To find solace from the frenetic pace of news, Molly suggests two standout books for a more leisurely, contemplative experience.
“Health and Safety” is described as a captivating memoir woven through ethnographic observations. It delves into a pre-pandemic New York City nightlife milieu obsessed with music, dance, and altered states of consciousness achieved through design and psychoactive substances.
Dana Witt, the author and a writer for The New Yorker, embraces pleasure with an earnestness rarely encountered in contemporary American literature. Her work intertwines history, neurochemistry, and self-anthropology to chronicle these ephemeral havens of hedonism.
Focused on specific clubs and underground venues in Brooklyn during the 2010s, “Health and Safety” draws in those who sought to lose themselves in a carefully curated landscape of indulgence. The book captures the essence of this vanished subculture, promising an insightful and immersive journey into a bygone era of uninhibited exploration.
Interview with Dana Witt: Exploring the Depths of Nightlife in “Health and Safety”
Editor: Welcome, Dana Witt. It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss your captivating memoir, “Health and Safety.” Your work delves into the pre-pandemic nightlife of New York City, and we’re eager to uncover the insights behind it.
Q1: Your book, “Health and Safety,” paints a vivid picture of Brooklyn’s underground venues during the 2010s. What inspired you to explore this world, and how did you approach your research?
Dana Witt: Thank you for having me! My inspiration came from an innate curiosity about the interplay between music, dance, and the experiences people have in altered states of consciousness. I spent considerable time in these clubs, engaging with the people and the culture. My approach combined ethnographic observations with a broader analysis of history and neurochemistry. This allowed me to understand not just the nightlife itself, but its impact on the human experience.
Q2: You characterize your writing style as an embrace of pleasure and hedonism. Why do you think this earnestness is rare in contemporary American literature, and how does it manifest in your work?
Dana Witt: In an age where narratives often focus on struggles and challenges, I believe there’s a profound need for stories that celebrate joy and indulgence. My work seeks to capture the essence of fleeting experiences and the collective euphoria found in music and community. This perspective manifests through rich descriptions of the venues, people, and the feeling of losing oneself in the moment, illustrating how these ephemeral escapes shape our lives and memories.
Q3: “Health and Safety” highlights the interplay of history and self-anthropology. What do you hope readers take away regarding their understanding of nightlife culture and its historical context?
Dana Witt: I hope readers gain insight into how nightlife serves as a mirror reflecting societal values, fears, and joys. By understanding this subculture’s history, they can appreciate its complexity instead of viewing it through a simplistic lens. My goal is to illuminate the nuanced dynamics at play in these underground scenes, highlighting how they provide not just pleasure, but also a form of resistance and identity for many.
Q4: The book captures a “vanished subculture” of indulgence. With the ongoing changes in nightlife due to the pandemic, what implications do you foresee for the future of such cultural spaces?
Dana Witt: The pandemic has undoubtedly shifted the landscape of nightlife. Many venues have closed, while others are adapting to new social dynamics. However, I believe the need for communal experiences will endure. People crave connection, and that desire will likely foster new forms of social gathering that blend tradition with innovation. “Health and Safety” serves as a reminder of the importance of these cultural havens, inspiring both nostalgia and hope for their revival in whatever form they may take.
Q5: For readers looking to explore this world through your book, what practical advice would you give them for approaching nightlife, whether from a participant’s or observer’s perspective?
Dana Witt: I would encourage readers to immerse themselves authentically in their chosen environments. If you’re a participant, approach these spaces with an open heart and mind, ready to connect with others and the music. As an observer, take the time to reflect on the experiences and stories unfolding around you. Both roles provide valuable insights into understanding the vibrant tapestry of nightlife. And above all, remember to savor the moments—it’s those ephemeral experiences that often leave the most lasting impressions.
Editor: Thank you, Dana, for sharing your insights on “Health and Safety.” Your exploration of nightlife culture invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the significance of community in our ever-evolving society.