|
|
|
GODFATHER OF DISCO: "I BELIEVE IN G.O.D.!!!"
|
Those who know and, as a matter of fact, have experienced that should pretty well understand what I mean when sayin’ how certains things may happen to become the sparkles of a whole life… Of course, chances are most likely great of you not even knowin’ it at the moment even though I guess one might feel it in the meantime for some reason. And no doubt how those reasons should have numerous judging by the incredible power of fascination around everything related to the NYC Paradise Garage and those who gave birth to this incomparable adventure in the history of both disco music and nightclubbing. Nuff reasons to have film maker Gene Graham portrayed PG co-founder Mel Cheren in a recent documentary titled Godfather Of Disco! The legend continues and the good news is that screenings are scheduled in Europe. CHECK DIS OUT!
Hi gentlemen. Can’t tell you how pleased and honoured we are welcoming you on board… So, Mel, how do you feel at the perspective of havin’ this story/this piece of History which you’ve taken a great part - and subsequently your book - bein’ given a new dimension with the addiction of this documentary?
For future generations, there should be as much detail about the 70’s and 80’s - whether it’s a book or a documentary. It’s coming from the horses mouth instead from people who weren’t around at the time. We want to get the truth out there.
Quite a long way, not only since the Paradise Garage days, but also since this fax you’ve sent me which I used as an introduction to a special issue of French publication Coda magazine dedicated to disco, sayin’: I am proud and honoured to be called the Godfather Of Disco… It is most important to give a new generation of music lovers some of the history from the beginning. One reaction?Again, we want the truth to get out there about where the music came from and how it evolved. A lot of people think of disco as Donna Summer or the Village People. I love all those artists, but there’s more to the story and it’s important to know who laid the ground work for them.
As (the) G.O.D., how should I call you then: Lord or Don???
Call me Mel.
Looks like you’ve indeed always had the art of putting out outstanding pieces of music on West End Records which, almost 30 years after, keep on shinin’ when a whole bunch of today’s releases fall into anonymity. How would you explain this?
Good songs with melodies and lyrics. Songs that people can relate to. Happy messages. Any message! People instantly connect to the songs. Today, the music is mostly pots & pans, no melodies, no hook or lyric to remember the song by - people can’t relate to them. I mean, you can’t sing a rap song and you sure won’t play one at your wedding, right? I’m very proud of the music I’ve found. My music has always been soulful, it’s always educated people - to me that’s what becomes legendary music - Philly Soul, ‘I’ll Always Love My Mama’, etc.
What would you do if you was to start a new label ?
No chance of that. Today’s music is created by kids who grew up on the computer. Everything sounds alike. There are exceptions, but the majority is bland - you can’t differentiate one song from another. That’s why people have so little respect for the music. There’s no advantage for musicians to make a dollar or two if people are sampling original music - why make it?
Strange somehow to see the materialization of such an investment in regards to a period and a genre of both 30 years of age, when nothing comparable has been done as far as contemporary forms of expressions such as house, techno and… garage are concerned. Any comment?
What stands out? Again - songwriters writing songs that you can sing. Where is that today? ‘The Love I Lost’, ‘Love Is The Message’, or even ‘Heartbeat’ - where is the equivalent today? What about the DJ’s who could take you on a musical journey? Where are they today? Today, what they all have to do is take their shirt off and now they’re a legend. Maybe when the drugs change, they’ll change the music.
So, there’s now this documentary. Knowing how the souvenir of the Paradise Garage remains so alive – and this, far from bein’ restricted to the sole NYC area! – what then about a film with (real) actors based on a scenario bringing us back to the heat of this place/period?
I’d greatly appreciate it.
In the mean time, there’s been the recent (sad) annoucement of West End ceasing to manufacture vinyls…
After 47 years in music, it’s hard for people to realize how the business has changed. There’s no reason for a small indie label to be in the brick & morter music business, especially if the majors can’t even make it. That’s why the West End Classics are on digital download. You’ll always be able to get the 12 inches of classics but in a digital format. You’ve gotta change with the times I suppose, but it’s been a great ride. I’m proud of everything I’ve done. Hopefully future generations will be able to pick up where I left off.
