RSS
Home
An interview with D.J. Robert Drake
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Photo courtesy of Robert Drake
You may recognize his voice from WXPN-FM where he produces Kids Corner and hosts popular four-hour retro rock music show Land of the Lost. He also helped launch a new website for Philly foodies. Or you may know him from his monthly New Wave dance party Sex Dwarf and as a fixture for years in Philly’s evolutionary nightlife scene. D.J. Robert Drake, a longtime Philly resident with more than 20 years experience in music and media, sat down with Examiner’s nightlife expert to talk about the view from his roof deck, underground music haunts and what gets him to pump up the volume.
Natalie Hope McDonald: What’s your fondest memory of Philly nightlife?
Robert Drake: Fresh from high school, I moved into Center City at the start of the 1980s. Living in the city at that time when everyone did what they could to get out of the city, I found myself surrounded by a loyal and dedicated network of social misfits and outcasts who welcomed me in as one of their own. From impromptu keg parties – complete with live punk bands – held in abandoned halls to being able to dance the night away underneath the city streets and emerge to the glare of the morning sun, nightlife was unscripted and carefree back then and there are dozens of individual experiences that, combined, make that era my fondest memory.
NHM: How long have you been a part of the nightlife scene in Philly?
RD: I’ve been a part of the “scene” since 1982. I began like many others by simply being out and about. But quickly I discovered my love for creating a scene; so the obvious way was to be a D.J. I spun records at such underground spots as The Love Club (Broad and South), Omni’s (9th and Walnut) and The Kennel Club (12th and Walnut) among others. The creative freedom of those who came out after dark was what has changed the most. Back then getting ready to step out was part of the excitement of the night! Being out, showing off your style and creative fashion was vital in many of the sweeter spots. Today, most people just toss on some clothes, grab their wallet and head out for some various drink-specialized experience. The enthusiasm isn’t nearly as intense as it once was.
NHM: You’ve launched several events in town, including the dance party at Fluid called Sex Dwarf. How did that come about?
RD: Sex Dwarf was born during my 40th birthday. I had rented out The Latest Dish (613 S. Fourth St., 215-629-0565) restaurant on South Fourth, as well as Fluid Nightclub (215-629-3686) above it, to host a 40th birthday blowout. Downstairs, Botany 500 spun the best in 70s funk and disco and the space was decorated with a bunch of disco balls and glitter – and outside the entire first floor of the building was wrapped in silver lame. Upstairs was an 80s explosion complete with Rubik’s Cubes, Day-Glo colors and a healthy dose of New Wave. I worked with my old friend D.J. Stephen Durkin to create a playlist for the night based on what I spun back in the day. The reaction was so positive that I quickly noticed there was a void for that genre of music in Philadelphia nightlife. So, in August 2003 Sex Dwarf began.
NHM: Where’d you get the name?
RD: Named from a song by Soft Cell, the hook was that those truly into the genre would get the title reference. Those not familiar would be intrigued by the word Sex (or perhaps the word Dwarf). Not quite sure what draws more folks out!
NHM: How has it grown?
RD: The party started on the last Tuesday of the month and quickly we had a loyal family of fans every month, so much so that last year we moved the party to the First Friday of the month where it continues to be the strongest regular party at Fluid nightclub. The coolest thing about Sex Dwarf is the mix, not only of authentic New Wave, but also of people. It’s quite the queer and queer-friendly event.
NHM: New York City is famous for so many great moments in nightlife and just as many clubs that have come and gone like the Palladium, Roxy, Limelight and Studio 54. How would you characterize Philly’s own club history?
RD: It really depends on what genre of nightlife you’re exploring in Philly. The hottest club for my genre was The Kennel Club, a true home base for the artistic community in Philly. Also big in the early 80s was The East Side Club where for $5 you got to see live performances from artists like Depeche Mode, Madonna and just about every interesting indie band at that time. As for dance/disco nothing beat, The DCA, which is now Pure (1221 St. James St., 215-735-5772), was a true mastermind for Philly. It featured three different clubs, each with their own vibe. Upstairs was The Cell Block complete with an honest-to-God tractor trailer cab inside. Leather abounded! Downstairs was a sweet girl spot, one of several back in the day.
NHM: What about today?
