Music and New York in the 80s

I wanted to go to New York in '86. I really wanted to have a unique experience. I had a little bit of money, so I thought, "Let's go to New York for a while."

I was fascinated by New York and started hanging out there. I got a job as a janitor in a big recording studio called the Record Plant. Additionally, I worked as a bartender, which was really my favorite job at the end of the day.

The Shakedown Studio Experience

I spent time at Shakedown Studio, where the world-famous Arthur Baker was producing music. At that time, Shakedown was much more like a bar. The recording studio served as the hub for musicians and people connected to music.

• Cyan hours: Record companies used to hang out in studios, socialize, and have a drink, something that is missing in today's industry.
• The Hub: This place has a bar as the hub. You meet people there and think, "Why don't we go and make some music?" It was a vibrant atmosphere.

Today, it has become a lot more sterile. Music has shifted into a job rather than a passion.

Artists and the Club Scene

What kind of artists were coming through the studio during this time?

• It was mainly DJs from the days of Danceteria and other great clubs in New York.
• New York was at the peak of its decline around this time because many clubs went bankrupt.

In the mid-'80s, New York was a really dirty and dangerous place, but it was fantastic. It was one of the best cities I've ever been to, it was like a "fun dump." I lived in Union Square, which at the time wasn't a great idea. It was a loft in Union Square, very cheap, and a great place for artists and creative people to hang out.

Recognizing Talent

I don't consider myself a creative person or particularly talented. My talent lies in recognizing the talent in others and helping them achieve success.

• On Creativity: I believe everyone is creative. There are creative people who know how to execute ideas, while many do not.
• For instance, the guy who works at the gas station could have a better idea than you or me combined, but we know how to execute those ideas.

A Breeding Ground for Understanding

New York provided a breeding ground to understand how things were happening, especially in the clubs. It was inexpensive to live there, and you could enjoy great clubs like Jackie's and the Roxy Garage, where DJs like David Morales were pushing the boundaries with their turntable antics.

A Strong Interest in Music

I've had a strong interest in music, appreciating it across genders and genres. I never confined myself to one style.

• I enjoyed everything from the Sex Pistols to ABBA to Donna Summer.

The idea of compartmentalizing music into genres is something I find terrible. To me, pop music encompasses everything, from Sinatra to the Sex Pistols, Pink Floyd, Marvin Gaye, and even One Direction.

• On Genre Perception: I find the notion of "cool" pop music or genre distinctions to be borderline fascist. It creates divisions: black, white, red, if you don't fit into one category, you're relegated to another.

I remember spending my money on records and sometimes having to buy ABBA and hide it because it wasn't cool enough. It was a struggle not to be judged for my musical taste.