DJ Disciple explores the history of NYC house music in new book

Legendary DJ, radio host and producer DJ Disciple, has released a book exploring the "rise, fall and rebirth" of house music in New York City.

With a career spanning 40 years, DJ Disciple - aka Dave Banks - has been an influential figure within NYC's house music scene, as well as being credited as helping aid the rise of UK garage across the pond.

The Beat, the Scene, the Sound, - which includes a foreword from Louie Vega - provides a behind-the-scenes, first-hand account at house music's evolution from basement clubs to international notability.

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Starting at the hey-day of clubs such as Studio 54, Paradise Garage, Zanzibar and more, DJ Disciple uses both his own experiences and uncovered accounts to detail the impact the crack cocaine epidemic had on NYC and the scene — where he would “literally dodge bullets bringing his records to and from clubs at night” as well as the homophobic reactions towards these scenes due to the HIV/AIDS crisis.

It also explores the outward opposition those within the scene experienced from external forces such as the Mayors and city boards - who began working to close down venues like Paradise Garage and Palladium, pushing the movement further underground and eventually overseas. It then delves into the role of commercialised EDM in helping house music regain its place within the United States.

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The book features dozens of interviews and rarely seen, historic photographs to paint a picture of how these figureheads “transformed house music from a DIY project into an international sensation amidst the tumult of 1980s - 1990s New York City” — alongside a foreword from Louie Vega.

The Beat, the Scene, the Sound is available to purchase now, get your copy here.

Tiffany Ibe is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram