17/04/2026
Back_in_time | ‘Paradise Garage’
“From 1977 to 1987, Paradise Garage became one of the most influential spaces in dance music. Hidden inside a former parking garage in New York, the club was built around music rather than status. It developed into a place where Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ communities could come together, with a strong emphasis on freedom and expression. Despite its underground nature, the club also attracted creatives and cultural figures, with names like Keith Haring regularly present on the dancefloor.
At the center of it was resident DJ Larry Levan. His way of playing stood apart from most DJs at the time. Instead of short, functional sets, he played for long stretches, carefully shaping the flow of the night.
The music played at Paradise Garage became known as “garage”. It was rooted in disco, but more stripped back and emotionally driven, with clear influences from soul, gospel and funk. Vocals played a central role, often carrying the weight of the track rather than serving as decoration.
A key factor in the club’s identity was its sound system. Custom-built and highly refined, it allowed for a level of clarity and physical impact that was rare at the time. Levan used this to his advantage, actively manipulating EQ and dynamics to shape how the music was experienced on the floor.
When the club closed in 1987, its influence had already moved beyond New York. Its musical direction and approach to DJing spread to the UK, where it contributed to the foundation of what would later develop into UK Garage.”
