Every day is Daddy’s Day with the sexy OG beatmaster of NYC, Fire Island and Sirius Radio… DJ James Anthony! [Cover photo: Jeff Eason]
Thotyssey: Hi James, thanks for chatting today! I know you just got back from a Pines gig, how was it?
James Anthony: Amazing! The Pines is such a special place for the queer community. There’s so few places like it, and the history of music and nightlife culture here truly reverberates generationally. There are few places I feel as connected to my people as I do then when I’m playing in the Pines. It’s an honor and privilege for me to continue the legacy of those who came before me, bringing joy to people through music.
And how was your Pride last week?
Girl, I am still exhausted. My highlights were definitely “Ultramaroon” at Musica and the Pride edition of my monthly party at the Eagle, “James Anthony’s House.” Everything was such a fun vibe this year.
It was a good vibe all around!
How long have you been a DJ now?
I’ve been playing records for people literally as long as I can remember. There’s video of my pre-K graduation in 1985, where I was announced as “The Future DJ of America.” I suppose I’ve been living up to that title ever since. I started actually getting paid for it when I was a teenager.
Adorbs! Where’s your original hometown, and what sort of music was playing around your house or your neighborhood at that time?
I grew up in Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York. I was an only child for the first seven years, and my parents had a particular dislike for disco music. All my musical influences came from the radio; I gravitated towards radio really young. Fortunately for me, New York radio in the 80’s and 90’s was an epicenter for dance music. I got an education every weekend listening to the live club broadcasts on Hot 97 in my bedroom, dreaming what it would be like to be there in person. I still have so many of those cassettes in my archives.
When and where did professional DJing become a thing for you?
I spent my teenage years lugging crates of vinyl in and out of catering halls all over the boroughs and New Jersey, working Sweet 16s and weddings. I can’t hear songs like “Rhythm of the Night” by Corona and not instantly picture myself as a sweaty 15 year old in a catering hall in Jersey somewhere. It only got sexy when I was in my 20’s, and I really threw myself into gay nightlife.
Tell us about the sexy!
I mean “sexy” in the most marginal of terms; I don’t think I understood “sexy” in my 20’s. I played a lot of parties in a lot of venues that are now probably Chase banks and overpriced condos.
You regularly spin at The Eagle now, like you said… it doesn’t get much sexier than that!
Based on the things I see from my DJ booth, I will agree. The Eagle has always been such a part of the fabric of queer New York, and it’s been so nice to see it enjoying such a renaissance in its new expanded space.
Do you still spin vinyl at the bars and clubs?
Oh honey, my vinyl was put in those Ikea cubes long ago… never to be taken out again. I walk into a club with a stick drive and headphones, and I’m good to go. My lugging of crates days are long behind me.
Understandable! Do you mix up genres in your sets, or do you have a go-to vibe these days?
I always tailor my sets to the venue, the vibe and the city I’m playing in. I really pride myself as being very versatile as a DJ. My tea dances sound very different than my leather events. I spend a lot of time researching music and programming each party in a very thoughtful way.
Besides NYC of course, do you have a favorite city or out of town venue to spin in?
Ptown, like Fire Island, will always be a special place for me to spin. I’m heading out there next week for Bear Week and I am already thinking about the music. LA is always a blast. Atlanta always has insane energy. There’s a lot of great things happening in queer nightlife.
Are you cool with the power “Padam Padam” has on these Summer Gays, or is this track unworthy of our devotion?
“Padam” is a part of us now. We are “Padam.” Rarely does a song come along as ubiquitous–you kinda can’t not love it. As a DJ, just getting that scream from the crowd every time never gets old.
In general are you responsive to audience requests, or is that whole shit way too annoying?
Rarely does something make me so enraged as some rude queen waving their phone in my face. I’ve made TikToks about DJ booth etiquette. If you want to control the music so desperately, stay home and put a playlist on.
Couldn’t agree more! Speaking of booth etiquette, it is a known fact that everyone tried to get with the DJ. What should people know before they approach you in that respect!?
I love when people come by the booth to say hi. I’ve made so many real life connections with people from social media. I might not be able to chat for long since I’m working, but I always encourage anyone who comes to hear me to come say hi. Getting with the DJ… now that I s a whole other level.
Maybe they’ll have a chance at the upcoming Pines Party! Tell us where and when the kids can find you then!
I’m so excited for Pines Party this year. They’ve put together an incredible, diverse lineup of talent that I am really excited to be a part of. I’ll be playing at the “Acme Pool Party” on Saturday, July 22nd starting at 1pm, alongside Someone from Berlin and Monki.
You also have a presence on Sirius radio!
Get Into the Groove is a passion project of mine. It’s a mix show I host and produce every week on SiriusXM’s Studio 54, where I play exclusively 80’s disco and dance music from my vinyl collection. It’s a loving tribute to the music and mix show culture that inspired me as a kid listening to the radio.
What else is coming up for you?
Besides dates in the Pines, I’ll be doing parties in Ptown for Bear Week and Carnival Week. There’s parties in Boston, Chicago and LA after that. My monthly “James Anthony’s House” at the Eagle continues Saturday, August 5th.
Much to look forward to! Okay, to close, I ask this of all DJs: what’s your best advice for a new baby DJ on the block who wants to make it big in Gay NYC?
Be passionate about the music you’re playing. Go hear other DJs. Make friends. Seek opportunities to play music for people. Create your own vibe.
Enjoy the rest of your summer, James!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ James Anthony’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Mixcloud, SoundCloud and his website.
Thotyssey 