A prolific and iconic veteran of the DJ booth, Carl Michaels serves three or four major cities in the Tri-State area every week… and is preparing to bring the beats to Brooklyn!
Thotyssey: Hi Carl! Thanks for chatting! It’s beginning to look a lot like Spring! How’s March treating you so far?
Carl Michaels: Hey! March is feeling good. A bunch of gigs coming up in NY / Philly / NJ. This Friday we are doing “Curfew” at Metropolitan in Brooklyn, so I’m super excited about that.
It’s wild that you DJ so prolifically in three states! You must have a lot of “where am I now and where am I going” moments.
Yes! Especially during busy season, I could be in Atlantic City one night, Asbury Park or New York one night and then Philly, or any combination! Mondays are for sleep.
Wise! Do you drive everywhere, or take trains?
New York, I always take an Amtrak. My partner has a car, so I am usually able to drive to the Jersey gigs; I am thankful for it.
So where is your original hometown… and what was the music you first grew up with?
I grew up in Bucks County, just outside of Philly. I always loved so many kinds of music. I went through a rock phase and a hip hop phase, but once I was around 14 it was all about freestyle and dance music. I used to listen to the New York freestyle channel when it would come in. I then started going to raves, and started DJing.
Do you have any all-time favorite moments or events in your DJ career?
I have many! I opened for both Carly Rae Jepsen and Kim Petras at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. I opened for Rina Sawayama in Philly, and that was an amazing crowd. I also love Brooklyn Pride every year – we do an event at 390 Social with Dawson, Johnny I and Alex Dropo. Other than that, one of my best touring moments was in the mid-2000s; I did a 35 city tour, and it was really intense.
Has the art and business of DJing changed a lot since you started?
Absolutely; I’ve been DJ’ing for about 30 years. I started on vinyl, then CDs, and here we are on controllers and CDJs. It’s much easier to be nimble with software and expensive equipment. But the volume of music available is so heavy now, and it can be a challenge for my ADHD, lol.
As far as the business, it took me a long time to get used to posting [on social media] and what to post. But I’m learning to keep things consistent and focused on music, with some memes in between!
What about patrons? It’s often discussed that collective music tastes have become super basic with each generation (lol), and that they now treat DJs at the club like their Spotify. Plus, patrons barely dance these days, and often spend most of the night on their phones. But on the other hand, we are seeing a return of music-centric venues that folks appear to be enjoying. What are you observing on your dance floors these days?
It really depends on the venue. There are some that absolutely expect a DJ to be a jukebox; that can be really frustrating. But like you mentioned, there are way more music centered venues popping up. I’m excited about Metro because we play house music and we are pretty set on that. I’ve also learned to satisfy some of the more basic crowd needs by either making my own mixes or finding a creative mashup, so at least I don’t get bored.
You’ve been a resident at Paradise for a minute now! When did that start, and what’s that been like?
Oh wow; tt’s been like ten years I think. It’s a blast! It’s a great family there, and I really love being there. The staff is great, the crowd is fun, and I play dance pop and some classics–especially for tea dance. Summer is such a magical time in Asbury Park. It’s a great town.
Now let’s talk more about “Curfew” at Metro on Friday. She’s a Brooklyn gworl now! What’s that party gonna be like, and will it be your first time spinning that venue?
Yes, it’s the first time at the venue! I love Brooklyn, and every time I’ve played there the crowd has been great. I was invited by another Philly DJ, Kraftwitch, to work on the event and I’m super excited to play some true house music up there. Our hosts are Icon Ebony-Fierce and Jimmy Cotton with Brooklyn queen Ella Fartzgerald (I crack up every time). So it’s a dance party with pop-up performances and sexy hosts (and DJs!).
I see you’re also regularly DJing a drag brunch at Byrdcage in Atlantic City… you’ll next be there on the 22nd, with Lady Celestina hosting!
Yes! I’ve done two brunches so far, and it’s a blast. It’s a great new place in AC, which has been in desperate need of a queer bar. Two floors, super nice place with really friendly staff. I’m DJ’ing mostly for my friend Michael Cook from” Pork Roll Egg and Queens,” but will also be doing some for Brittany Lynn’s brunches as well. Drag brunch is always fun!
What else is coming up for you?
I’m just super ready for Pride season. Philly Pride is the first weekend of the month, and “Curfew” has a big event planned at Warehouse On Watts. and of course Brooklyn Pride again at 390 Social. I’m also working on getting some gigs in Hells Kitchen, but that’s a slower process that I’m still working on. And I’m really ready for warm weather and Asbury.
I also do a monthly called “Dirty House” at Bar X here in Philly. That’s a dark room vibe with gogos and sexy beats. We kicked it off a few months ago with Boomer Banks and I plan on trying new guests moving forward.
I’m doing some traveling, too. So far I’m working on Fort Lauderdale in the summer, and I’ll be back in Asheville in September. I just keep churning–the work never stops.
Very exciting! Lastly, I must ask a DJ about… Mayhem! Does it live up to the hype?
I fucking love it. It’s Gaga on her own terms. So many powerful moments and influences. “Shadow Of A Man” gives me Nile Rodgers meet Michael Jackson. “Killah” is Bowie vibes. There’s a lot to unpack there. I did a Mayhem party last weekend, and everyone was living. I played all eras, but everyone was super hype on the new tracks!
Thanks, Carl!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ Carl Michaels’ upcoming area appearances, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
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