Whether you live in a massive metropolis or a tiny town- the places to gather and dance might dwindle over time. Or it could be that they're simply be non-existent from the jump. Those DIY prone might be driven to carve out space, and by proxy change culture. But just what does it take to create something from seemingly nothing?

I’m joined by Gage Spex, co-collaborator of The Spectrum and Dreamhouse; experimental and queer spaces that have fundamentally altered NYC arts and music scenes. As havens for expression and exploration- they pushed boundaries, dramatically impacting people personally and society at large. It took vision, grit, determination and a chockfull of creativity to navigate challenges in order to build and maintain these communal spaces. Tune in to hear how they did it- and perhaps get inspired.

Have an insatiable appetite for all things rave? Subscribe to the Rants and Raves newsletter on Substack for columns and audio emailed directly to you. And to listen in on future interviews with nightlife legends, follow Rants and Raves on your favorite podcast platform.

Music x Claude Young Jr / Logo x Michael Magnan

What is the role of art at parties? Just because music is the resounding reason we gather to dance, doesn’t mean other senses have to go by way of happenchance. Visual art melded with sound in shared spaces has unparalleled potential to impact partygoers' psyches and shift culture.

This episode’s guests are Scooter LaForge and Richard Alvarez. Both legendary artists who’ve seen that, done that, and continue to do that across a multitude of major scenes for decades. Tune in as we explore art at parties past and present- with an eye towards inspiring the future.

Tune in or watch on YouTube.

For more on Scooter and Richard:

richardalvarezart.com // V Magazine: "Viewing Pleasure"

Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art (documentary) // Zero.Nine Magazine: "Life is Art; Art is Life"

Have an insatiable appetite for all things rave? Subscribe to the Rants and Raves newsletter on Substack for columns and audio emailed directly to you. And to listen in on future interviews with nightlife legends, follow Rants and Raves on your favorite podcast platform.

Music x Claude Young Jr / Logo x Michael Magnan

The parties at which we prance are more plentiful than ever. But along with lots of options can come a tendency to take them for granted. The spaces and times we dance have an unparalleled effect on us . So what exactly are the tangible and intangible qualities that make parties so precious? Alinka joins to share perspectives formed over decades dancing and DJing across the globe. Her point of view is uniquely impacted by her residency at ∄ (known as K41)- a highly esteemed Kyiv club and renowned cultural institution which raises funds for the community.

Have an insatiable appetite for all things rave? Subscribe to the Rants and Raves newsletter on Substack for columns and audio emailed directly to you. And to listen in on future interviews with nightlife legends, follow Rants and Raves on your favorite podcast platform.

Music x Claude Young Jr / Logo x Michael Magnan