James Murphy is a thoughtful guy. As a graduate with an English degree he was offered a job writing for Seinfeld, which he turned down, and he's still handy with words. He recently talked with RA about choosing music as a DJ, how to build a DJ set and how to work with an audience. Murphy takes his parties and his disco music seriously. He walks readers through the distinctions between "old house parties," "hipster parties" and "club kid parties," and what kind of music and dancing fits each one.

For aspiring DJs or dance-rock crossover artists, these are words from on high. If you're somebody who doesn't think DJs should take themselves seriously, you may find some ironic joy in the interview, or even some help on your next mixtape.

[RA]