Before headlining some of the biggest parties in the world, Will Automagic honed his sound as DJ Will in New York City’s most legendary spaces. After leaving Austin, TX for Manhattan in the ‘90s, he immersed himself in the city’s underground nightlife, working alongside the iconic David Mancuso at The Loft while earning residencies at era-defining spaces like The Limelight, Vandam at Greenhouse, and Flamingo East. After composing music for the runway and fashion world throughout the late ’90s and early ‘00s, Will went on to launch the beloved queer party SPANK, helping shape a new era of queer nightlife culture.
Alongside his work as a DJ, Will built a celebrated career as a producer, Major Records label head, and artist as one half of Automagic, later co-founding The Carry Nation with Nita Aviance. Following a decade-long residency at Good Room, the duo launched They Went On Forever, a marathon 12+ hour party built around the art of the extended b2b set and the shared energy of the two in conversation behind the decks.
In the episode recorded earlier this year, Will Automagic and I talk about nightlife history, queer culture, and the moments that shaped one of dance music’s most enduring underground careers. To accompany this interview, Will personally scanned flyers and photographs from the archives and collaborated with me on a playlist of tracks referenced in our conversation.
Follow Will Automagic
Listen to AFTERS the podcast with Will Automagic
The podcast episode on all platforms
Listen to the Track References Apple Music playlist | Spotify Playlist
Listen to Obsession Tool set, a set handpicked to accompany the podcast.
1. DJ Split - 90G
2. JIALING - oh no!
3. Elninodiablo - Gone Gollywood (131bpm_Cuntywood_Mix) (WillEdit)
4. Tom Bug & Grooveline - Flush
5. Lonely - Time 0 (Original_Mix)
6. Shanghigh (Markus Binapfl Remix) - D-Nox
7. BIG J - BrokeFk
8. Darren Emerson - What It Is (Leeroy Thornhill Remix) (WillReedit)
9. Yulia Niko x PLEZ - Can’t Stop
10. Guza - DENIAL TOOL (DANNN X DOECHII)
11. Scratchclart - Afrotek VIP feat. Mxshi Mo
12. Josh Kalker - 70s Addict (WillEdit)
13. DAWL - Obsession
14. Cassius - Les Enfants (Gesaffelstein Remix) (WillEdit)
Nocturning by Escandalo prod by Automagic & featuring a cameo by Will as a unicorn
Little Fluffy Clouds by The Orb, a song that is a constant source of inspiration for Will
Catch Will Automagic and The Carry Nation on Wednesday June 10th for the Full Tilt Carry Release Party in Green Room in NYC - More information on Resident Advisor
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