Which city do you currently reside in? Tell us about the post-punk, goth and dark wave scene there.
New York City. The scene is hard to describe since it's so spread out. Certain people go to certain parties and stay within their own pockets of the scene, they're very protective. Unfortunately, there's a lot of egos and competition between different parties, a lot of territories that usually aren't crossed. I am often envious of goth scenes that are more family oriented and can work together to make the community strong. A lot of my best goth friends usually prefer to stay home, listen to records and drink wine.
But that being said, I have a number of post-punk/goth friends who support several nights and go simply because of their love for the music - which is why, I suppose, I gravitate towards them. I organized the a post-punk festival called Nowhere to Run this past summer with a friend in order to show NYC just how great our city could be again in terms of bands, DJs, and community. It was an amazingly successful event crossing over different genres of deathrock, post-punk, coldwave, industrial, electro - and everyone had an amazing time! Sadly, a lot of the "rivals" did not show up but hopefully they will come around someday.
When did you first get into the post-punk, dark wave scene? What are some of your favorite bands?
I first saw The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" on TV when I was probably 15 or so... when I saw Robert Smith's hair and lipstick on the screen I felt both intrigued and connected to him - I absolutely love a feminine man! But it was the music that saved my life. In particular, Disintegration by The Cure helped me through (and still does) the worst times in my life... I am forever indebted to RS and crew.
My favorite band in the whole world is Depeche Mode but the Cure and New Order come close... I know they are all pretty standard, but it was a slippery slope from there. However, Bauhaus, Virgin Prunes and the Danse Society are all very special to me.
Some people know you as DJ Andi. How did you get into the DJ dark wave scene? What have been your top events to DJ at?
I think it was a natural progression from my obsession with the music and wanting to share it with people. Also coming from a music background I was able to mix tracks and figure out the progression of a night - I took it very seriously when starting out! I found that there was a lot of separation between different scenes in NYC so I started Synthicide which started out as a Sunday goth, industrial, 80s happy hour where my friends and I could DJ music without boundaries or judgement. It's since grown into something much bigger but I love that it started intimately with the goal to bring people together.
I have been lucky enough to play some amazing events including DJing alongside Vince Clarke and before Leæther Strip and The Cocks (the original members of Revco without Uncle Al) performed live. On an underground level, I had an amazing time DJing a Psychic TV afterparty - I mixed in a lot of different genres for that one. But the best time I've ever had DJing would have to be The Cure afterparty this past June when they were playing 3 gigs in a row at Madison Square Garden. I have never seen a more fun or enthusiastic crowd dancing to goth, new wave, and even freestyle!
You are a world-known author. Tell us about your experience with your release Some Wear Leather, Some Wear Lace.
I can easily say it was the most rewarding and challenging experience in my life. Writing a book - especially with no financial assistance - is no easy task. It took a lot of self discipline and motivation, planning and organizing so many facets of the project including a Kickstarter and hunting down a publisher, all while relentlessly bugging original goths for interviews and photos. But it was an obsessive labor of love that I'm proud of and through it I found a wonderful, worldwide community of goths and post-punk fans who are the nicest and most generous people I know. Fans have told me the book inspired them to work on their own goth community within their city and that's been the most rewarding thing of all. The goal of the book was to provide a place where original goths could tell their stories and for new goths and fans to know the history of the subculture.
Over the years, have had the opportunity to interview many amazing artists. Who have been the most interesting artists for you to interview?
The most proud moment I've had in my career was interviewing Peter Hook from, as we know, Joy Division and New Order. I never thought I'd have the opportunity to speak with someone so integral to my being. There are only a few interview candidates who could beat that interview (I'm talking about you Siouxsie, Andrew and Patricia.)
What kind of events and projects are you currently involved in?
I just relaunched my radio show called Black Door on Newtown Radio and am celebrating the 3rd year anniversary of my event Synthicide. Otherwise, I have been guest DJing and freelance writing with lots of plans for the new year.
What is next for you in 2017 & beyond as far as any personal projects you are currently involved in or will be partaking in in the future?
I can't reveal too much (and nothing is for sure because of the eternal waiting game in the music and publishing industry) but I have a couple books that are in the very early stages. There's also talk of bringing more post-punk bands to NYC - bands that should have played here already. I'm particularly interested in lecturing more often and would like to speak at some cities around the US.