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Nicky Siano – Influences

 
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A pioneer of the early disco scene, Nicky Siano's stint at The Gallery in New York undoubtedly defined his signature style. Siano is credited as having helped launch the careers of such legendary figures as Grace Jones and Frankie Knuckles. He also recently released the film 'Love Is The Message' which takes a look at a night at the Gallery from 1977. Ahead of his appearance thanks at infamous East London strip club Metropolis later this month, we asked him about the tracks that had most inspired him.

Nicky Siano plays Metropolis for Feelings on 15th November, click here for more information.

LISTEN
The Bar-Kay's "Sang And Dance"

In 1971 when I started playing records, I heard this song and knew it was my kind of music, FUNKY AS ALL HELL. When I got it, the very beginning is an a-cappella “nah nah nah nah nah” so I used this behind many records as a sound effect, playing it til today behind other songs.

  • The Bar-Kay's "Sang And Dance"

    In 1971 when I started playing records, I heard this song and knew it was my kind of music, FUNKY AS ALL HELL. When I got it, the very beginning is an a-cappella “nah nah nah nah nah” so I used this behind many records as a sound effect, playing it til today behind other songs.

  • Mfsb - Love Is The Message (Nyc )

    No list would be complete without the song I played first in 1972 when I got an advanced copy for then CBS records. Til today it is played at house parties as an anthem, it’s an honour to belong to the history of this record. No wonder I named my film, LOVE IS THE MESSAGE.

  • Eddie Kendricks - Girl You Need A Change Of Mind

    This will always be the blueprint for a great club record. A good song, with an incredible musical break down, then crescendo.

  • Dj Oji & Una - We Lift Our Hands At The Sanctuary (Friday Night At The Sanctuary Mix)

    This house record explains what a night at The Loft And The Gallery was like “incense burring sprinkle powder on the floor”.

  • The Salsoul Orchestra Featuring Loleatta Holloway - Run Away [Extended Edit]

    I have an affinity, respect and great LOVE for Loleatta, who appeared for the first time as a disco artist at The Gallery. I consider her the True Queen of Disco. During the disco era, this was “a Gallery record”, you hardly heard it at any club but you always heard it at the Gallery. Now it has come into it’s own and everybody sings along.

  • Margie Joseph - Prophecy

    Another Gallery record that you heard nowhere else. Danny Krivitt described it on his edit album as “a Gallery Classic” and it was. It was the words, people wanted to sing along back then.

  • Vickie Sue Robinson. Turn The Beat Around

    Again, I was the first DJ to play this back then and it became a Gallery anthem, where I would turn off the sound and the entire party would sing along. A ritual we were lucky enough to capture in the Gallery movie.