by SCOTT C

David Mancuso is known throughout the world as the man behind NYC’s infamous “invitation only” parties, events held at what would later become known as the Loft in New York City circa 1970. Mancuso’s vision of the “rent party,” or social events for music lovers and dancers, paved the way for legendary clubs like the Paradise Garage, the discos of the ’70s and later the modern nightclub as we now know it. The Mirror spoke to David Mancuso over the phone from his home in New York.

Mirror: With all the talk about digital software like Serato replacing vinyl with MP3s, I’m interested to know how you feel about new technology and the relationship people have with their music these days.

David Mancuso: MP3s are worse than CDs. The direction we’re going as far as sound quality is concerned is ridiculous. It’s horrible. Scott, they did a scientifically controlled experiment where they made an analog recording of birds singing their morning song, and when they played it back to the birds, they sang back to the sound. When they recorded it digitally, they wouldn’t sing back.

M: I’ve had more than one person tell me that digital files are damaging our ears.

DM: I’m sure there are some health issues, but one of the great things I heard, that I thought was crazy but interesting, was that a digital file enters your brain as a square instead of a circle.

M: Does your audiophile mentality extend from your home stereo system to wherever you happen to be playing music?

DM: Some people call me a purist when it comes to sound, but if you go out to eat, do you want the food to be good? Goddamn right, I’m a purist! I believe good sound is a human right. The excitement of a recording should not be left to the sound system, it should be left to the artist and what their intent was. You shouldn’t hear the sound system, you should hear the music, but this doesn’t happen very often.

M: But when you’re getting booked to play gigs, are you taking this standard of quality everywhere you go?

DM: Absolutely. But I’m not out there as a DJ. The last thing in the world I want to do is DJ. It’s not really what motivates me, but being in a room that has a spirit, where your senses are being turned on, whether it’s through lighting or through sound, that’s what I’m looking for, that kind of environment.

M: I understand. Have you been to Montreal before?

DM: Once, and I liked it, but the situation in Montreal this time is happening because Brad [DJ Slyde] has been down to New York for my events a few times. I got to know him, and I like him. That’s why I’m coming up there to do this, but it’s a lot of work. I’m not the type to say, “Pay me for three hours and I’ll play a set.” I can’t do that. The people that are doing it have to care about people. It’s about having a moment that we can share and enjoy with each other, that we’ll remember. This whole focus on the DJ is not for me. I want to come in as a team player and work with people, and present music sonically, as honest as possible to the listener’s

ear.

At Academy on Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 p.m., $30 (includes dinner, coatcheck and snacks—reservations at houseparty@discobreak.com)

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