Red Fridays at U Street Music Hall welcomes Italians Do It Better and Troubleman Unlimited label head Mike Simonetti playing alongside DC’s house and disco stalwart Chris Burns on Friday night. Simonetti’s a New Jersey born hardcore punk fantatic, DJ and record collector who has roots hearkening to the end of the heyday of the New York club scene spinning at such legendary late era venues as Palladium, The Tunnel and The Limelight. He’s also started a plethora of pre-hipster era Brooklyn parties as well, hosting bands like Gossip and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
As a label head, with Troubleman Unlimited he’s served as a launching pad for Glass Candy, The Chromatics, and Devendra Banhart. In 2006, he started an Italo disco record collector blog Italians Do It Better that evolved into a sub-label, concerning limited run cdrs and 12″s by personally selected producers, groups, and remixers.
I had the opportunity to ask Mike a few questions about his history as a DJ, NYC party culture, record collecting and his labels. Do enjoy!
1. What was your initial draw into becoming a DJ? Was it from being a record collector, or was it from the allure of the culture?
A little of both. I have always been into records. I was drawn to DJing early on but was never able to do it because I was too young to get into the clubs, and i didnt really have access to gear back in the late 80s early 90s. 1200s were very expensive back in the day!
2. Having seen the breakdown and resurrection of NYC club nightlife, what are some of the similarities to the heyday, and how have things improved. Do you think that the vibe of the early 80s will ever truly return?
NYC nightlife is dead. It hasnt been good since before 9/11. There’s been some good parties here and there but for the most part, it’s safe to say it is dead. The influx of yuppies into once barren and unlivable places has made doing parties impossible. There are people calling the police all the time, whether its people standing around outside venues, smoking outside, or making noise. That, combined with the advent of the teenage iPOD, Top 40, Smiths bullshit DJ…Manhattan and most of Williamsburg is a suburb now. You cant make noise.
3. You play on Friday night with DC’s own Chris Burns. How did you come to know him, and what about your styles is complementary and allowed you to come together to create music?
He has a good ear, and he isn’t afraid to play what he likes. In the internet age people are very judgemental about music in clubs. There are a lot of armchair DJs out there who have never actually played a record in public. DJing is not like making an internet mix. It’s a whole different animal. Chris realizes this. He is here to party, and so am I. Why bother DJing if the crowd isnt enjoying it? If thats the case just make a mix for your blog!
4. As a record collector, what do you look for when you go digging? Is it a mix of a desire to find rare records, or are you looking for unusual rhythms to add to unique productions. Also, what’s your favorite record in your collection from a “completely unbelievable story of how you acquired it standpoint?”
I just go out and look for stuff I have never seen before. I don’t go out with a specific mindset. Most of the best records aren’t rare anyway! These days people are trying to outdo each other with rare records finding the most obscure thing, but usually it isnt that good. I have too many stories to even mention!
5. What has been your favorite release of any of the music that has been released on the labels you have created?
I’m a big chromatics fan lately. Mirage is also good. I think that guy has a future.
6. What do you conider to be the five quintessential tracks of house music in as far as your development in appreciating and understanding the sound?
There’s more than 5!
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