The History Of Nowadays With Justin Carter And Eamon Harkin
Dec 15, 2023
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Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin, founders of Nowadaysnyc, discuss the history of their iconic club and their successful party series, Mister Sunday. They share personal stories from their musical journeys and discuss their exciting plans for Nowadays programming in 2024, including a 24-hour party called Nonstop.
Nowadays founders faced challenges in finding the perfect space, navigating the licensing process, and raising funds, but their determination and community support led to the opening of a unique venue.
Nowadays implemented a safer space policy and introduced safer space monitors to create a welcoming environment for all attendees, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
Nowadays stands out with its innovative features, including a thoughtfully designed dance floor, outdoor space, and meticulous attention to detail, enhancing the overall experience and connection with music and others.
Deep dives
The Journey of Starting Nowadays
Nowadays, a renowned club and cultural institution, had humble beginnings in the DIY scene of New York. The founders, Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin, were part of a generation driven by a passion for music and a desire to create something special. They faced challenges in finding the perfect space, navigating the licensing process, and raising funds. However, through determination and the support of their community, they were able to open a unique venue that became a haven for dance music enthusiasts.
Creating a Safer Space
An important aspect of Nowadays is its commitment to creating a safer space. This was influenced by personal experiences and a desire to provide a welcoming environment for all. The team implemented a safer space policy and introduced the concept of safer space monitors. These individuals were responsible for enforcing the rules and addressing any issues that arose, ensuring that attendees felt comfortable and respected. This approach helped foster a sense of community and contributed to the positive and inclusive atmosphere for which Nowadays is known.
Incorporating Unique Features
Nowadays stands out for its thoughtful and innovative features. From the moment you enter, you are greeted with a dance floor that exudes energy and excitement. As you move throughout the venue, you can enjoy a reprieve in the beautiful outdoor space, complete with cozy seating, hammocks, and even a restaurant. Every detail, from the design to the sound system, was carefully considered to enhance the overall experience and create a space where people can truly connect with the music and one another.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Success
The journey of establishing Nowadays was not without its challenges. The founders faced financial constraints and had to navigate the complex process of opening a venue in New York City. However, their passion for the music and their commitment to excellence pushed them forward. Nowadays has become a beloved institution in the New York nightlife scene, attracting renowned artists and enthusiastic crowds. The venue has successfully created a thriving community and continues to provide memorable experiences for music lovers.
Nonstop Parties Becoming Regular Programming
Nowadays is launching nonstop parties as part of their regular programming, happening every weekend starting in January. The parties will feature continuous dancing, starting at 11pm on Saturdays and running until approximately 10am on Sundays. The team at Nowadays has been working hard to make this transition, booking a wide range of DJs and ensuring sufficient staffing for the 24-hour events.
Upcoming Programming and Individual Projects
The podcast hosts discuss the exciting programming coming up at Nowadays, including the 15th-anniversary celebration of Mr. Saturday Night with an impressive lineup of guest DJs. They also mention their individual projects, such as Justin Carter's EP release on Darker Than Wax and his involvement with Mr. Saturday Night Records. Aymen Harkin talks about the deep listening events called Planetarium and his dedication to DJing in that particular style. Both hosts express their gratitude for the team at Nowadays, including Gareth Solomon, who has taken on operational and creative responsibilities, allowing Justin and Aymen to focus on their individual creative pursuits.
After a five-month hiatus, Club Management is back!
We’re kicking off the season on a high note with Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin — the founders of @Nowadaysnyc.
In this episode, Shannon spoke with the duo about the long road toward opening their iconic club based in Ridgewood, Queens and the parties and songs that inspired and informed their musical journeys.
Justin and Eamon also gave Shannon a history lesson on the formation of their long-running party series, Mister Sunday and @MisterSaturdayNight and their exciting plans for Nowadays programming in 2024, such as Nonstop, the club’s 24-hour monthly party that will run every weekend beginning in January.
Tracklist
Eamon Harkin - Good Manners
James Bangura - Big Change
Nowadays Live and Direct 012 - Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin
