West Coast punk rocker turned cool New York DJ in global demand, Dinah Fire is living… and so are we!
Thotyssey: Hi Dinah! So now that November is basically behind us, how did the month treat you?
Dinah Fire: November has been great, thanks for asking! Just been working on a new winter mix, and working a lot. Also preparing to go overseas next month, which is always so exciting!
Where are you going, and have you gotten to travel a lot as a DJ before?
I’m going to London; I love playing out there! I typically do Europe once or twice a year–last time was a few dates in the UK, and one in Spain! This one is smaller… just two gigs and a holiday break. But I’m planning a proper tour for next summer!
Amazing! How long have you been a DJ now?
I’ve been a DJ for almost three years, pretty much since the pandemic. I only started branching out and traveling, as well as producing, in late 2022, though.
Where are you from originally, and was music always a part of your life?
I’m from LA raised in Seattle, and moved here a few years ago. I actually come from the underground punk music scene, which a lot of people don’t know about me… so that’s where I started learning how to use music as a tool to communicate with others. Music has always been a driving force in my life, a constant.
Tell us about your life in that scene! Were you in bands?
Yeah! And I would put together house shows and lineups, things like that. It was a magical time, but also a messy one at times. I feel a lot more focused and grown up in my approach to my work now.
What brought you to New York?
I just needed a change, a clean slate, and some new direction. NYC felt ripe with possibility. I met DJ Brik at Mood Ring when I was still splitting my time between here and Seattle, and he was a huge inspiration to move full time here.
You two were actually a DJ duo for awhile–The Rage.
We still are! We just played Bushwig at Knockdown Center and the Barbie party at 3 Dollar Bill this fall! And we were doing Boxers on Saturdays until just recently. I think we just stepped away from weeklies and residencies so we can focus on producing projects, since our individual schedules are so packed. As The Rage, we play special events these days; next up is Julie J’s “Stand UP NYC” benefit in the new year.
How would you describe your own sound as a DJ, when you’re in a situation where you can do what you want?
Oooh, where I can do whatever I want! I love a cross between house, techno and ballroom / Jersey club. That flavor mixed with a heavy drum and bass is my vibe.
Have you had a favorite night or gig as a DJ?
Hmm, that’s hard. My first time in London, at Dalston Superstore, that was one of my favorite parties ever. In New York, it’s gotta be Bushwig this year… that was so much fun!
There’s of course a big rave scene in Brooklyn and Ridgewood featuring trans and non-binary DJs and promoters. Do you ever take part in any of that?
Yeah, totally! I’m a Bushwick girl, so I love those parties. I’ve done nights at Mood Ring and Red Pavilion and Market Hotel. I am trying to do more of those parties at the minute!
There is a growing number of trans and cis women and non-binary folks in the DJ booths in NYC, but it’s still largely a boy’s club. Have you found that imbalance to be a challenge in your career in any way?
I would say it honestly helps me see plainly who I do and don’t want to work with. Especially in the LGBTQ spaces where it’s all male rosters and lineups–I know it’s not for me. I’ve been the single girl in spaces like that, and learned the hard way it’s not for me. I can only roll with promoters and clubs that understand what diversity means. It is limiting, I’ll admit, but it’s their loss if they don’t see it for non-cis male DJs.
One gig you’ve been DJing for for awhile now has been “The Simple Life,” a twice monthly Tuesday drag show at VERS starring Hanukah Lewinsky and Reese Havoc! How fun is it working with those girls in that space?
Oh I love Hanukah and Reese! They’re two of my favorites. They’re always so funny, and they riff off each other so insanely! Just the most off the wall sense of humor. That show is a lot of fun!
And this Friday at 3 Dollar Bill you’re DJing “High School Musical: The Musical: The Party,” which features a large drag cast! Were you a fan of that movie series growing up?
I actually wasn’t, lol! I’m more of a Cheetah Girls fan. But I hear rumors that party might be on the horizon, too!
Oooh! Well this one is also gonna be amazing regardless… Drag Race stars Jasmine Kennedie and Olivia Lux are hosting!
And Sunday, you’ll be spinning” Sweet Tea” with Ell McCullers at Red Eye! That should be a fun vibe!
Yes! I love Ell. That Sunday is such a cute, vibey day party I love playing with him!
What else is coming up for you here, in the near or distant future?
This month is a lot of holiday parties! Doing the Club Curran party with Julie J, and then NEO’s holiday party with Tyler Ashley next week. And I’m doing a fun techno party in Brooklyn at Liminal Space on December 10th. Then it’s back to London for the holidays!
All amazing! Okay let’s end with: what’s your best advice for a baby DJ on the scene who wants to make it big in the city?
I would say, just go out for fun and start meeting people… but don’t treat it like networking! Make genuine connections with people you want to play with and make art with, and opportunities come organically with these relationships. And always make sure you’re having fun! You can’t take nightlife too seriously.
You’re right about that! Thanks, Dinah!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Dinah Fire’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and SoundCloud.
Thotyssey 