RD: As for now the club scene (especially the gay club scene) is stagnant. There’s no fresh air being pumped into the existing spots, with minor exception to Woody’s (202 S. 13th St., 215-545-1893), but so many people felt that the changes they made over the past year or so have tarnished what was truly a gay ol’ time. Others disagree. The hottest spots come and go with the wind it seems since overwhelmingly it is not a club that is hot anymore – but a party. Clubs just happen to be where the parties are hosted. But it has become the parties that are the destinations these days.
NHM: Parties like Paradise Garage, Girl Party and Fabric definitely made an impact in recent years. And this season, Macho City is pulling in big crowds. Not just D.J.s, but live music is also a big part of Philly’s scene. Where do you see favorite bands?
RD: I see as much as I can due in part to my schedule. I love seeing shows at World Café Live (3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400). The acoustics are simply breath-taking there, no matter the artist. I also like seeing shows at the TLA (334 South St., 215-922-1011), since it’s around the corner from my house.
NHM: What’s been your favorite live show to date?
RD: Well, one of my newest most favorite shows of all time just happened. My partner John and I went to New York City to see the reunited performance of My Bloody Valentine (awesome!). It was a loud and truly breath-taking experience! What has made MBV an incredible band is their use of sound and, more importantly, volume when creating music. From layer upon layer of guitars and drums and such, MBV creates a wall of sound that continues to grow during their performance. It’s like a musical typhoon and as they get to their final number, the wall of sound towers over you and envelops your senses. From a literally ground-shaking bass line to a crashing wave of guitars and noise, MBV took those in attendance to the edge of an aural wormhole, then kicked us over and down we went. The final onslaught of sound lasted about 15 minutes nonstop. Like a car wreck, you cannot move, you cannot turn away, you cannot escape the musical madness that is My Bloody Valentine.
NHM: When you’re in Philly, where do you like to kick up your heels (or unwind) these days?
RD: To me unwinding is exploring the city. I love some sweet coffeehouses in and around town. I love me my Ritz Theatres [now owned by Landmark Theatres]. And when the weather is right, nothing beats watching the sun set and the city light up at night on my roof deck.
NHM: What advice would give to someone who thinks he or she knows everything there is to know about nightlife in Philadelphia?
RD: Stop and start over. Once a year I force myself to take a day off and explore the city with a new eye. I walk through town and go out of my way to take a path I never (or rarely) travel, even if it’s blocks out of my normal groove. I find new spots along the way to have lunch, coffee or a drink. I bring a camera and snap away the entire experience. I try to see what visitors see about my hometown. I recommend it highly to those “burnt” over Philly.
NHM: What do you think the next big trend in the scene will be?
RD: Well, the next big trend will be two-fold: 90s parties and raves. Everything old is new again and I think we’re just about ready to see a few sweet mix parties spotlighting 90s music (dance, grunge, what have you). Also, we’re due for another Rave Wave. Baby Ford never looked so good right now.
NHM: Got anything new up your sleeve?
RD: As for me, my other weakness (besides New Wave) has been producing Zombie events in Philly, like the annual Philly Zombie Crawl each Easter, and the Philly Zombie Prom each September. And I’m working on a new idea for 2009.
NHM: Describe your perfect night out.
RD: Perhaps its age, but I’ve rediscovered the joy of dining out versus drinking until 2 a.m. I have found some lovely eateries, such as Chloe (232 Arch St., 215-629-2337), a hidden treasure buried within Old City. Chloe began seven years ago when Dan Grimes and Mary Ann Ferrie decided to form their own restaurant after years of working together at The Latest Dish (613 S. Fourth St., 215-629-0565). They found a wonderful spot, tiny in size, but perfect in atmosphere. The place is candlelit to a warm glow and it is the interaction between the dining customers and the servers (and even the owners) that gives this place its overall charm. Also, I totally recommend The Ugly American (1100 Front St., 215-336-1100). Located just south of Washington Avenue on Front Street, it’s become an oasis for those who might not want to stroll five to 10 minutes north to the Bella Vista/South Street district. The food is wonderful and the atmosphere is relaxed. And another find is Las Bugambilias (148 South St., 215-922-3190), located on South Street at Second Street. It’s a great Mexican hideaway. It serves perfect food and is quite authentic.
Related Articles:
Comments