So, Gene, let us know ‘bout what got you into this project and believe in… G.O.D. if I may say so?
I read Mel’s autobiography, My Life and the Paradise Garage, and I couldn’t put it down. I loved it and thought it would make a great documentary. About a year later I got a call from Kevin Hedge asking me if I’d be interested in working on a documentary about Mel. Of course I said yes and we started rolling from there. That was about 2 years ago.
How did you come to know ‘bout Mel?
Through the book really. Once I started reading and realizing that he was behind a number classic songs that I grew up on, I was really amazed. Our first meeting took place about a year later when we had our first production meeting. He’s very unassuming, which belies this incredible insight into everything - music, the music business, living well, doing the right thing by people - everything.
How long has this taken to both of you to come to the decision of makin’ this documentary? To produce it?
It didn’t take long to decide to make the movie. It took about a year and a half to shoot and edit.
I guess this must have not been that e-z to gather so many people due to the amount of their respective activities…
Exactly. It took about a year off and on to get everyone on camera. I’m still interviewing a few extra people. I’ll leave them as a surprise, but they are very cool music people with important things to say.
Any extra names you would have liked to have on board?
Funny - no audience member has asked me why someone WASN’T in the movie. I think the story is so strong and we already have a million great people in the movie anyway. So no one misses a particular DJ or producer. In a way, the story of disco transcends one individual endeavor. As Nicky Siano says in the movie, a number of things - cultural events, the evolution of the music, technology, people - all came together to make the whole scene happen. I tried very hard to get that across. Too bad some members of the dance music community see it another way. I am very grateful to all the people who choose to participate. I think we’ve made a great movie.
The reactions which you’ve got so far?
Honestly, Godfather Of Disco has received near universal praise from critics, dance industry people and audiences alike, all across the US. At screenings people laugh, cry and spontaneously start to clap as the closing credits begin to roll. And the demographics are all over the place, just like at the Garage - Black, White, gay, straight, young, old, men, women. They get hooked by the music and leave with a better understanding of disco, HIV/AIDS and how Mel Cheren contributed to both causes.
Any plans for an international promotional tour?
Well, we’ll be screening the movie at a number of film festivals throughout Europe. Check the doc website for screening dates - www.thegodfatherofdiscodoc.com
How old were you Gene back in the disco daze?
I was a pre-teen in Cleveland, Ohio when disco started to take off. I remember blasting “I Love The Nightlife” or “I Need A Man” or “Shake Your Body Down To The Ground” - remember that one? - in my parent’s family room. Yeah, I was a young kid living out my own disco fantasy in the hearland of America.
Have you ever had the chance to come to the Paradise Garage?
Never made it. I caught a bit of that vibe through the Body & Soul parties at Vinyl here in NYC - late 90’s.
The first thing that would get out of your mind from this period?
The glamour of it all - NYC was such a glamourous, decedent place. It was all about exploration and pushing boundaries. It was dangerous and as a gay teen in Middle America, I was captivated by the scene. We’ve paid a price for those adventures.But as a country/culture, we’re better for it as well. Sexually, creatively, we’re more mature and less naive about the choices we make today. Doesn’t always mean we make the right ones though - look at the US and President Bush! - and maybe we’re more lazy because we’ve been there and done that. Still, people young and old are wiser because of the cultural movements of the 60’s/70’s/early 80’s.
As a film maker, one word of Joel Schumacher’s Car Wash film?
See Scorsese’s Taxi Driver instead!
There was Larry Levan in NYC, then there would be Ron Hardy in Chicago. Ever thought about pursuing the experience with a documentary dedicated to him?
I think I’ll be leaving the disco/early house era for a moment, though I’d love to talk to Ashford & Simpson as well as continue my conversation with Vince Montana. Time for something new, either music related or not. I’ve got a few irons in the fire. Let’s see what pops up next.
Thank U gents ! MFSB
Forthcoming Screenings:
Best of NewFest @ BAM / Brooklyn, NY - September 7th - 9th - www.newfest.org
Fire Island Film Festival / New York - September 12th - 15th - www.liglff.org
Athens International Film Festival / Greece - September 20th - 30th - www.aiff.gr
INDAMIXWORLDWIDE.COM: Only the best, No time for the rest!
INTERVIEW
