Introducing Herb Essntls Musical Hosts
We’re proud and excited to bring you the first mix from our Musical Host series featuring John Zahl (J.A.Z) who is an Episcopal Minister and DJ who resides in Bedford, NY.
Listen to “I Don’t Wanna Be As Old As You” and please follow our SoundCloud page, as there is much more to come.
The Musical Host Program
The idea of The Musical Host (or DJ as they are commonly known today) is the basis for the mix series we are launching today. Featuring John Zahl as our first host out of the gate.
You can find an interview with him here where we dive into the topics of joy, obscure records, Italian disco music (and the complexity of genres), and a touch of the divine.
Herb Essntls was founded in New York City. This weird and incredible place is our home, and the city and its culture has inspired us as a brand but also as individuals. One of our biggest inspirations is the dance music culture that has shaped much of the nightlife in the city, and across the world.
We have a love for the musical exploration of the iconic NYC parties, The Loft, Paradise, Studio 54, Danceteria etc. The people behind these parties changed the world as we know it. And they still are.
Herb Essntls Musical Hosts is a celebration of the lifestyle of dance music and the nightlife that comes with it that was introduced and shaped during the era of these iconic parties.
Oddly the Musical Host is (comparatively) a slightly unsung hero of the musical scene and also largely misunderstood by the general public. It’s not just about standing behind turntables playing a string of hits. A good Musical Host needs to have a pretty insane amount of music knowledge across many different genres. The ability and experience to read and manage the room or setting through eclectic music and a way to introduce new sounds in a fluid way is crucial to setting the mood.
The Dancing Is On Pause
Unfortunately we are right now in a global dance and party pause. The effects of the social distancing we all partaking in right now affects everybody. Especially DJs who make their living in crowded spaces where they bring joy to their audience. As their physical audience is gone for the moment we wanted to bring their amazing creation and curation skills to you through this program, at the same time as we try to do our part in supporting these amazingly talented people as much as we can.
There will be a time when we can all share the joy of profound music on crowded dance floors where we can throw social distancing out the window and create new experiences and connections together. Dancing together in couples, groups or just by ourselves surrounded by like minded people is a universal human cultural expression. It exists in all civilizations throughout history and as we are not allowed to express it together right now, we hope that the music itself will bring you some joy.
Nightlife as we know it will return, in the meantime we’ll celebrate the people who keep the revolution of the New York City dance scene that changed the world in the 60s, 70s, and 80s going, and bring you their sounds.
For now, we’re all dancing on our own.
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