In the Fifteenth episode There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I sit down with legendary DJ, producer, and remixer Justin Strauss for a wide-ranging conversation about his remarkable journey through music and nightlife culture.
We explore Justin’s early music experiences—from seeing The Beatles live to attending iconic shows at Electric Circus. He shares stories from his time as the frontman of the glam-punk band Milk n' Cookies, and his transition into DJing, including his first gig and influential residency at the legendary Mudd Club.
Justin also reflects on his pivotal roles as resident DJ at iconic 80’s NYC venues like Area, and The Ritz. Additionally, our conversation explores the origins and evolution of his prolific remix and production career, which continues to inspire across generations.
“Few DJs could adequately represent the last three decades of New York nightclub history - no less do so with such iconic credentials as Justin Strauss. Since he was 17, when his first band was signed to Island Records, Justin has had a career that reads like a Who’s-Who of the music scene, spinning at nearly every dance club that you’d ever want to go to. Starting as DJ at New York’s legendary Mudd Club, he spun his way through The Ritz, Limelight, Area, Tunnel, M.K., Life, Centro Fly and more, pioneering his own distinctive sound, and becoming one of the most sought-after remixers and producers not just in New York, but in the world. He has worked with the gamut of artists - Depeche Mode, Hot Chip, Sergio Mendez, Tina Turner, Jimmy Cliff, B-52s, Luther Vandross, 808 State, Malcolm McClaren, Skinny Puppy, Goldfrapp, LCD Soundsystem to name a few and on over 300 records!
Much of the new dance crowd that goes to hear Justin DJ today, doesn’t necessarily know his history; they simply love his spinning because he always keeps them dancing and surprised, seamlessly mixing between choice classics, delectable rarities and innovative beats. For Justin, no genre or style is off-limits – he can and will mix anything, so long as he can keep the crowd enthralled. His self-proclaimed mission is “connecting the dots” between what might otherwise seem disparate musical periods and styles, while introducing exciting new sounds. He does so with infectious passion, subverting preconceptions about what’s old and new, and inspiring young DJs with his masterful skill and ever-youthful spirit.
But Justin Strauss doesn’t stop there. As half of the production duos, Whatever/Whatever and A/JUS/TED, he continued to produce and mix records, working on remixes for the likes of Hot Chip, William Onyeabor,LCD Soundsystem, Blood Orange, Holy Ghost!, Franz Ferdinand, Beyonce. Working on new projects Extra Credit with Joe Goddard of Hot Chip & Marcus Marr, and with Max Pask under their Each Other moniker, whose debut E.P.’s were mixed by Soulwax and released on their Deewee label, with new releases coming soon. Touring the world Dj’ing at Panorama Bar in Berlin, Robert Johnson in Frankfurt, Zunkunft in Zurich to name a few. In fact, he doesn’t stop at all.”
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