Whether he’s spinning for A-listers at Alexander Wang’s runway show, remixing beats with R&B artist Theophilus London (who he manages), or taking meetings for one of the start-ups he’s involved with, this Canadian-born DJ/entrepreneur has a gift for identifying pop culture phenoms that will stand the test of time. And like Andy, his creative genius finds its sweet spot at the intersection of music, art, fashion and business, so we’ve learned to view him as a modern authority on all things “cool.” Here, the music man speculates on Warhol’s would-be soundtrack and lets us in on some of his latest personal obsessions. Piquing our interest? Imagining his dream dinner conversation with Gandhi and Beyoncé.
What was your first Warholian moment – when did you first encounter his work?
I think I first saw something about Warhol in my early twenties. I wasn’t aware what I was looking at, but knowing what I know now, I now realize it was what it was. The first time I actually got to appreciate his work was about two years ago at Naim Khan’s apartment. He was good friends with Andy and has an incredible story about how he acquired his five massive Warhol pieces. Since then, I could have never forgotten him, if I didn’t know him so well already.
Who would be Andy’s muse if he were alive today?
Hannah Bronfman.
What are your latest cultural obsessions?
I’m all over the place with my obsessions right now. Loving new media artists who are benefiting from social media; such as KESH and Curtis Kulig (LoveMe). I definitely enjoy watching music artists cross boundaries into high fashion; such as Theophilus London and Kanye West. Ultimately just obsessed with watching the growth and progression of culture and its comparison to historic cultural benchmarks.
What would you consider to be Warhol’s anthem/soundtrack?
On the newer side, something mainstream, but also something so underground that hits you right and has a catchy, art rock edge. Kind of embarrassing, but FUN would hit that category. But for something during his time, obviously it would be the Velvet Underground.
If you could collaborate with Andy on a project, what would it be?
I would have loved the chance to work with him, as anyone would have. What would I have done with him….such a tough question. I think I would like to pair him up with a musician, a couture fashion designer, and a ground-breaking architect, and build a boutique hotel. Not sure where it would be or its outlook, but putting all those people together and seeing what they could come up with would be interesting and noteworthy I’m sure.
Dream dinner-party: you, Warhol, and…..?
Frank Sinatra, Gandhi, Beyonce, and might have to add Gavin McInnes in there. A very knowledgeable man in all sorts of cultures that we don’t know about. I think he’d bring out the side in everyone they didn’t know they had.
Imagine Warhol had a Twitter account. What kind of thing might he say in 140 characters or less?
In the future everybody will be world famous in 140 characters or less.
Whose portrait would Andy most want to do if he were alive today?
I think he would have done Kanye West by now, most definitely.
If you could own one work by Andy, what would it be?
I’m a sucker for the classics. Campbell’s Soup and Elvises are definitely up there, but I would have to go with the Oxidation Paintings.
Soup can or coke bottle?
Soup can. Great font and classic branding go a long way and tomato soup is great with a grilled cheese.
Marilyn, Liz or Jackie?
Jackie. I love me some class.
Drag everyday or only on special occasions?
Only at weddings or bar mitzvahs.
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Twitter: @brendanfallis
www.brendanfallis.com
