Breaking into DJing during NYC’s peak megaclub era, James Andersen remains a major force in one of the city’s most well known gay bars… and beyond!
Thotyssey: James, hello! How is September treating you so far?
James Andersen: So far it’s been great; looking forward to the cooler fall temps!
How many years have you been DJing now?
My first gig was in 1994, so 31 years.
Wow! Where are you originally from, and what sort of music did you grow up with?
Wisconsin. I started collecting records as a kid, but my main music collection as a teenager was punk and new wave: The Cure, Duran Duran, Heaven 17, etc. I was also influenced by my parents’ collection, like the Supremes and the Mamas & the Papas.
The classics! How did you become a DJ, and a New Yorker?
I was going to the clubs a lot back then, and at one point just bought some turntables and started practicing. I kinda had the ear for it, as I was musically trained as a child / teenager on violin so it came easy.
As far as New York, I came to visit my friends that worked on Fire Island in 1989 / 90, and then a year later moved here. I got bit and there was no turning back, lol.
The kids today are so fascinated by 1990s NYC club life! What was it like DJing back then? Was everything bigger, better and wilder?
It was pretty amazing. A lot of the clubs were anything goes, and I was lucky to be there for it. Remember, this was before internet and phones… so you never knew who or what you’d see when you worked or went out. Lots of surprise celebrity sightings. There were many memorable events — too many to mention. I would say definitely Sound Factory on 27th street [was the most memorable]; that sound system changed my whole perspective. But I definitely don’t miss carrying two 50 pound record cases, though!
Do you still spin vinyl ever at gigs?
Not much anymore. Only if they have a setup, and it’s requested. But I still have
a lot of my vinyl collection.
Do you miss that engagement with the DJ and the music and each other that people used to have on the dancefloor, or do you think the complaints about the way people behave in today’s bar culture are overstated?
Of course, at that time we lived in the moment. But I’ve been to some events recently where the crowd was really into the music, and not on their phones. So it really depends on the venue or party.
How long have you been DJing at The Eagle, and how do you like it there? What’s made it a special destination for so long?
I’ve been at the Eagle since 2014; I’ve enjoyed it very much, and continue to evolve with new music to keep the job interesting and challenging. I think the club itself is a special place that you don’t see a lot of in NYC anymore, and I really enjoy my coworkers there as well. I feel very lucky and blessed.
You’ll be DJing the Mr. Eagle afterparty there on Saturday, October 4th with James Anthony!
That’s a big highlight of the year for the club. It’s always very well attended; people come from all over.
You also have have a recurring Friday night party, “Down Deep,” at The Monster in the West Village! Do you know when you’ll be back?
Yes! The next installment is October 24th. It will be our Halloween edition.
What else is coming up for you?
I’ve got The Eagle on Halloween Friday coming up. Also, trying to get back in the studio to finish some things, It takes time!
Looking forward to it! Okay lastly: what are you really enjoying listening to, and playing, right now?
There are so many new artists I’ve been playing out: Brian Cid, Simes, Harry Romero to name a few. I have a broad range, but as far as my gigs it varies from house classics to minimal tech house techno and deep house. It really depends on where I’m playing.
Thanks, James!
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