Nicky Siano on The Gallery, Larry Levan and Life After Music | Red Bull Music Academy

[@RBMA]

Watch the full lecture here... ► www.redbullmusicacademy.com/lectures/nicky-siano

[@KevTJones]

Probably the best interview I have ever seen in relation to the old school 70s dj. Total respect to Nicky.

[@TheBlackkat63]

What An ERA, you'd have to be there to get the full experience, Nicky made you experience it right here in this interview. A living Legend.

[@idcook]

The Gallery was probably the greatest hotbed of raw talent I’ve ever known. I recall a couple of evenings watching fashion designer Stephen Burrows - using scraps of material he carried in a tote - build shirts from start to finish within an hour ON individuals he’d selected at random. Grace Jones was ethereal after her performance. Floating around beside Nicky as he casually introduced her to people in the club. Andy Warhol arrived a few times standing among a small group of his friends. John Waters, in attendance during the movie shoot, asked me to position myself by the entrance to the dance floor. The Gallery seemed to always have you involved, amazed and falling in love nearly every time you were there! Siano may regard himself as having been a diva but, when you stood quietly to watch him work, you felt and knew you were seeing and hearing the best DJ there has ever been!

[@greatwhiteshark9192]

Wow 😳...I love the whole mid late 70s NYC scene and wish I'd been there...did U go garage?54? continental baths? Frankie played there I think...and Larry....so many great songs/clubs /djs/people

[@idcook]

@@greatwhiteshark9192 There were so many emerging art form and artists that, like many people then, I attended all of the popular venues - including those you listed - spanning everything from disco, jazz, punk and classical. Even the Continental Baths had shows. I believe Bette Midler was very popular with that particular crowd, Gay clubs, during that time. As well as Grace Jones and several other musical and performance artists. Unless a person had hang-ups about people’s sexual bents, they could be comfortable and see great art just about anywhere in Manhattan. Broadway had Fosse, The Metropolitan Opera had Pavarotti, Rockefeller Center had Barbara Streisand, East Village clubs had The Ramones, Cindy Lauper, Madonna; Jazz clubs had Miles Davis; West Village had Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studio, etc. It may easily be regarded the most developmentally active era for pop culture in American history. Note - Nicky Ciano was the very first DJ at Studio 54.

[@edwardwilliams2438]

That music was pure escapism...release....euphoria. The kids today really don"t quite grasp the atmosphere that was going on. The 5 day grind of a weekly employment was...totally so gay driven. Hiding your inclinations during the day and allowing yourself to get out and just gyrate and dance your ass off. It was so liberating...the music was a total time machine....lights, loud music,the cigarette smoke..the bodies,the sweat,the random touching....it was just grand!!!Never to repeat itself. Thanks,for the time capsule.

[@robertregalbuto542]

yes the story of dance music is our story. we were the creative force behind it, we bought the records. back then you could have a hit record with no radio airplay

[@djmeztisoul]

Good thing I researched about Richard Long, Alex Rossner, Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles, Paradise Garage, The Gallery, Nicky Siano, etc. bfeore watching this video. I had a much better understanding what Mr. Siano was talking about. What a great guy. I began DJing a couple years ago with the inspiration of the pioneers, the discotheque era, and the person who pushed me full on, Sam Shepard. I can't put it into words how much I appreciate the music of yesterday. Thank you Mr. Siano and the folks at RBMA for this interview. It has immeasurable value to me.

[@paulcheney4114]

George Barraza met frankie knuckles in the '90s really nice guy

[@soulfulricansouldjkurtist2358]

That's cause we love you so much you gave us freedom at least for the weekend, remember living for the weekend and your story telling in your music ,you spread Disco Party with Ten percent, Love is the message and that routine , we was always waiting for it you had that certain touch when you put some songs on you was going to go deep and take us for a rise like the Mighty clouds of joy, is the way you did it , Larry Levan was a master in reading the whole crowd so in a way the Gallery was Smaller but the sound was very powerful, meanwhile the Paradise Garage had so much space it was design to Larry's levans expectations till they got it right .I have to say it was the same crowd growing and growing from the loft ,Gallery, then came Larry Levan. I have one huge question did Nicky Siano ever played in the Paradise Garage there was many Djs that played there but .That was a fantasy of mine to see Nicky Siano DJ ING in the Paradise Garage cause if anyone could DJ for hours it was Nicky Siano, I think I cryed, more when they closed the Paradise Garage cause the Gallery was already Closed so the Paradise Garage was our hope and when that night I never believe they was closing I didn't know about the owner being sick then I still would think Larry deserve that club that night I could tell Larry was up to something blowing up speakers that man dj set said something to us like the love I lost , just the two of us want to be the first to say good bye, where are all my friends, Clouds, Friends by Sylvester that was so hard the magic Nicky Siano, Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles, Tony Smith, Tee Scott, Tony Humphrey, Kenny Carpenter, Frankie Crocker WBLS Radio and Dave Mancuso, Eddie Rivera that had the famous Record pools in NYC, Westend, Salsoul, Atlantic Records wow .I love that Era and I hate it cause we lost so many to Aids , Am very sorry am going to stop thanks for the love .

