James St. James
James St. James is a television personality, author, and former member of the New York City club scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He is one of the co-hosts of Night Fever. Follow him on Twitter here.
Why are you, Fenton, and Randy the perfect hosts for this show?
Well, we've all been around since the dawn of creation, so we're familiar with the club eras we talk about. We also know the clubland legends we're interviewing. Ninety-five percent of them are in one of our phone contacts, so there's a level of trust and familiarity that makes the conversation pop and flow. I put together the back stories and major plot points – but both Fenton and Randy are from a documentary background, so they keep me on track if I'm veering off-topic. They also jump in with absolute perfect follow-up questions that I would never think to ask.
If people haven’t listened to Night Fever yet, where should they start?
It depends on your interests. For LGBTQ history, the Jayne County interview from season two is a MUST. Jayne is a trans icon who was a Warhol superstar, an early punk rock pioneer, and was there the night of the Stonewall Riots. It's an amaaaaazing episode, you'll be on the edge of your seat. If you're interested in the iconic clubs of the era (Limelight, Area, Danceteria), club owners Peter Gatien, Rudolf, and Eric Goode provide great behind-the-scenes stories. Moby and Martha Wash are featured in great episodes about club music history. If you want clubland outrageous gossip, the Joey Arias and Man Parrish episodes will have you howling. But essentially, I think you start at the beginning. The first handful of episodes set up my journey and how I came to know most of these people. But every episode is interesting in its own way, they're all my babies. Just dive in.
Are you still out there being a NYC party monster?
No, no, no. This podcast is how I keep in touch with my monstrous roots. I still go out occasionally, but I've learned some hard lessons about myself. I allow myself two cocktails. I do a lap around the party, say hello to everyone there, then it's time to go. If I have more than two cocktails, the clubkid in me comes out and all bets are off. I'll be granny at the rave when the sun comes up... then dragging everyone to the after hours party. And that's SO NOT A GOOD LOOK at my age! It's best to stay home and connect with everyone on Zoom.
Is there anyone you’d love to interview who isn’t around anymore?
Warhol, of course. Studio 54 owner Steve Rubell. Paradise Garage DJ Larry Levan. So many people in the "dead legend" category! Most of our interview subjects are "of a certain age" – which is why we seek them out. There are people on our master list of potential guests who have passed away since the show has started. People we talk about who are gone by the time the season airs. That's why it's so important to get them on camera to preserve their stories for history. Otherwise it's all lost.
Which clubs do you miss the most?
The clubs that I went to when I first hit the scene, when I first got to New York: Area, Danceteria, Palladium, Pyramid. Those hold the most nostalgia for me. I associate them with my lost youth. I think whatever clubs you went to in your late teens, early twenties, they always seem like they were the best. Like nothing can ever top them. It's the joy of discovering new worlds that stays with you – whether it was the '70s, '80s, '90s or last year.
Being a club kid sounds exhausting. How did you take care of yourself when it came to sleep, fueling yourself, and keeping up with the energy of NYC night life?
Being young helped, lol. I had energy to spare in my 20s. Also, the times were different, rents were cheaper, it was possible to do a handful of club gigs and make rent/pay bills/buy yourself a fun little outfit. I didn't need a day job to support myself. I don't know that you could do that now. But getting your beauty sleep is still paramount. Pacing yourself. And if you absolutely must wear sky-high platform stilettos, bring a change of shoes for the after party.
Thanks, James!