Known for keeping the kikis that center around some of the city’s greatest DJs fun and fashionable, NY Social Bee and host / promoter Terence Edgerson is now back on the dancefloor… even though we must still Take a Seat to be near his glory! [Cover photo: Grant James]
Thotyssey: Hello, Terence, thanks for talking to us today! It’s an exciting time, as the real world is reopening more and more… how is March treating you?
Terence Edgerson: March is treating me well… I’m seeing more and more friends and family get vaccinated, and more talk of how we can continue safely reopening things. So spirits are high this March!
Yes! It’s obviously been a strange year for everyone in the nightlife business. How have you been able to keep in touch with that world during this time?
I’ve been sharing a lot of ideas with DJs on how we can make things more fresh and diverse for when we return. Also, I’ve been looking at old videos I took over the years. It brings me a lot of joy!
And I see that you were listed among good company in Bond Official’s February issue, as a rising creative star, congratulations!
Yes! Yes! Thank you so much! That was an incredibly proud moment for me, I think Black gay men are often overlooked and our contributions undervalued, so it was nice to be seen and appreciated amongst so many other Black queers that inspire me… and hopefully it inspired others too.
So if a complete stranger–we’ll make him cute in this scenario just for the hell of it, lol–asked you what exactly it is you do in the world of nightlife, what might you say?
A cute stranger sounds nice! I would say I’m a connector, that’s what I do. I connect people to various scenes, and introduce them to new people–whether it’s [DJ legends] The Carry Nation and Justin Cudmore or it’s Horse Meat Disco or Love Prism with Ty Sunderland. I think the reason I work with so many different DJs is because people trust in me–that if I do promotion, the crowds will follow. And the same goes for the crowds; they trust my taste, and that I’m going to connect them to the best party with the best sound and energy. So I really love what I do, and the people I’m able to bring together.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Rochester Hills, Michigan. Midwestern boy in the big city, if you will!
And how did you come into NYC nightlife? ,
Hmm… many, many years ago, I was very young and I was asked by my friend DJ Pony to host at this restaurant called Vig 27–me and my friend Ricky Anderson, and a few others. It was fun, and it was my first taste or preview of hosting anything in regards to nightlife.
I went out to everything, though; I had such a curious mind, lol! One of the first parties I went to that was so insane–because it was like, where am I? Lol–and so iconic was in this basement-type space on Houston, and it was Ryan and Ron who are [DJ Duo] Wrecked (they just celebrated their 10 year anniversary). But yeah, it’s been a journey discovering all the different scenes and sounds. I’m so grateful and amazed that I’m in this incredible industry.
You’re known for hosting these very music-centric parties with all the well-known DJs that you’ve already mentioned. Have you ever considered putting out any of your own music? Or DJing yourself, for that matter?
Well, I’ve definitely toyed with the idea over the years… but I wanted to stay in my lane and do what I knew best; however, I realized I can do more than one thing! I consider myself very lucky to get work with such talented DJs; I have a lot of respect for what they do. I’ve always said that if I do it, I wanna do it right. So I started learning how to DJ last year, and I really enjoy it… it’s hard work, but gratifying. So there’s a chance you might see me behind the decks at some point!
I recall you headlining your own Social Bee NY branded events at the now-reopened Rebar awhile back. Will we see more of that in the future?
You don’t miss-a-beat! I had a really great time producing those events, I can’t give away too much and still working out details, but I’m very excited to get back to producing my own events and working with some new DJs, and a new website that should be coming soon!
In the meantime, we’re going to see you return to Brooklyn’s 3 Dollar Bill this Saturday to host “Take a Seat,” a socially distanced night of shows and music! Ty Sunderland is back in the booth along with a “special guest DJ”–and if anyone is familiar with the starpower Ty rolls with, one can probably guess who that special guest is!
Yes! I’m so happy to be returning to 3 Dollar Bill this weekend. You know, it’s something fun and socially distanced that brings us all together, and helps keep nightlife alive. It’s really such a great way for us all to see each other safely. I love it, and I can’t wait for the weekend… finally, something to look forward to again!
Anything else to mention?
Just wanna plug my friends new band The Majorettes, on record label Major Records: it’s The Carry Nation and Justin Cudmore, and it’s major. Check them out and support your local DJs!
Werk! Lastly, what is a 2020 or early 2021 song that you can’t wait to hear in a packed room full of sweaty trade?
Literally without a single doubt, I want to hear Dua Lipa’s “Hallucinate” at full blast… with plenty of sweat dripping on all the trade around me!
Sounds glorious! Thanks, Terence!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Terence Edgerson’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
Thotyssey 