[@nigelratcliffe7100]

'We're getting stronger' wow, what a record. I'm hanging on to an incredible era of music that moves you and actually MEANT something. Music for life. Great hearing Nicky's story, loved it.

[@rygs1594]

I’m New Yorker.. born in the Bronx.. a seventies baby.. love house music.. I caught the club vibe in the 90’s.. always wondered back then where all that great music came from.. I would love for to be a Netflix film based on that house.. from its origin.. starring the greats Larry David Nick.. and anyone else who made that era so special.. even from the dance crowd and music artist point of view.. I heard Gwen Guthrie.. wouldn’t even be known if it wasn’t for larry levan... just a thought

[@robertregalbuto542]

the true story needs to be put to film. dance music would not be if not for the gay men who went to the clubs and the dj's who mixed the music. just the story of West -end records tells our story. would make a great netflix film. all the great dj.s like larry levin who made records hits and mel cheren the creator of west-end

[@AnthonyGueli]

NICKY I miss those nights on 22 street you work the those. turntables and music you was so great!!!!!

[@SunkaWicasa]

new comers need to dig the roots of dance music and learn from the pioneers culture

[@robertstevenson6715]

Absolutely ...

[@Nigee55]

I feel kind of bitter-sweet listening to things like this. The feel and substance of the music, lyrics and culture are so rich and lush. It's an era I just feel so romantic about, and yet, it's slipping away. There's a void left, and a generation who don't realise what they're missing. Another guy who, to me embodies stirring, varied music with meaning is Victor Rosado, IMHO.

[@nelsonmercado100]

I love when he said if you love what you playing don’t worry about if the dance floor is empty etc. today djs are nothing but Jukebox’s playlist sinc fake djs taking request FREAK THAT.

[@bboymac84]

Nelson Mercado nothing wrong with request it can change the dynamic of the party. Use those requests to change the vibe and a good request should help you push a new vibe

[@bteiv676]

Here's my fav Gallery Story. Just before you got to the dance floor there was a curtain. Closer to the door was a sofa. One night upon arrival there sat the fifth Beatles...Billy Preston. One night I went with a boom box and recorded some of his music...still looking for that cassette.

[@daimonperez5571]

Nicky said it, It's so boring matching beats. A good DJ makes you feel the music sing the lyrics feel as one with the party. That's what made Nicky, Frankie, and Larry so good !!!!!

[@briant9053]

YESSSSSS!!!!

[@ogarro95]

Don't forget Tee Scott of Better Days.

[@williampscott3539]

Tee had three turntables to!

[@MakeSomeNoisePlaylists]

no Sir √

[@ragingnica]

Nicky. you're SO interesting to listen to. I'm two years younger than you and I remember the progression of music that alot of people don't know

[@ccth22]

As a North Jersey kid who grew up in the shadow of NYC this is awesome. I remember the lifestyle and the vibe. Music was everywhere and the club hits would be playing in record shops like Big Sounds in Plainfield, Vogel’s in Elizabeth among others. Those were great times...

[@poppeku69]

A very big love and respect from, norway, been spinning the wax for about 30 years, and the passion is just burning stronger, all the best Nicky Siano bless! And my heart and soul says thank you so much RBA;)

[@ralphrosario5092]

I love the way he breaks down the terminology of music back then and now must be seen so people can understand why we have the music today

[@WellyWonder1]

Jeff Mao is very skilled with his interviews. He knows how to pace the questions, and get the most of his guests. Too many Hosts, simply recite questions without any flow and Rythm. Hats off to you Jeff. Nicky - you are a LEGEND

[@spencermakote7436]

A lot of comments below are critising Jeff “Chairman” Mao. Yes, he’s from a hip hop background , but this man’s music tastes and knowledge run deep, additionally the man is a little reserved by nature. In terms of an interview he gave it context and asked the right questions, so whats your problem? Just because the man is not hyper and over enthused does not denigrate his skills as a journalist, moreso its not meant to be a monolouge.

