiting who can go. You have to know the person whose house it is.
This obviously excludes a lot of people, which sucks. We decided to flyer the event at the Danny Howells show [flyers were handed out in the club]. I think there's a real crossover with Danny's crowd and my crowd and these are the clubbers who definitely stay up late! We also sent out a text message to cell phones. The party was excellent. I think the fact an already great night was extended out until the afternoon, in a club with a dope sound system, and the fact there doesn't seem to be this kind of after-hours party regularly here (yet) really got the 'stay up late' crowd excited. I am planning on doing other secret after-hours' in NYC in the future. Oh, and yes the rumors were true, Mike was caught smiling in public!
Hong Kong is a city of expansion and contraction. Its always developing and because of that things come and go at a fast rate. Even while I lived there I saw the party scene at its best and worst during some years. At the moment the nightlife scene is thriving. Not in a huge warehouse rave style that used to be the trend a few years ago but in an underground way again. Small smoky dark clubs with loads of people crammed in. It was very cool to go back and be there for more than a few days. The main difference I guess is the crowd is almost 100% Chinese. The crazy energy that was brought by traveling westerners has gone. This of course is no bad thing. It's simply changed from a crazy vibe to a more cool and trendy one. I loved the whole month there. I'm always amazed at this city and how they manage to build 80 story skyscrapers in a month using bamboo scaffolding. How do they do that!!?
Summer in Ibiza. We heard you were sharing a villa with NYC's own Bill Patrick. We're sure that would make for some crazy antics. Were there any silver thongs involved? Any funny stories (potential blackmail?) that would be suitable for the web? If not we can always place them in the Carnal section.
I'm actually writing about the summer antics right now for another article in full detail, but all I can say as a teaser is look out for Bill's new career of modeling black thigh high ladies boots. (I am in therapy to help me overcome these images.)
You were recently in San Francisco. How was your LOVE LEE party at Mezzanine?
The Mezzanine party on the Friday before Love Parade was unbelievable. The hospitality, not only for me, but everybody who attended was something else. The organizers Gunita and Scott Carelli put so much into the party including giving away food, t-shirts, mugs, "Love Lee" condoms(!), "Love" lollipops and a whole load of other stuff that it has really set the bar high for next year. Good luck! The party itself....wow!
What did you think about Love Parade San Francisco?
there will be a discussion on who played the best, but the night's not about that. It's about a night of great underground music.The energy of Love Parade blew my mind. The whole weekend was absolute madness. People screaming, dancing like they were possessed. So much diverse dance music to choose from, and on and around all the floats thousands of people enjoying themselves. San Francisco is definitely one of the most unique and coolest cities in the USA. I love the laid back attitude and beauty but it also has a real gritty feel. San Francisco has always been an important place for music and this is something that is really going to grow over the next five years. I hope to base 365 there at some point.
You are playing with Richie Hawtin on Friday, October 7th @ Spirit. Have you ever played together before? Are you preparing in any different way for a more techno-oriented crowd?
We have played together a few times and its going to be a pleasure to play together again this Friday. I don't prepare for different parties in different ways. I pretty much bring the same record boxes with me. As for the crowd being more 'techno oriented'; I think its actually going to be a mixture of people who like Richie and people who like myself, but mostly people who know the night's going to be sick music from the beginning.
When you put on two DJs, there are always going to be comparisons and there will be a discussion on who played the best, but the night's not about that. It's about a night of great underground music. I can't wait to hear Richie play as I think, for me, he's the most interesting and exciting DJ out there right now. He's pushing the technology and playing amazing music. I'll definitely be on the dance-floor when I finish.
Can we look forward to any more NYC after-hours during your residency here?
You'll have to come to the other parties to find out......
After New York City, where are you off to next?
Next stop is Italy. I'm going to be resident at Tenax which is this amazing club in Florence. Its been around since 1981 I believe, and has put on everything from Grace Jones, Depeche Mode, Thievery Corporation to every super duper DJ under the sun. It has a crowd of black,white,straight,gay,confused,young,old,male and female - all of which look far cooler than I do! As I'm in Europe its easier to bring in some guests so I'm going to be playing with Booka Shade, Alex Neri and Steve Bug during the 4 weeks.
You just finished a new compilation which will become the 3rd installation of Sander Kleinenberg's "Everybody" series. How did your involvement the project come about?
Sander and I have been friends for a long time and he asked me if I wanted to do a single CD alongside him. I had no plans to release a CD until the 365 CD next June and haven't done one for a while so thought what the hell! We've had a few bumps in the road with the release date as I actually finished my CD back in May but it should be released November 1st (Ultra Records). Hopefully!
Friday, October 29th
MADE EVENT presents
Lee Burridge
Halloween Feast
Lee celebrates his Birthday with a feast full of wild and wicked sounds on B.E.D.'s brand new Integral Sound System...bring your appetite.
B.E.D.
530 West 27th
6th Floor Loft
212.594.4109
Limited supply advance tickets $15 from Click here to purchase now!
Tickets also available at Satellite Records
259 Bowery, NYC
212.995.1744
$500 CASH PRIZE for the best costume!
$20 at the door
Doors at 11pm
18+ valid I.D.
www.made-event.com
MORE INFO: Lee Burridge '365' World Tour - Destination: New York City
http://www.leeburridge.com
http://www.madeevent.com
http://www.loveparadesf.org
