This South American-born beatmaster is a rising star in New York nightlife thanks to good looks and a dark, sophisticated sound, among other things. We want more Waly Verdun! [Cover photo: Dima Cherevko]
Thotyssey: Hi Waly! Yay October! Are you a fan of the Spooky Season?
Waly Verdun: I am a huge fan. I love fall, and October is my favorite month. The city seems to be entering into a new chapter, and the vibe is completely different in October. Also, I am a huge Halloween fan.
Are you gonna go spooky, sexy or otherwise in your Halloween looks this year?
I’m always a demon for Halloween, but every year is a different one that follows a different story. I was Aamon (the demon of fire) few years ago, then I was an Incubus (a demon believed to have sex with humans while they are sleeping) the following year, and last year I was the Prince Of Darkness. This year, I might go with a different type of demon / prince. But because of working with headphones, I like to keep it stylish and practical more than spooky or sexy.
Is there a favorite Halloween anthem you like to sneak into your sets this time of year?
I use a lot of vocals in my sets, so what I do is I get some dark vocals and blend it into my mixes. Right now, I am working on a version of “I Put A Spell On You” from Screamin’ Jay Hawkins that has the right beat, but is also dark and twisted.
How else might you describe your overall sound as a DJ, when you’re given a night that you can do whatever you want in the booth?
I love house music, so that’s what I play. I love to dance too, so that’s what I try to achieve when I am behind the DJ booth. Like I said before, I like to play vocals and rhythms that makes people want to leave the bar and come to the dance floor. I usually start with disco, and then transition to house… and always finish with a heavier and darker sound towards the end of my set. I’m influenced by sophisticated sound from London, so I like to incorporate lots of piano… and of course, some dance classics and diva anthems are always welcome.
Regardless of the plan, I play with what I have in front of me–vibing with the people on the dance floor.
Can you tell us a bit of your origin story: where are you from originally, and was music always a part of your life growing up?
I am from Asunción, Paraguay–a small, beautiful country in the heart of South America.
I grew up in a small city, so unfortunately the nightlife or the music industry was also very small at the moment… so eventually that was one of the main reasons why I moved to NYC.
I’ve always been in love and inspired by music. My dad was a big music lover, and had lots of vinyl. Then, my older brothers were (and still are) huge music fans. I experimented with electronic music since I was a teenager, but before that I was already into heavy metal, rock and ska. At some point I worked at a radio station, so I had unlimited access to all types of music. I was also able to go and produce different types of concerts and music events. So yeah, music has always been around in my life, and I plan to keep it that way.
What was the best concert you’ve ever been to?
I had the chance to see Placebo in Brooklyn this summer. It was amazing; they’ve been a huge influence in my music and life in general, so having been able to see them for the for the first time this year was definitely a milestone for me.
What was your first DJ gig in NYC?
My first small gig in NYC was at this art gallery / store in NoMad called Maison 10–beautiful place where I met amazing people. I got hired kind of randomly to play for one of their events, and slowly things just took off from there.
I remember that just a few weeks after that, I was spinning for a big after-hours in Brooklyn after being hired by a guy that I was introduced to after my first gig.
You never know where you are going to end up, especially in New York City.
What are you thoughts and song requests from the patrons? Annoying, useful, etc.?
Oh well… that’s a tough one. I can start by saying that I am a music pleaser; if I have the track or the music that management of the place or a guest wants me to play, and if it goes with the vibe of whatever I am currently playing, I would definitely make it happen–especially if it’s a bar or a laid back type of event / party. But if this is an after-hours, or the person who is requesting a song is heavily intoxicated or rude, that is just not going to happen.
People needs to understand that to mix music is a task that requires a lot of focus and attention. It’s rude to interrupt the groove of the DJ while they are working just because you want to listen a specific song. So most of the times, it ends up just being annoying.
So Atlas Social Club in Hell’s Kitchen just turned ten years old, and you’ve been spinning weekends there for a while now!
Atlas Social Club has been a big part of my life last few years. I started to play there right after lockdown, and it has a been a rollercoaster. The first thing is that the staff is just incredible: from the bouncer to the bartenders and management, they are people that now I consider a family.
As a neighborhood bar in Hell’s Kitchen, the regulars and people who frequent the spot are involved in the community… which makes things more special. It’s an older / mature type of vibe so it’s very laid back, but always a great spot to meet people. In Atlas Social Club, everybody is welcome–there is no discrimination of any type, and people come there for a good time.
Me and the other resident DJ Alex Benitez aka Sorry I’m Late are in charge of the music over the weekend: “PARADISO” on Fridays, “INFERNO” on Saturdays and “DISCOLICIOUS” on Sundays. We always have lots of fun… so if you are around HK, make sure to stop by Atlas.
And you’ll also be DJing a very special event at Manhattan Movement & Arts Center on October 15: “Miss Hells Kitchen,” hosted by Alaska!
I am so excited about the pageant! Alaska is a true comedian, so you can’t miss her hosting the show. All the queens are bringing their best looks and talent to the competition… plus, we are also producing a big opening performance with the choreography of the talented JMV. I’ll be playing some good house and disco, so it’s going to be a party! This is an event that is fundraising money to fight HIV/AIDS supporting The Center and Cycle For The Cause, so get informed and get your ticket in advance.
Anything else coming up for you?
I’m very happy to be back in Puerto Vallarta on Halloween weekend; I played for their Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and I had a blast! So I can’t wait to be there again. I’ll be spinning at STUDS (Zona Romántica) on Friday, October 27th. Then I’m throwing my own Halloween party at Atlas on Halloween night, Tuesday October 31st at 7 pm. After that, I’m going to play in Canada for the after-party of a movie screening at a film festival–so I am looking forward for that, too.
It all sounds great! So let’s close with: what might be your best advice for a new DJ in town who wants to make it in Gay NYC?
Just go out there and explore. NYC is a nightlife city; there are so many options and places to discover that could be, eventually, potential “clients” or places to show your skills and music.
Also, go out a lot: small parties, big parties, gay or straight, after-hours or pool parties, in Hells Kitchen, Brooklyn or Queens. Believe it or not, there is no better way to check what people like or what works on the dance floor than partying.
Check the socials of promoters to see what are they up to.
Tip the queens and bartenders, and be nice and support the dolls always, because they will tell you the real deal when it comes to hiring at bars and clubs.
And above all, have fun… because the next thing you know, the DJ desk will become your office and to “go out” will have a different meaning.
All well said! Thanks, Waly!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ Waly Verdun’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram and streaming platforms.
Thotyssey 