Risqué business

A lot of people complain about the scene but do nothing to contribute. Miguel Francis, a.k.a. DJ Sex & Weight, and DJ Mike Diamond (along with Quinten Larsen) do their part by bringing the party to the not-yet-legal-to-get-their-drink-on Sacramento crowd—and have been doing so for the past couple of years. Their club night, Risqué, at Club 21 (1119 21st Street) every third Saturday of the month, is the perfect remedy for those 18- to 20-year-olds too young to be part of indie club nights Fuck Fridays and Lipstick. Yet the atmosphere, and the over-21 bar, make the night completely worth it for any scene elder looking for something on a Saturday night. Plus, the night has cred; past Risqué guests have included Designer Drugs, Tenderloins, Richie Panic and L.A. Riots.

I sat down on Francis’ Midtown balcony before a pre-Fourth of July barbecue to discuss with him and Diamond Risqué’s history and why they do what they do.

What is the style of music at Risqué?

Francis: A little bit of electro. It was a little bit of house. It was a little bit of the rock music that influenced the electro genre. Hip-hop. And elements of the ’80s. But it was hard to even say what the fuck we were playing, because we weren’t playing by any specific rules. We just knew if something fit into it or not.

Why do 18-and-over dance nights matter?

Francis: I don’t think we did it intentionally; it was somewhat born out of necessity, because the people who were clued into this sound that was coming out, they were a lot younger. Also, there was no other outlet for kids who are under 21 in Sacramento, unless they want to go to a Top 40 club.

Mike, tell me about your name.

Diamond: It actually came from the first alias that I went under when I was deejaying, and it was DiamondMonsterrr. … [But] after a while it got really annoying, and I was like, “If I really want to do this, I want to make this a little more mature sounding,” so I changed it to Mike Diamond.

When did you first pick up a turntable?

Diamond: First turntables I had in my sophomore year of high school, and I never actually played a party until my early college years. Before, all that time, I was in the bedroom just practicing, not really knowing what I was practicing, but practicing something. People do this, so I want to make it sound like them, and I think it’s what I’m supposed to do. I just kept at it, and it slowly progressed.

How would you describe the atmosphere at Risqué?

Diamond: A lot of weird sexual aggression.

Francis: There is no energy like the kids who go to Risqué, because they are ready to go absolutely nuts before they even step through that door, and they just do not stop for a good two and a half hours straight.

How do you prepare every month?

Diamond: I put a lot more into it than most people think. As of now, it really just stands as my golden child, the one thing that did good in the city, that’s actually been going on a while now. We have already topped a year and we’re coming on two years. That’s a good accomplishment, especially in Sacramento. Most things don’t last out here.

Do you have any other projects?

Francis: In July, at the end of the month, we have a music festival called Launch that’s going to be at the Artisan on Del Paso Boulevard.

Diamond: We do have stuff we are planning to do … a lot of crazy stuff. I definitely think, between me and [Miguel], there will probably be another 18-plus night on the regular, and a new 21-plus night at a new venue.