Recent MN2S signing Silky has delivered a prolific output in recent years on labels including My Favorite Robot Records, Nurvous, Alola Records, Suruba, Mexa and OFF Recordings, pushing his brand of deep, driving, hypnotic house music. Once mentored by the legendary Frankie Knuckles, he is also the co-founder of Faceless Recordings, alongside Climbers and Barber – and recently returned to London after a stint living in New York and playing at some of the city’s finest clubs.
In the first of a new series, we asked Silky to take us on a tour of his home-from-home to uncover some of NYC’s must-visits.
Favourite bar?
I personally like The Standard in the Meatpacking District. Especially in the summer. They have a crazy selection of beers and it gets packed. It’s a lot of fun around there. Or the rooftop bar at Soho House. Other than that, I don’t really go out to too many bars. Most of the time, I’m either away or in the studio too late and normally just go straight to the clubs.
Favourite cafe?
Pies & Thighs in Williamsburg is the bomb! Food is really tasty, and freshly baked pies. You can’t beat it!
Favourite restaurant?
New York pizza. There are a million restaurants that claim to be the best! I don’t think anyone really knows, but Don Antonio in Hells Kitchen was definitely one of my faves.
Favourite club?
Output. I played there in August this year. Played on the terrace during the day, which has an incredible view of Manhattan and then played again in The Panther Room downstairs. The vibe, decor, sound system is amazing.
Favourite area?
Williamsburg/Greenpoint. Really fun area, lots of nice little shops, boutiques, cafés, bars etc. You can walk around here for hours. I must admit, I also really like the Meatpacking District and the Lower East Side in Manhattan also.
Favourite local (person)?
Difficult for me to name just one as I have so many amazing friends there! But I can say it’s the whole Touch of Class crew and the Beef Cuts crew!
Favourite tourist attraction?
Central Park. It’s amazing! I’ve only been there a couple of times, but the park is beautiful. Plus, there is a restaurant right in the centre of the park overlooking the lake called The Loeb Boathouse! One of my best friends took me there before I moved to NYC and it’s such a nice place to get away from everything in the middle of NYC.
Favourite place to chill?
At home or in the studio! Easy one!
Favourite clothes shops?
OAK in Greenpoint is very cool. I went there just before I left NYC and I wished I found it sooner. Although, my bank balance is glad I didn’t!
Favourite other shops?
This is for the gents. Anyone who wants to get a good haircut, beard trim etc go to Freemans Sporting Club in the Lower East Side. The guys there are really cool and the prices are reasonable.
Favourite record shop?
Halcyon for sure for underground house/techno. Rough Trade just opened up there also, and it’s huge. They have a big selection of everything.
Favourite hotel?
I would like to say the Waldorf Astoria from the movie ‘Coming To America’! But, unfortunately I’ve never been to it! The Ace Hotel is very cool, contemporary art and design, and it’s right in Midtown so easy to get about to everywhere.
Your best night out in the city / most memorable story?
I just flew back from playing Spybar in Chicago, another place in Milwaukee straight into NYC to play Exit The Butchers Shop at Paperbox (one of the best underground parties in NYC), and basically our flight got delayed so we landed and had to go straight to the club. Was super super tired, but the place was PACKED! We started playing, and it was one of the best gigs I’ve ever played. I ended up on rooftop early hours of the morning and then waking up with a scratchy triangle tattoo on my arm!
Favourite hidden gem / lesser-known spot?
Oasis $3 falafel place just as you come out of Bedford Avenue subway station. The falafels are great and only $3. They literally make them in 2 seconds, but they are amazing.
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Click here to enquire about Silky via the MN2S booking agency.