It’s her, Justine D., our favorite Motherfucker! …We mean that in the most endearing way. She’s one of our generation’s most important women on the New York party scene, throwing and djing some of the most memorable events in the last decade, some alongside her fellow ‘Fuckers. She’s also the Creative Director and Booking Manager of Brooklyn’s newest music showcase venue, Studio B.
Sit back, watch, and learn from this beautiful, young but seasoned veteran. And, don’t forget to check her brand new website: www.justined.com
You sexy Motherfucker…
Name and Age:
Justine Delaney aka Justine D., 30
Marital status:
In a relationship
Where are you from?
Chinatown, New York City
How long have you lived in New York?
My entire life
What neighborhood in NY do you live in?
Park Slope
What are your favorite memories of New York since living here?
I’m rather fond of my entire upbringing in NY. I was fortunate to have grown up as a city kid and roamed the streets of Chinatown with my older brother.
Some highlights:
My father dragging the whole family to the Met on a monthly basis.
Going to Junior High on the Upper East Side at the NYC LAB School.
Discovering the Alternative music/club scene at the tender age of 14, clubbing at Limelight, Ward 6 & The Pyramid.
Trying on trashy black dresses at UNIQUE in the 9th grade and buying my first tube of dark burgundy lipstick.
Hardcore Matinees at Bond Street Cafe.
Going to concerts every week as a kid.
Canoeing in Central Park in high school.
Tiswas at Coney Island High.
BMX riding with Roxy (that was one of the best summers of my life)
You studied at Pratt, is that right? What was your major?
I actually studied at F.I.T. and SVA for Painting and Art History. I had planned on becoming a Painting or Art History professor but then the nightlife swept me off my feet. Most people think I went to Pratt since I lived 2 blocks away and lived with Roxy. Roxy was my roommateat the time and when she was at Pratt, I was already 2 years out of college.
Another one of our Hail Marys, Roxy Oxycottontail, fondly remembers you from those days…what were they like? Where did you party back then?
We were like sisters, partners in crime and BMX Bandits. Everything was kind of magical and emotional. Besides going to my own parties, Roxy and I would frequent APT on Mondays (Bobbito’s night), no one knew us there-only the bartender, our friend SPAM. We partied on our bikes, riding the streets of NY. I miss those days.
What chain of events lead you to join Motherfucker? When was your first party?
My first party was ON! at the now defunct Life club on Bleecker St. A very BIG club experience but with Indie music spun, it was great. I worked with my close friends at the time and it was exciting to be a part of a social environment driven by music. MOTHERFUCKER came about by meeting Michael T., he had become a fan of my parties and DJ’ing. We had a mutual respect for one another and he asked me to be a partner in this new party with no name. He basically had the blueprint for the MF party but we all added our own special something- different crowds, diverse musical tastes & individual fashion. Us four partners started MF together and to this day run it together.
People refer to you as a “musical encyclopedia”…how is djing an extension of the love and knowledge you have for music?
Ha, that’s funny, I wasn’t aware of that. I suppose it’s as simple as this…record collecting and music have always been an obsessive outlet for me, especially in my teens and early 20’s. I would become obsessed with a musical movement or band and collect every piece of memorabilia, record or promotional item. I basically study bands and genres of music, not in a clinical way but it was and is one of my favorite hobbies. Remember, during my teens, the internet wasn’t as prominent or not in my family anyway, I bought my first computer 6 years ago, heh. I did my research by reading books, listening to records, buying home videos and going out to concerts. So, when I had the opportunity to DJ it provided such a high. You’re able to share the music you love or are moved by with others. Sometimes you can educate others or just effect the atmosphere, the fun thing is, you dictate it.
A couple of years ago, people were really dismissing using Serrato and Final Scratch..now you see more and more dj’s leaving their records at home and just rocking their laptops…What are your feelings about this?
I’m definitely not at the point of using a laptop. I understand how the convenience is attractive but I prefer the snap, crackle and pop of my vinyl. If you’re a traveling DJ, then I can dismiss the use of a laptop but if you’re doing a local gig, make an effort and lug out the records.
Since 2000, Motherfucker has become the most famous NYC party largely due to the cross pollination of people and music…did you have any idea a party could create harmony between such a variety of people?
We had no idea MF would reach the level of success that it has. One of the many beautiful things about New York is it’s diversity and MF mirrors that, NY is a melting pot and so is MF. I would hate to be linked to a party that lacked individuality. A cookie-cutter sensibility is something I loathe, especially in creative fields.
The recent murders linked to clubs and bars in NYC has the city paranoid…Bloomberg and other city officials are trying strong arm the community into thinking that nightlife is evil..what are your thoughts on this?
I find it to be such a shame that the few artistic forces in NY nightlife are lumped in with the mainstream club crowd. Most of these murders have taken place amongst the 27th street club circuit, not in my circle of club promoters DJ’s or patrons. Most of us are honest, hard working and sincere. We are not criminals but are seen as degenerates by the city. I plan on being more active in educating the ignorant on the importance of nightlife in New York City. It provides thousands with jobs and can be a positive outlet for people. If you take that away from society, I feel people would lash out and resort to an even more destructive way of life.
What has been your favorite Motherfucker party?