[@albertrosa8771]

The club nightlife of the past was way better than the crap that's going on today. Nowadays it has no soul, no spirt, no exciting aura. It's all bullshit now. Thank God that I grew up in the heyday of the Paradise Garage, the Loft, Bonds International, the Roxy, the Funhouse, etc. The 70's and 80's club nightlife was the shit.

[@briant9053]

Bond was so different vast and groudbreaking... I used to roller skate with Disco Sally!!:) and the GArage was like no other. I still have my wrench.!

[@laz0rama]

@@briant9053 i still have my original garage card, from before it was officially the paradise garage (the real construction parties in the square room). also my first loft invitation, 1977. ah, the memories....

[@briant9053]

@@laz0rama I’m a bit younger and never got to the Loft. I first went to the Garage in ‘78 and it had sawdust on the floor and pretty exclusive at that time perhaps it’s peak..78-79! Workin Slavin 🎼

[@robertcherry1369]

Word

[@agrelista]

That’s so true I was there for all those clubs we were lucky to have been there for the birth of dance music because their will never be era like this ever again. I feel bad and sorry for the young people because they will never experience what we had back then.

[@sushie29]

I can see his frustration with the way Dj's play nowadays no matter how nice he is trying to be about it. And I agree.

[@johnnypal716]

Nicky is so damn cool. I’m glad I’m not the only DJ who became a counselor when he grew up..... 🤠

[@robertregalbuto542]

i remember dancing to rain . also the mighty clouds of joy the mighty high great songs

[@robertregalbuto542]

these were the first songs we danced to in clubs. also woman by barabas you better think lynn collins

[@TheBlackkat63]

A brilliant man, love his story.

[@laz0rama]

back in 1977 when the entrance to the loft was still at 147 mercer (we exited in morning through the 99 prince door), before i had my loft invitation, many of us would be standing outside on mercer waiting for someone to bring us in. many times did i wander up the block and dance outside the gallery with folks waiting to get in. when the door was opened, you could hear the music reasonably on the sidewalk. a couple songs i remember distinctly blasting out the gallery door: nowhere to run (dynamic superiors) san francisco (village people) got to have your love (fantastic four) those were the days, most definitely the best times of my life. i lived at the loft every saturday from 1977 to 1982, and spent many of those friday nights at the garage. what has happened to soul/funk/dance music?

[@hugoboccio]

gorgeous songs. Thank You Nicky Siano for sharing love

[@ozbdguy]

100% agree with his preference of mixes of Kiss Me Again, that piano sends me every single time. Love it so much

[@Urma2010]

Just announced him for Dublin pride Dj set . Beyond excited to see this legend 🎚♩🎶🎛🎧

[@robertstevenson6715]

Fascinating !! Need more of the great djs from this era on here !!:)

[@robertregalbuto542]

my first club i went to in philly the steps, digets, oz, kurts. the two-4 which was dca and we danced all night long

[@tracydavis5253]

He hit the nail on the head no balance in the house scene one tempo all night

[@gregoryamadeus2235]

Just discovered Niki’s art. What a genius and historic legend

[@jcaiwa185]

Just listening to Nicky feels like watching a very well made biopic

[@czarinamirani2568]

Nicky is amazing, such words of wisdom. So many quote-worthy things he said. The interviewer on the other hand seemed rather cold and disinterested.

[@sergiolandz6056]

yeah he seems to be more of a hip hop head than a house head that interviewer, but im still thankfull they had this interview done. Anyone who Dj's should learn who Nicky is.

[@derekkase7884]

so human Nicky Siano so human

[@mrsampaiothiago]

so much information !!

[@johnpetty3574]

NEVER MIND THIS (not really)... WHERE CAN I GET THE " LOVE SAVES THE DAY" DOCU????!!!

[@TheNickJonesExperience]

Great interview. Thank you Nicky.

[@rebeccalynn5134]

Love this!

[@kikmix1149]

42:26 Wanna talk about Grace Jones? YESSSS!!!

[@cubachang]

Awesome! Thank you Nicky!

