Rants and Raves

Numbers can add up, but say very little. So why do we often hear music described solely as BPM these days? A description distilled to tempo alone obscures the intricacies of melodies, harmonies, texture and tonality that moves us. Music reviews certainly don’t start and end with “the track is 142 BPM.” Summing up our feelings as digits does a disservice to the depths of our perception.
What BPM Doesn't Tell You

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Music x Claude Young Jr / Logo x Michael Magnan

Is PLUR still relevant today? And just what does “community” mean? We say it so often and given its significance, now is a better time than ever to pause and give it some thought.

Have an insatiable appetite for all things rave? Subscribe to the Rants and Raves newsletter on Substack for columns and audio emailed directly to you. And to listen in on future interviews with nightlife legends, follow Rants and Raves on your favorite podcast platform.

Music x Claude Young Jr / Logo x Michael Magnan

Parties provide access to sonic portals- unparalleled encounters of the personal kind. And these tumultuous times just beg of us to amp up and eek out every inch, centimeter and iota out of our time twirling amidst uncertainty. Moments spent synchronizing mind and body to music can recalibrate and recharge, bettering our ability to cope with the chaotic world off the dancefloor.

Tapping into ourselves while deluged by non-stop doomsday newscycles and trapped in the throes of anxiety is by no means an easy task. Which is why intentionality- what we do before, during and after the party- matter more than ever.

Host Tovah Feinberg is joined by guest S’aint Panic, a multifaceted artist and proven Jack and Jill of all trades- whether behind the booth, producing the boots down and/or at the door. We delve into how we can improve upon what we gain through these experiences as individuals and in turn, the immense impact that has on us collectively. In need of a tune-up?! Tune in to “Cock-a-Doodle-DO It With Intention.”

Have an insatiable appetite for all things rave? Subscribe to the Rants and Raves newsletter on Substack for columns and audio emailed directly to you. And to listen in on future interviews with nightlife legends, follow Rants and Raves on your favorite podcast platform.

Music x Claude Young Jr / Logo x Michael Magnan

Hollywood usually misses the mark when it comes to portraying raves accurately. Which sucks but...can also be pretty funny. “Reads by Rants and Raves” is where I share my takes on films and shows. This piece encapsulates the very first time I spotted raves appearing in pop culture.
And it was on no other than on an episode of Beverly Hills 90210. Tune in to hear what kind of kerfuffles ensue when the pretentious posse forays into their first (and perhaps only) rave.
"The dressed to the nines-0210 crew enter the rave. David, who’s flush with whiskey remarks, “it’s trippy” much to the chagrin of the group. Full stop. The gang wants to know- is he on acid?! "
"The needle on the record figuratively stops as Brenda’s black boot steps on a syringe. They glance up and see a couple smoking crack and go from horrified to mortified. Well, that’s what they said they saw. I looked closely a few times and it appears to me like a mini bottle of booze being waved near a crack pipe with no hint of smoke or flame."

Have an insatiable appetite for all things rave? Subscribe to the Rants and Raves newsletter on Substack for columns and audio emailed directly to you. And to listen in on future interviews with nightlife legends, follow Rants and Raves on your favorite podcast platform.

Music x Claude Young Jr / Logo x Michael Magnan

From his formative years to those now spent electrifying stages worldwide, Josh Caffé’s life has been one immersed in music. Decadently so. As a rare artist who’s mastered production, singing/songwriting, performing and DJing, Josh is a jack of all trades- who will jack your body to boot. But though his predilection and fascination with music were apparent from the jump, his path to becoming an artist wasn’t quite as clear.

Tune in to this episode to hear Josh’s unique perspective as to why live performances are of crucial importance at parties. And more essential than ever in an era when DJing is pervasive and live shows are far lesser so.

And check out Josh Caffe's music on: joshcaffe.bandcamp.com & soundcloud.com/josh-caffe

Have an insatiable appetite for all things rave? Subscribe to the Rants and Raves newsletter on Substack for columns and audio emailed directly to you. And to listen in on future interviews with nightlife legends, follow Rants and Raves on your favorite podcast platform.

Music x Claude Young Jr / Logo x Michael Magnan