Shawn Reynaldo Saw Claire Danes Eat Shit at Berghain
Sep 22, 2023
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Renowned electronic music journalist Shawn Reynaldo discusses how DJ culture has changed, his views on music writing, the current club scene in Barcelona, and the time he saw Claire Danes at Berghain. Explores topics such as living in a small coastal town, the evolution of electronic music culture and the industry, and finding a new home in Barcelona.
Electronic music has shifted from the underground to mainstream culture, blurring the lines between pop and underground music scenes.
Sean Ronaldo's First Floor newsletter has grown from 89 subscribers to over 10,000, offering thoughtful discourse challenging traditional coverage in mainstream publications.
Sean Ronaldo's writing provides critical analysis and insight into the ever-evolving electronic music landscape, navigating the challenges of being critical while offering perspective.
Deep dives
Sean Ronaldo's Career in Electronic Music Journalism
Sean Ronaldo has established himself as a preeminent electronic music journalist and one of the last music critics in the industry. He covers hot topics in electronic music culture and releases monthly newsletters that have gained a sizable following. Sean's experience includes being a radio host, club DJ, record label owner, and former editor-in-chief of Accelerator Magazine. His insights and reviews have been featured in prominent publications such as Pitchfork, NPR, Resident Advisor, and DJ Mag. His unique voice and critical approach have made him stand out in the electronic music journalism landscape.
Inside Sean Ronaldo's First Floor Newsletter
Sean Ronaldo started the First Floor newsletter as an outlet to keep his name out there after a previous project ended unexpectedly. The newsletter began in September 2019 and gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has grown from 89 subscribers to over 10,000, becoming a full-time job for Sean. The newsletter focuses on thoughtful discourse, challenging the traditional coverage in mainstream publications. Sean touches on various topics, from environmental issues in the music industry to changing attitudes towards albums in the streaming era.
Electronic Music's Shift from Underground to Mainstream
Sean Ronaldo discusses the shift of electronic music from the underground to mainstream culture. He describes how electronic music and culture have become woven into the mainstream consciousness, influencing both pop and underground music scenes. Sean suggests that the divide between the underground and mainstream has dissipated and that artists, music, and presentation in both spheres overlap more than ever before. He believes that exploring this shift in perspective is important in understanding the current state of electronic music.
Sean Ronaldo's Approach to Criticism and Curation
Sean Ronaldo's writing often delves into critical analysis and curation of electronic music. While he acknowledges the importance of positive recommendations, he also explores hard truths and controversial topics within the industry. Sean aims to provide thoughtful discourse and put things into perspective, rather than pursuing negativity for its own sake. He acknowledges the challenges of being critical and the polarizing response it can generate but remains focused on offering insight and analysis in the ever-evolving electronic music landscape.
The Rise of Tormenta Tropicole
Tormenta Tropicole, a party focusing on Latin and Caribbean sounds, started in 2007 after the DJ's exposure to the electro Kumbia scene in Buenos Aires. It created a vibrant and diverse crowd by attracting both hipsters and fresh immigrants. The party's success demonstrated the early popularity of Latin music, even before it became a mainstream trend.
The Changing Music Scene and Leaving San Francisco
The DJ's love for San Francisco waned due to the rapid changes caused by the influx of tech giants. The city transformed into a hot spot for young entrepreneurs, changing the demographics and atmosphere. The breaking point came when the DJ overheard a conversation about angel investors at a popular taqueria. This pushed the DJ to leave and eventually settle in Barcelona, where festivals like Sonar and Primavera dominate the scene.
Over the last 20+ years, Shawn Reynaldo has been a DJ, record label owner, radio station manager, journalist and the editor-in-chief of XLR8R magazine. He's a one-time staple of the San Francisco indie rock scene, a former promoter of tropical bass and UK funky parties, and also one of the pre-eminent critics writing about house and techno for Pitchfork, Spin, NPR and beyond. Velocity Press just released Shawn's first book, First Floor Volume 1, which collects the spiciest thinkpieces and hot takes on electronic music and culture that he's penned over the last couple years in his popular First Floor weekly newsletter. To celebrate the kick-off of his North American book tour, we talk about how DJ culture has changed over the last two decades, his view on music writing, his spicy takes on the best and worst sonic trends, the current club scene in Barcelona (where he's based), sober raving, and the time he saw Claire Danes eat shit at Berghain. Hosted by Vivian Host (aka DJ Star Eyes). For more info and extras, visit Ravetothegrave.org or Instagram @ravetothe.grave.
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