[@DiscoMatty79]

Great interview. can not wait to see play tomorrow night!

[@beeboy6967]

Hey DiscoMatty McNiceness, so what was seeing Nicky like ? I need to know & thanks in advance :=)

[@deepandsoulfulgrooves]

love it! ❤❤ this video is everything

[@rainbowpie5567]

If anyone's interested, I sold Nicky the Disco Pioneers T-Shirt he's wearing. Drawn by myself, and available here rainbowpie.co.uk/mens/disco-pioneers-t-shirt-1

[@KINGJAMESNYC]

Legend!!!!! Enough Said.

[@denisemitchell8477]

gday luv for all of you who don't know Nicky Siano pure legend Gallery then Buttermilk Bottom I was at the Gayrage when Larry kicked him off the 1s and 2s Icon Legend what VIP Buttermilk..RIP Sunshine

[@frankbrenner4852]

This interview is amazing on so many levels: NYC history, sociology, music, culture, LGBT issues, recovery, redemption...creativity...Just an FYI regarding how good this cat is...www.waxpoetics.com/blog/music/mixtape/nicky-siano-brings-back-gallery-one-night/

[@djtrainspotter-tv]

amazing interview

[@Ludism-my5vm]

what a legend , really inspiring to listen to. thanks Nicky

[@quantumcreator8888]

Nicky just woke up ⬆️🕉💗💗💗💗💗

[@Tsacchi94]

Just blown away.

[@Tsacchi94]

Well well well here we are again. Absolute legend.

[@savinecycles]

really enjoyed that...

[@OTDEEJAY]

Words of wisdom

[@mixit313]

Please make the Three Amigos movie.

[@kielhall8363]

great show

[@manuelxavier5659]

real deejay

[@floordoctor]

If you're gonna get fired for a reason....and that reason is for playing a Kraftwerk record.....that's pretty awesome. LMAO. Kinda sums up why 54 was further down the list in NYC in terms of the music itself.

[@micheleberto1846]

need his t-shirt!

[@thomaslarkin9791]

They are on eBay

[@jasonjaso2828]

Red Bull Music dont have a wireless lavalier microphone in the building?

[@LaLaInNOVA]

❤️❤️ love him!

[@Kimbohism]

Great interview, very interesting.

[@djsimonrossprice9400]

1.13 beat matching... First guy to do it ??? Francis Grasso .... !!!!! He's attributed with being the first..

[@engy4250]

very good

[@DJ_G-Rod]

How do I rent or purchase Nicky's movie "Love Is The Message"?

[@TheStaubzauger]

Same question here!

[@skfj67]

If you go to ...ANY ....club and don't like the what they are hearing and seeing then ..... they just wasted their money. Also something i feel that's missing from clubs today is ....... people don't yell and scream the way they did back in the day, you get a few here and there but compare yesteryear with today and it seems as if people are scared to party or some shit, they are looking around as if to say :WHAT'S GOING ON!!! it's odd to me and sad of today's nightclubs.

[@sergiolandz6056]

they are all stuck on them cellphones now, sad fkn world we live in !

[@dennisloniak8774]

Today people do not DANCE. They jump up and down fist pumping with their cell phones high in the air. That’s it. Give me any number of ex Garage dancers and we’ll show you a PARTY.

[@wendellmorrison8515]

I was there the 🌃 he 👗 like the statue of liberty

[@samsule8339]

interesting topics

[@djhyhouse4173]

Loleatta -Whitney = Where getting stronger vs. Milillion Dollar Bill, LOVE IT!!

[@45revolver35]

Guy invented the suspended booth 😮 !

[@MrBsgore]

I remember Nicky and Tiger Stripes.

[@josesime24]

i want to know about larry levan ALL!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RobertoRiosbiz]

He saying that he use to hang out at the limelight when he was 15 / 16 years old in the 70s but the limelight did not open in New York until 1983.🤔

[@Reticuli]

Did Nicky Siano take over Scott Fitlin's Eldorado?

[@nunayobiz]

Nicky is very interesting, lots of history! Interviewer is awful.

[@VideoMusicManiacPlace]

Godbye Roseland.

[@shebalegend]

That's HIS story. Not MY experience.

[@intrepidbun5002]

Hopefully RBMA will come knocking on your door soon and we can all look forward to hearing about you're story......

[@ColtanFree]

Red Bull needs a female host....These guys are so lame and boring.