Some of the more memorable MF’s are when the cops shut us down for 1 hour with 1300 people in attendance, the MF during a major blizzard (3 feet of snow outside and 800 people inside), when my partner Michael T. was thrown out of our own party…club owners can be so shady! The most recent debacle was when the cops shut down the Roxy on Halloween 2005. Halloween is one of our biggest affairs. We moved the party to the Delancey which is tiny in comparison but we pulled it off and managed to get 700 people squeezed into the venue. While these are not my favorite MF’s, they linger in my thoughts as the most important. They were major endurance tests for us as a party and I’m proud to say we’ve gotten through all of it.
Favorite performer?
Favorite performer at MF? It would have to be The Cramps. It was such an electric performance and such an honor to work with them.
When you are djing, do you take requests?
Rarely, unless it’s a good request. Oddly enough, over my 8 years of DJ’ing people always ask to hear The Clash…while I’m playing a Clash song. Seems like they only know “Rock The Casbah”…how disappointing.
How did the party become known as one of the best gay parties?
It’s definitely not just a gay party because sexually it’s a little bit if everything, gay, straight or in between. I suppose why it can be perceived as a gay party is that the overall vibe of MF is overtly sexual and one of our founders (Michael T.) is a modern day gay icon. I happen to be very influenced by gay culture, music & pop icons. These components influence our bookings, tastes and sensibilities with MF. So, our overall vibe is open minded, colorful and celebratory of an alternative lifestyle. We do like to keep it as mixed as possible though because I’ve always felt that too much of one thing-gay or straight, is boring.
Tell me about your other partners in crime? How does the team manage to keep on the same page?
The MF’ers are like a 2nd family. My 3 partners, Michael T, Johnny T and Georgie Seville are great, but like a family, we bicker and disagree. In moments of chaos we ban together and become stronger as a unit. I always say, that when MF ends, it’ll be the most depressing breakup of my life. Don’t worry, we aren’t breaking up anytime soon.
So we know “Motherfucker: The Movie” is in pre-production…any release date yet?
Not as of yet, it’s still being edited.
How did you guys meet David Casey, the director?
David and I met when he was interviewing me for a documentary on the recent musical renaissance in NY. We clicked and when that project folded, David contacted me about MOTHERFUCKER: The Movie.
How does it feel to have your life documented for the world to see?
Strange but flattering. I can be shy at times and getting used to a camera was a little difficult for me. Now watching yourself on the screen, that’s surreal!
Will your parents be at the premiere? How has your family reacted to your success in a non traditional profession?
One can only hope. I love my dear parents but they are retired in Florida and rarely come home to NY. They’ve always been supportive of my choices and are very proud of me. Any parent loves to see their child in print so I’m obligated to send them any piece of press I have. You know, when I go and visit them for the holidays, they get out all the magazines and have to show my extended family. They’re funny. My mom and dad raised me with their stellar record collections. They definitely schooled me in music, I’m so grateful.
You just started doing Studio B in Greenpoint? How did that come about? Tell us more about your plans for this party.
I’d like to establish Studio B as a destination spot for music lovers. With the right type of curation, I definitely think it’s possible. I’ve been reinvigorated by taking this job, mostly due to the freedom I have with my bookings. It’s given me the opportunity to work with influential DJ’s, innovative bands-new and old and most of all, my friends who are all in the business as well. I’m really trying to focus on the quality aspects of nightclubbing, not the mainstream.
Do you find getting people to Greenpoint an obstacle?
Surprisingly, no. I’ve found that most of the crowd my bookings attract live in the neighborhood and if not, people don’t mind crossing the bridge.
How would you describe your personal style?
Dark & Preppy. Timeless. I don’t follow trends.
Where do you like to shop?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a favorite clothing store in NY but I love City Opera Thrift for High End Vintage. For housewares I shop on Ebay, you can find every vintage nick-nack on there. For non-vintage furniture I buy Eames, Knoll and mostly modern era pieces. Printemps in Paris for Beauty supplies.
What are your favorite bars, lounges, clubs?
Studio B because I’m able to book some amazing talent there, it’s Bklyn’s answer to clubbing. LOVE- It has the best soundsystem and DJ booth in the city.
Name your top 3 fave restaurants in NY and what your favorite dish(es) is there.
Soba-Ya (Kamo Seiro, which is a duck broth soba dish)
Sushi Seki (Get the Sushi Omakase)
Shabu Tatsu (Beef Sukiyaki)
What music have you been listening to lately?
Well, since my mix is coming out soon, I’ve been over analyzing and scrutinizing it. I’m a nut. I’m also a huge fan of Beats In Space.
Do you plan on living in NY forever?
Definitely, I want my children to someday experience the city as I have. I don’t think any other city can compare to NY, i’m so in love with this city and can’t leave just yet.
What’s your cocktail/drink of choice.
N/A. Favorite drink: PG Tips tea with Soy milk.
If you could see any artist/band perform live, dead or alive, past or present, who would it be?
I’ve always said that I was born too late. I can’t narrow it down to one band but I wish I could have experienced the British Glam scene, the British and East Coast 70’s Punk Scene and the early Factory Records movement. At least I caught the early 90’s Shoegazer bands in concert.
Name one New York woman that you would nominate to our Hail Mary! list.
Miho Aoki of United Bamboo.
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