Coming up as a DJ during socially distanced post-lockdown NYC, Hope 808 keeps us hopeful for the future of the city dance floors with “Family Jewels,” “Lezzie Maguire” and an official Pride party this summer. [Cover photo: Syra Sparkle]
Thotyssey: Hi Hope, Happy Pride! How is June treating you so far?
Hope 808: Hey there, Happy Pride! This month has been crazy busy, in the best way.
I bet! As far as DJing goes, do you constantly prepare a lot of mixes and playlists and stuff, or do you do most of your song selection in the moment?
It definitely depends on the gig. For events with a certain theme or vibe, I tend to curate a planned set with specific transitions and moments. For my regular gigs at, say, The Rosemont, I just play whatever I’m feeling that night!
Musically, what genres and sounds do you like to play in the booth when you have total freedom to do what you want?
I always love playing disco and funk. I grew up listening to it around the house as kid, so it’s very nostalgic for me. I have a lot of fun blending classic disco with contemporary music. You’ll also hear me throwing in tons of house and garage when I have total reign.
Where are you from, and when and where did you start DJing?
I grew up in Armonk, a town in Westchester just outside the city. In high school, I would constantly take the Metro North in to go to concerts and raves and fell in love with nightlife (before I even knew I was queer).
I bought my first intro DJ controller during lockdown in the pandemic, and taught myself the basics. In Spring 2021 when bars and clubs started reopening, I felt confident enough to reach out to venues and jumped at the opportunity to finally play in front of people. My first DJ set was at Starr Bar in Bushwick, where I played out the window onto the sidewalk because the inside of the bar wasn’t open yet! Watching people dance as they walked passed me on the sidewalk was enough for me to realize I love doing this.
What’s the origin of your DJ name?
So “Hope” is actually my middle name, and an “808” refers to a percussion sound known for its booming, low-frequency bass. The TR-808 was one of the first drum machines to let you program your own rhythms instead of using preset patterns. An “808 kick” is an iconic sound that you hear a lot in electronic music.
I’m also a drummer so I wanted my DJ name to reflect that. I play in a group called Talon, a Brooklyn-based, all queer band!
Oh werk! When’s Talon playing next?
We have a Pride show next Monday, June 17th at Gold Sounds Bar in Bushwick. We’re headlining with support from Shaggo, Evil Twin, and Stefani Bondari.
Have a great show! So, I’m a Bitter Old who is cranky about the state of music–
Lol! I totally get that.
But being someone who both creates and curates new music today… what are your thoughts on the art and business of music? Is this a creative time, a shallow time, a period of change, etc.?
Well, to start with the positive: 2024 has certainly been an exciting year for women in pop music. In the first half of this year alone we’ve gotten great new music from Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Charli xcx, Kehlani, Billie Eillish, and Kacey Musgraves, to name some of my faves. The meteoric rise of Chappel Roan, and the popularity of Renee Rapp, two unapologetic lesbians, makes my queer heart so happy.
That being said, TikTok has altered how people consume music… and that has unfortunately translated to how people act on the dance floor. At least from my POV as a DJ, I’ve noticed certain crowds expect sets to be banger after banger with explosive drops and quick transitions, which leaves no room for just grooving and enjoying the music in between. People also tend to have their phones out more, getting close to the DJ booth to capture moments that look cool or could go viral, or just standing around filming instead of dancing.
And it’s weird, people are enjoying watching great dancing and choreo more and more, but not actually dancing themselves.
Agreed! I should mention that Nowadays is one of my favorite places to dance because of their “No Phones on the Dancefloor” policy.
Well, maybe their kids will figure it out, lol. So, you’ve been the resident DJ of Aveq Moi’s “Family Jewels” at The Rosemont since it’s beginning, and that’s now a very popular Sunday affair. How did you get involved in that, and what do you account for it’s popularity?
Yes! I’ve been the resident DJ since the party started in August 2022, back when it was called “Sweet Spot” and was on Wednesday nights! Brett Rocard, the party’s creator, approached me early that summer and pitched a bi-weekly party at The Rosemont where I’d be the DJ, he’d produce, and his favorite drag queen Prima Love would host and perform with occasional guest performers. Considering I’d only been DJing for about a year, I was ecstatic to have a residency at a popular queer bar.
Cut to early 2023, we changed the name to “Family Jewels,” moved to every other Sunday, and brought on Aveq Moi to co-produce. Jaylen from Aveq, in particular, has been crucial in growing our party by booking incredible guest performers and really getting the word out there.
It’s been so gratifying watching “Family Jewels” grow into what it is now, and I credit that to the dedication that Brett, Jaylen, Prima, and I have put into it for nearly two years now. Even in the dead of winter or on the grossest rainy nights, we get ourselves to The Rosemont at 10pm and make sure everyone in the bar get’s bumping music and a good show. A lot of parties cater to one specific type of person where you have to look or act a certain way to fit in, but we’ve always had the motto “When You’re Queer, You’re Family” because we want any queer person to be able to walk in and feel safe, comfortable, and have a good time. I think leading with that sentiment sets us apart from other spaces and earned us a Glam nomination for “Best Bar Party!”
That was a great moment! And I see that this Friday you’re gonna be at a venue called Femme Fontaine BK.
Yep, this Friday night I’ll be DJing at Femme Fontaine, a women-owned bar in Williamsburg. “Support Women DJs” has a Friday night residency there and invited me to spin this Friday. They throw awesome parties where women are always behind the decks! Rach Brosman is the founder and a new friend of mine. On Friday I’ll be playing a mix of disco, house, and pop.
This just in: you’ll also be DJing a fancy cocktail party at Masquerade on Thursday, June 20th!
And then at the end of the month, you’ll be spinning an official Pride Sunday event at The DL: “Bliss Days!” That’s amazing!
Thank you! I can’t even articulate just how honored and excited I am to be on the “Bliss Days” lineup. I’ll be spinning in the second floor lounge from 2-6pm before DJ Tatiana takes over, and DJ Dimples will be on the DL’s gorgeous rooftop all day. Playing music with NYC Pride is such an iconic way to wrap up Pride.
What else is coming up for you?
Next month I’ll be starting a monthly residency at C’mon Everybody with my new sapphic party, “Lezzie Maguire,” where I’ll be bringing on different queer women DJs and hosts for each edition. The first one is Friday, July 19th. I’m beyond thrilled to be able to produce and DJ a WLW party at C’mon. I want to create a special party that queer women know they’ll have a fun, sexy time, and hear some great music. Other than that, I am looking forward to a summer DJing rooftop parties, and getting myself on some bills at bigger NYC clubs!
Okay, last question… what song or artist do the children need to stop requesting from you?
Lol! Like most DJs, I am not a fan of requests, period. Just trust the process–that’s what I’m there for! But I would especially love if people stopped asking me to play Bad Bunny. I promise ya’ll, I will always throw in some reggaeton flare when the time is right! Honorable mention: Straight people walking into a gay bar when I’m playing house and pop remixes for a full dance floor and demanding R&B or Hip Hop.
Don’t come into our Pride spots with that energy, straights! Thanks, Hope!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ Hope 808’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and Soundcloud.
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