Audio By Carbonatix
Not many DJs can boast a big-screen portrayal by Wilmer Valderrama.
Then again, not many DJs can brag about surviving some of the most
decadent nights of 1990s New York clubland either. But both are the
case with DJ Keoki, who spun his way through nights so depraved that
they eventually ended in murder.
No, Keoki didn’t do the killing. But he was the resident DJ at
Limelight’s infamous Disco 2000 party, not to mention any other riotous
club-kid bacchanal that happened to be happening. Thus, he basically
provided the soundtrack for the wrath that club-kid kingpin Michael
Alig wrought.
You know the sordid story, made all the more infamous by Party
Monster, a biopic based on insider James St. James’ memoir Disco
Bloodbath. The flick starred Macaulay Culkin as Alig, Seth Green as
James, and Valderrama as Keoki, Alig’s former flame and original
superstar DJ. And it made those clubs kids the thing they most desired
(beyond drugs): legendary.
The events portrayed therein happened a long time ago, though, eons
in the annals of nightlife. And after Alig got locked up for murder and
the rest of New York’s club kids outgrew their diapers, Keoki
transformed himself into a bit of a raver. And he went on to play gigs
in just about every beat-soaked outdoor festival in the world.
Once the raves died down, though, Keoki found himself at yet another
crossroads. So he shuffled off to Los Angeles, where, of course, house
is virtually unheard and DJs don’t get nearly the acclaim they deserve.
Hardly a town for a cat who now plays “minimal maximal” dance
music.
So Keoki moved here, to South Beach, and set up shop in Jason
Tyler’s just-opened club Chicago. Tyler basically gave Keoki the run of
the place, offering him any night he’d like. Keoki chose Monday,
preferring to work his way into the scene and play for those who can
appreciate what’s playing. The night’s called Disco Apocalypto, and in
addition to the wild-eyed crazies normally associated with anything
Keoki does, it’s a perfect spot for cool industry folk to gather
without having to fight off the weekend’s madding crowd.
Disco Apocalypto also happens to be the place that Keoki gets to
show what he’s made of and what he’s learned over the many years. See,
Keoki came up under the tutelage of Mark Kamins, the Danceteria DJ
responsible for Sire’s signing of Madonna. Kamins not only produced
Madge’s “Everybody” but he also spun at every Big Apple hot spot of the
era, from Danceteria to Area, Mars to the World. And Keoki came along
to them all, as apprentice and head spinner, which gives him some
serious pedigree. Then came Alig and the club kids and those long,
drawn nights at Limelight’s Disco 2000. And the rest, as they say, is
now history.
These nights, you’re just as likely to find Keoki spinning something
au courant from Systematic’s Marc Romboy or a new take on the Cure’s
oft-sampled “Lullaby” as you are to find him playing a classic like New
Order’s “Blue Monday” or Lil’ Louis’ “French Kiss.” But don’t think for
a second that the superstar has lost one ounce of his wildness —
or his skills. So if you’re even considering losing yourself on a South
Beach Monday, swing through and give him a listen. Who knows? You just
may find what you’ve been looking to hear all along.
DJ Keoki’s current top five:
1. “Apocalypse (Original Mix),” Arno Cost & Norman Doray
2. “Ey Mind,” Marc Romboy featuring Mr. K-Alexi
3. “Mr. Decay (Robert Babicz Universum Disco Mix),” Gui Boratto
4. “Lullaby (Pig and Dan Remix vs. DJ Junior Faria Bootleg),” the
Cure
5. “Hate (Original Mix),” Adam Freeland
