Rants and Raves

Liz Warner is among a long lineage of Detroit radio hosts whose prolific perspectives have impacted music and culture globally. For three decades, various iterations of her radio show, "Alternate Take" has introduced, inspired and reminded scores of producers, DJs, music aficionados and novices alike with a wildly eclectic cross section of sounds and deep cuts.Tune in as we take a deep dive as to why Detroit is so sonically distinct to our souls and ears. And explore Liz's approach to curating her legendary show, which is unrestricted by the limitations of genre. In this era of significant technological change, we also hypothesize on what the future of radio might look like.Be sure to check out Alternate Take on WDET 101.9 FM on Thursdays, 8-10pm ET. It's also aired again on Saturdays 10-midnight ET and can be streamed live and on-demand at WDET.org.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

Connie Girl, Eric De La Cruz and Shawn Dickerson join host Tovah Feinberg for a live panel discussion recorded at Libera in NYC on March 13, 2025. These esteemed and legendary luminaires- each in their own right, shed light through their lenses of experiences and wisdom to guide, inspire- and perhaps help steady worries during these turbulent times. Because though they can seem unprecedented, dancefloors over the decades have weathered crises of similar scale- such as the AIDs epidemic, the Reagan era and NYC Giuliani nightlife laws.Just how can we better tap into music at parties? Those essential escape hatches to release and recharge. Because when each of us translates sound into movement, we collectively vent bottled up energy, anxieties, dreams and fears; feeding directly into the delicate ecosystem of nightlife. Connie Girl: A trailblazing icon whose indelible influence began as an 80's club kid, fashion model and muse for designers such as Thierry Mugler and Vivienne Westwood. Today, Connie's far-reaching impact also extends to visual arts and mentorship further evolving global culture. @therealconniegirlEric De La Cruz: An international nightlife veteran with a career spanning over four decades in event management, promoting and booking. Eric has been there, done that- has stories in spades…and continues to shape queer nightlife. @the_real_ericdlcShawn Dickerson: Longtime NYC nightlife gatekeeper and forever dancer extraordinaire. Shawn's unmistakable twirls, enigmatic energy and distinctive laugh take just about any dancefloor from meh to magical. @akamrdickersonHave 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

Everything and nothing in synchronicity. Because a music centered life doesn't mean one or the other.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-caffeHave 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

Is the ceaseless cycle of catacalysmic current events occupying to much of your mind?! Focusing on the new rather than the news can at once surprise AND delight you. While it’s no easy to task, it’s one anyone can at least try and put their mind to.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

Catch yourself twirling and tempted to ask the DJ to drop your favorite tune? Don't. Because the request lines are closed- at least they are at parties with proper DJs. Save your special song for the karaoke bar, the shower- pretty much anywhere else. Host Tovah Feinberg explains her thoughts on the manner in "I Have One Request."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

Door policy ranks highly among the hotly contentious issues in nightlife these days. Lots of folks wanna know- why, oh why can't everyone and their mother waltz with ease into whatever party they'd like?! Which was my frame of mind for many years. That is, until one of my guests explained why that's often not the case.I'm joined by two NYC icons from the House of Aviance, Xander C. Gaines and Clinton Davidson- legends for working the door and a plethora of other reasons, who expound upon just why that is. Tune in for some seldomly spilled tea, tips, tricks and stories. And then you too shall (hopefully) pass and come thru, come thru, come thru- to the party.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

Who couldn't do with more love and care in these tumultuous times?! Our hectic lives paired with the rapidly devolving world demands maximum attention. But amidst it all, are you actually paying attention to those who mean the most to you?There's no time like the present to reflect on who might need a bit extra- whether they're aware of it or not. 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

"Where The Ladies At?" It's a question host Tovah Feinberg has pondered throughout her three decades in nightlife. Guests Lauren Flax and Dee Diggs join this episode to suss out just why that is. And they're not just talking DJs- they're only part of the equation. What about partygoers, sound people, promoters, club staff- etc, etc, etc?! All are equally important as the person behind the decks, yet get far too little attention. 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 MagnanHave 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

“Why's Everyone Obsessed With Dicks?” As a demi-sexual, I'm no expert on that- but like most things, I have thoughts on the matter. Because let's face it- penises are pervasive whether you have proclivity for them or not. - dick doodles, dick jokes, dick drugs, dick shaped structures. It's bananas. Exactly why do they snatch up all the attention when puss*is are anything but that?! 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 / Recording & Production x Eli Welbourne / Production & Mixing x Justin Cudmore / 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 / Recording & Production x Eli Welbourne / Production & Mixing x Justin Cudmore / 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 / Recording & Production x Eli Welbourne / Production & Mixing x Justin Cudmore / Logo x Michael Magnan

I'm joined by my illustrious guests Lakuti and Tama Sumo to discuss how dancefloor dynamics impact their sets. How the makeup of a crowd makes a party. And why a diverse dancefloor pulsating with music minded people shapes social progress. While it will always be imperative to create and preserve spaces specifically for marginalized groups, what can be gained when mixing things up?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 / Recording & Production x Eli Welbourne / Production & Mixing x Justin Cudmore / Logo x Michael Magnan

It seems that everyone and their mother is a DJ these days. And as a result, the partygoers' role became vastly underrated. Dancers are equally as important as those behind the decks- I mean, hello- without them there is no party. And it's apparent that some folks don't realize how important they really are. Let's break down the pros and cons for those who bring it.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 / Recording & Production x Eli Welbourne / Production & Mixing x Justin Cudmore / Logo x Michael Magnan

Door people often get the sh*t end of the stick, so to say. They enforce policies not of their making and deal with a lot of BS to boot- sometimes having to make split second decisions they otherwise wouldn't.These folks get a lot of flack, but what about credit for their skills in crowd curation? It can make or break a party. Letting In And Letting GoHave 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 / Recording & Production x Eli Welbourne / Production & Mixing x Justin Cudmore / Logo x Michael Magnan

“Testing, Testing 1,2,3.” If you haven't gotten the memo yet, it's a necessity. Fentanyl is a real and present danger that requires us to hold each other accountable to new standards of safety and dialogue in addition to learning how to properly use testing strips and Narcan. Includes resources to obtain supplies.Testing Testing 1,2,3Have 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 / Recording & Production x Eli Welbourne / Production & Mixing x Justin Cudmore / Logo x Michael Magnan

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 YouHave 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 / Recording & Production x Eli Welbourne / Production & Mixing x Justin Cudmore / Logo x Michael Magnan

Berlin and NYC. Two cities with reputations of knowing how to get down. And two very different ways of doing things when it comes to bathrooms and baggies. Just why is that? Listen in for my hypothesis.Bathrooms and BaggiesHave 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 / Recording & Production x Eli Welbourne / Production & Mixing x Justin Cudmore / Logo x Michael Magnan