Ten Thousand Discotheques: Studio 54 pt.2

Love is the Message: Dance, Music and Counterculture

In this episode Jeremy and Tim walk us past the velvet rope and into opening night at Studio 54. They introduce us to Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, the two businessmen who owned the club, as well as to the often overlooked Carmen D’Alessio, who’s taste and art world connections were crucial to the look and feel of the party. Through these characters and more we get to learn about the founding of Studio 54.

We also hear discussions on Muzak, eclecticism, returning champion Nicky Siano, and the aesthetics of ‘smoothness’. Tim and Jeremy interrogate the surprising links between Downtown and Midtown, explore how journalists tried to understand the Studio 54 phenomenon, and contemplate whether they even like disco anymore.

Produced and edited by Matt Huxley.

Tracklist:

The Ritchie Family - Brazil

Anthony Whyte - Block Party (A Walter Gibbons Mix)

Chic - Dance Dance Dance

Santa Esmeralda - Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood