In part two of my conversation with the dancers from the fantastic sex work blog Tits and Sass we talk more about music in the club and stripping. We discuss “fuck you” songs, Christmas dancing and what music nerds like to hear.
Meet Kat, Bubbles, Elle, Catherine and Story and don’t forget to tip.
Tits & Sass recently had a post for “fuck you” songs for when no one is tipping. Do you have any fuck you songs?
Elle: Anything by Wesley Willis.
Bubbles: Basically any well-executed loud, antisocial punk/noise will do when I’m feeling “fuck it.” A few faves: Wire, “I Am the Fly,” Jesus Lizard, “Puss,” Pere Ubu, “Final Solution,” HEALTH, “Die Slow.”
Story: I’m more in favor of “fuck you” dancing (or lack thereof). I generally pick a song I really like then I do whatever kind of dancing/not-dancing feels good for me. For example, I might dance like a ballerina or do octopus arms or my “old man dancing” impression. Alternatively I sit there, very still, in the lotus position and try to reach nirvana. I’ve come very close.
“Fuck you” might not usually a part of the “stripper fantasy” that a lot of women seem to have. But what are the typical “hot girl anthems” you do dance to?
Kat: Oh, Khia’s “My Neck, My Back” is a classic, especially paired with Lil’ Kim’s “Not Tonight.” As is Gangsta Boo’s “Stripper Anthem,” (a rare song from a stripper’s POV --about getting paid in the club) we discuss that one here). When it comes to recent hotgirl anthems, I like Trina’s “Long Heels, Red Bottoms” and anything Nicki Minaj. I think it’s safe to say that Big Sean ft. Nicki’s “Dance (A$$)” is going to be on heavy rotation in strip clubs for a long time.
Story: I try to get anything by Portishead played. The first two songs I ever requested were Ludacris’ "What’s Your Fantasy" and "Paper Planes" by MIA. I’ll be honest; picking out my songs was closer to a nightmare than a fantasy in the beginning. I didn’t know what songs counted as “strippery” and what didn’t. But I’ve learned just about everything gets played at some point.
Catherine: I love dancing to “Glamorous” by Fergie. I think it’s such a sexy song. Not every club will play stuff that’s not Top 40, especially during busier shifts, so that’s my mainstream pop go-to. If the DJ will play it, I also love “Don’t Stop” by the Brazilian Girls. I think it’s one of the sexiest pop songs ever written. There are some great remixes of Yeah Yeah Yeahs songs. “Bizarre Love Triangle” by New Order is a fun one too.
In the clubs that you work is there ever a friction between playing rock or hip hop?
Kat: Most clubs in Portland are “rock only” which is fucking stupid and why I don’t work at most clubs. I listen to rock in my personal life, but if you tell a strip club DJ “rock” he is probably going to hear “shitty Nu Metal” — so I just say that I don’t dance to rock at all. Even saying “classic rock” is unsafe. In fact, the last time I told a DJ “classic rock,” I proceeded to follow that up by naming some bands (AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, T. Rex) and he went ahead and played me “Saturday in the Park” by Chicago. I just can’t take that chance again.
Story: People are racist. The call for hip-hop and rap-free music is usually made by upper management, not the DJ’s and not the dancers (obviously, who would give actual on-the-ground workers who are in touch with the crowd that sort of decision making power?).
Catherine: I’m always surprised at how much rock you hear in clubs, because just listening to the radio you would think the genre was totally dead.
Bubbles is infamous for pointing out in a Village Voice interview that Weezer is on heavy rotation in strip clubs, because their fans (all grown up) are now the kind of nerdy dudes with money to spend at a strip club. What other more indie bands get play?
Elle: Weezer is a good example, but I swear by Modest Mouse. I would do “Satin in a Coffin” and “Burn Me With It” whenever I needed some angry-nerd music. My coworkers were shocked how often it was a huge success with the crowd.
Do you think being a music-nerd is what drew you to stripping — or kept you there?
Bubbles: There’s certainly something to that. I do love getting to dance to the music that I like. There’s nothing more fun than getting a responsive, happy crowd while dancing to a great song.
Catherine: I’m a musician myself, so that has definitely has always made the job enjoyable. When I’m not making money, or having a frustrating day in one way or another, hearing a good song still cheers me up. I love having a job where I can listen to club music all day long. I also really like being up on new songs.
Are there any bands or songs you pretty much solely hear in the strip club?
Kat: Crazy Town’s “Butterfly” is very much alive and well in most strip clubs. "Come, come my lady, you’re my butterfly, sugar, baby!"
The holidays are coming up. Are there “Santa's helper” themes going on at the club? The image of the strip club on Christmas Day is one often conjured up in pop-culture, what does it look like?
Kat: I know they make sexy elf costumes, but I’ve only seen sexy Santas. I’ve definitely seen strippers dance to “Jingle Bell Rock.” It can be cute and playful when done responsibly. I also think “Santa Baby” and The Waitresses’ “Christmas Wrapping” are good ones if you’re into that. Christmas and Christmas Eve at the strip club are actually really fun. I’ve only had positive experiences. People are kind and generous and usually tip bigger bills on stage. Regulars I trust bring me delicious baked goods and other Christmas presents this time of year. I guess if you’re going to give your mailman some candy, may as well give thanks to your favorite strippers.
So wait, is every holiday celebrated in clubs?
Kat: Clubs don’t necessarily do anything, but I think it’s always a good idea to dress up. It sends the message that you have a good attitude and are a fun person, even if you don’t and you’re not. I have my Santa hat and red velvet bikini ready to debut on Dec 1st.