Steven Klavier on Club Etiquette, Weird Afters and Working Behind the Scenes at NYC Nightclubs
Aug 10, 2022
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Steven Klavier, a house vocalist and nightlife staple, discusses guestlist etiquette, artisanal ketamine, sordid afterhours parties, club sex, and trapeze artists. Topics also include exploring the post-pandemic Brooklyn club scene, memorable New York night spots and parties, the NYC party scene, etiquette of getting on the guest list, and wild incidents at venues. They also touch on working in nightlife, challenges, after hours parties, and shady encounters.
The Brooklyn nightlife scene has grown exponentially, offering diverse sub-genres and dedicated communities.
Memorable moments include jelly pool parties, free events with open bars, and standout venues like the McCarran Hotel.
Guest list etiquette is crucial, emphasizing respectful communication and understanding host constraints to navigate effectively.
Deep dives
The Vibrant Brooklyn Nightlife Scene
The Brooklyn nightlife scene has grown exponentially in recent years, offering an abundance of choices for club-goers. Dance music has become incredibly diverse, with numerous sub-genres and dedicated communities emerging. The queer scene, in particular, has seen significant growth and segmentation into various sub-groups. While this specialization allows for unique experiences and musical niches, it also creates a sense of separation and lack of diversity. Some partygoers long for the mixed bag parties of Manhattan's past where a wide range of people and cultures would come together. Despite the changes, the Brooklyn scene continues to thrive, with numerous parties and venues offering unique experiences and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.
Memorable Clubbing Moments
The podcast episode highlights several memorable clubbing moments. The host discusses the incredible energy and community found at the jelly pool parties in the late 2000s, which not only offered great music and DJ sets but also led to lifelong friendships. The episode also reminisces about the era of free parties and open bars in New York City, where attendees could easily find sponsored events with free drinks. These events fostered a vibrant party scene and encouraged people to explore different venues and experiences. Additionally, the episode mentions the McCarran Hotel as a standout venue, where unforgettable nights of music, karaoke, and unexpected incidents, like a naked man running through the crowd, created unique memories.
Behind the Scenes of Nightlife Work
The episode sheds light on the behind-the-scenes experiences of nightlife workers, such as door people, bartenders, and event managers. The podcast guests discuss their diverse roles and responsibilities, from ensuring the smooth operation of a club to managing guest lists and addressing unpredictable situations. They recount stories of dealing with difficult and rude individuals, facing verbal abuse and entitlement at the door, and the importance of maintaining a professional demeanor. The episode also touches on the ever-present challenge of balancing personal enjoyment with professional obligations, as nightlife workers strive to create safe, memorable experiences for club-goers while also dealing with the pressures and responsibilities of their roles.
Navigating Guest List Etiquette
The podcast delves into the nuances and unwritten rules of guest list etiquette. It highlights the importance of proper communication when requesting guest list spots, emphasizing the value of asking in advance and being considerate of the host's time and constraints. Guests are encouraged to avoid last-minute requests, excessive numbers of additional guests, and presumptuous entitlement. The episode also touches on the challenges faced by DJs who have limited guest list spots and the frustration that can arise when guests do not show up after being added to the list. Respectful and courteous communication, along with understanding the limits and expectations set by the host, are essential to navigating guest list etiquette effectively.
The Allure and Challenges of Nightlife
The episode acknowledges the allure and challenges of the nightlife world. It highlights the sense of escapism and community that draws people to nightclubs, where they can fully express themselves and connect with others in an atmosphere of acceptance. The vibrant music, transformative performances, and unique experiences create moments that transcend the ordinary. However, the podcast also touches on the darker side of nightlife, including the shady characters, unpredictable incidents, and potential dangers that can arise. The host shares personal experiences of feeling scared or in challenging situations, emphasizing the need for vigilance and responsible partying. Despite the challenges, the allure of nightlife and the opportunity to influence and shape cultural experiences in New York City remain powerful motivators for those involved in the scene.
Guestlist etiquette, artisanal ketamine, sordid afterhours parties, club sex and trapeze artists are just some of the topics we delve into with Steven Klavier, a house vocalist and nightlife staple who has worked in a bevy of NYC clubs including House of Yes, Verboten, Thompson Hotel, and Public Records. Along the way, he's been a door person, bartender, booker, stage manager, and many other unofficial positions that have put him on the frontlines of all the blood, barf, bodily fluids, and bad behavior the nightlife can serve up... and he still chooses to go back for more! Hosted by Vivian Host (aka DJ Star Eyes). Visit RavetotheGrave.org or follow us on Instagram at @ravetothe.grave.
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