Show Spotlight: Stardust Lounge

How long have you been doing Stardust Lounge? What drew you to take on this show?      

I started deejaying in 1994 for Women’s Night dances (3 times a year lesbians would come from under cover of anonymity to see/meet other lesbians). When the events started to wane, I launched Stardust Lounge as a house dance party for women who like women. It was up to the individual to determine what ‘women’ or ‘like’ meant. They lasted for a few years, with typical attendance of 80-100 women; however I was so busy organizing, I rarely deejayed as I organizing, promoting and hosting.

I was drawn back to disco in 2000 when my colleague Paul Carew (of Carew & Co.) loaned me his copy of Dimitri From Paris’ “A Night At The Playboy Mansion.” From there it was a pursuit to find everything Dimitri produced or was interested in, which led me to other European producers who kept disco current such as Joey Negro and Opolopo.

Disco was born in the ‘70’s when social/economic equalities were being enjoyed by women, Hispanics, African-Americans, and gays. Disco was a mix of beats from disparate groups just finding their acceptance in the American dream. From disco was born the club culture, from which sprang other dance music forms such as house, EDM, trance, techno, etc.

After a decade of digging into the songs and scene and history, the void of disco from the American and Boise music scene was disconcerting. I thought everyone would love a music that primarily spoke of love and acceptance of your own freak self with a great ‘move yo body’ beat. It seemed natural to refine Stardust Lounge so I could focus on deejaying or music production, share disco music and promote the message of love.

How did you discover Radio Boise?

Jeff Abrams [Radio Boise’s founding General Manager] and I had worked together back in 1994 as studio camera operators at Idaho Public Television. Approximately 10 years later, I was Ad Director at Boise Weekly in charge of marketing and he was trying to move Radio Boise from an online station only to a terrestrial station. As an independent media source in Idaho, Boise Weekly sought to encourage independent voices, so BW took on Radio Boise as a non-profit to promote and foster its growth.

For those who may not be familiar with your show, how would you describe Stardust Lounge’s sound?

It’s the best of club disco from yesterday and today. When listening, you are a part of the mod scene in the VIP lounge at the coolest party in town. Ladies and gentlemen, and for those of you like me – somewhere in between – You are cool just the way You are.

Do you have a ritual surrounding your show? You know, a ritual meal or a certain artist you have to play?

Ritual? Process, maybe. The beginning of the month is thinking of “themes” for each of the upcoming weeks based on time of year, current events, annual holidays, etc. Throughout the weekend, I check out artists’ and music sites to see if anything new is released. Some time on Saturdays is spent grouping together large blocks of songs, then Wednesday evening is focused on the mix by removing and ordering the set.

What other shows do you listen to?

My listening is determined by my work schedule so Democracy Now, Still Got It, Range Life, Explorations, The Wreck, Glitch in the System, For Good or For Awesome and, of course, Tennis Court Disco.

What can you not stop listening to these days?

Alkalino has been crazy busy with remixes and original productions. Always keep an eye on Z Records, Joey Negro’s label, as well as Defected, who also produces some of the world’s largest disco dance events under Glitterbox.

What is going on in the Treasure Valley that you’re excited about?

I really like how vibrant the local comedy scene has become with efforts by a large group of people investing their hearts – honorable mentions to Liquid Lounge and Lady Bizness. I’m also really stoked about the events and activities put on by the SWELL artists.

What other kinds of things do you do in your life?

Water the homestead’s lawn and hang out with The Boys, my monthly residency at Neurolux, and deejaying Story Story Night events as well as StoryFort

Why do you believe in volunteering for community radio is important?

Plurality of voices in my community and America is an important value in my life and belief system. I’ve volunteered for or worked at independent media most of my life. Radio Boise is the first time I am on the content side rather than generating money or marketing.

What sounds do you find yourself inexplicably drawn to?

I enjoy a great bass line and a solid drum beat. Cowbells now and then are always nice.

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