A stage performer who broke into nightlife via The Q, Alex Cohen is currently a DJ on the rise! [Photo: Jeff Eason]
Thotyssey: Hi Alex, great to catch up!
Alex Cohen: Hey hey! I’m so excited to be chatting with you!
Let’s start with: Renaissance: Act II! How are you liking the new songs… and will this album be a game changer for Beyoncé or pop or country?
The release of those songs was so incredible. I remember the Beyoncé Verizon commercial being the highlight of the night and screaming on the couch. I think the fusion of pop and country is long overdue; there are so many great artists amongst the two genres… and to have that fusion come at the hands of such an icon, especially in our community, is very exciting!
It is an exciting time! Do you think Bey’s lack of a Best Album Grammy is a true snub?
Yes, I think that is long overdue as well.
And do you think Taylor might as well have just pushed poor Celine off the stage… or are the gays exaggerating a bit here, lol?
Wow… the drama in these questions, lol! That was definitely not a good look. I’m sure there was an apology happening after the festivities wrapped up. Icons all around, I’m sure the girlies got back on good terms!
So you are definitely a DJ on the come-up here in New York, with gigs all over! How long have you been a nightlifer overall?
I’ve been in nightlife as an employee since right out of the pandemic! I’ve been watching, attending and supporting all things music, drag and nightlife for some time before that, too! It’s been awesome to see the nightlife world as an employee and as a patron… both at separate times and simultaneously!
Where are you from originally… and did you grow up with music and techie stuff as big parts of your life?
I am originally from just outside the city in New Jersey. Music and entertainment have always been huge parts of my life! I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t listening to music–either at home, or in the car, or anywhere for that matter. My parents raised me on classic rock (my first concert ever was Bruce Springsteen at Metlife Stadium for my 8th birthday). It’s crazy where my music taste has gone from there, lol! I’ve been a theater and tech person all throughout school, both onstage and behind the scenes. Art and performance have been a constant in my life, and I am very happy with where it has landed me so far.
So you’re a stage performer as well?
Yes! I’m a and actor and singer, and have done some tours and such. I was recently in the company of Blue Man Group here in NYC, for about a year!
Amazing! What’s it like being blue?
That show and the New York team is so incredible. The paint is definitely grease based; there are definitely items of mine that will always have a little bit of Blue Man love on them!
Have you ever written or recorded any of your own music, or considered it?
I’ve sung on some tracks for other people and have also curated some mixes outside of set recordings that I’ve put out on SoundCloud–but nothing as of late, just due to being busy! The door is always open for more projects in the future, and I’m excited by that possibility!
You had a role in the short-lived but very buzzworthy venue in post-pandemic Manhattan called the Q.
I was actually one of the lighting designers there, it was my first nightlife gig! Much like the sound, the lighting system there was top of the line. I took my knowledge of theater lighting design and love for music, and was able to break into the live lighting design world… and with that, break into nightlife as a whole. The icons of NYC nightlife that I loved as a fan became friends and colleagues.
I remember you were often in a very specific look… like, a totally tailored top and just these little briefs or short-shorts! My fellow Lady Liberty judges often loved that, lol!
I’m glad someone liked it, lol! I am always looking for fun, cute pieces that make me feel my fantasy and confident! My “signature lewk” is a lot of black and white, and a lot of shiny, shimmery pieces. Things that pop and add to an energetic atmosphere are definitely what I lean towards!
After the Q closed, you transitioned into DJing. How did that happen? Do you have a DJ Mom who showed you the ropes?
So I actually started teaching myself how to DJ on my own when I’d get into work early at the Q, and after we closed. My first gig was actually when I got thrown in because a DJ was running an hour late! I went on to play several more gigs before I took my hiatus from nightlife…before everything went down. My very early local mentors were Luis Fernando, Mitch Ferrino and Nandi. I also have received a ton of support from international stars like Hector Fonseca and Alexis Tucci. Recently, DJ 2Face adopted me into the Haus of Face and has become a best friend, mentor and family all wrapped into one. My return to nightlife would not be where it is today without him.
These days, we can find you spinning in a few places during the week, starting with Saturday’s “Tammy” tea dance at lovely new venue Balcon with the titular, incomparable Tammy Spanx!
Oh my goodness, it’s so much fun! Tammy is such a comedic and musical genius and a pleasure to work with! I am so lucky to call her a friend! I love our Saturdays because it’s a time slot that really doesn’t exist anywhere else in nightlife, whether you’re looking for your post brunch plans to continue the festivities or you’re starting your evening with happy hour, we’ve got you covered–in a brand new gorgeous venue!
You and Tammy are also rocking Balcon’s sister bar Playhouse every Sunday night, where Tammy co-hosts the weekly “Wanna Gogo” contest with Sage! That must bring out all the baes, right?
Oh my gosh, yes! It’s such a new idea, and we’re loving finding new talent where they have opportunity to win 100 bucks and get booked by only giving one number! If you’re interested in competing, just come on out!
I’ll be there, lol! And this Friday you’ll be returning to the scene of one of your first gigs as a DJ… Vers!
Yes! It’s so intimate but can totally find that party pocket and kick it into a high gear dance extravaganza. I love bringing my sound to Vers!
And looking ahead to March 30th, there is “The Eras Tour Drag Brunch” at Slate with Pattaya Hart!
This will be my second drag brunch at Slate! It’s going to an immersive experience with incredible sound and light design, Swifty cocktails, amazing food, and of course NYC’s own Taylor drag impersonator Pattaya! Tickets are available now, and I am so excited for this event… Slate drag brunches are not to be missed!
What else is coming up for you… gigs-wise, or maybe more mix releases?
I’ll be keeping on with the grind and the dream! Just continuing to get my name out there, playing all over Manhattan and Brooklyn! My sound is happy, fun and high energy, so I’m excited to continue sharing it with people. Think of high energy, electronic music with a very catchy pop vocal through line of your favorite current hits! Similar to Loud Luxury.
I’m not a huge fan of mixes, because they’re not always as authentic as a live set… but I may release a few more here and there!
I am working on a local NYC EDM party on a monthly basis alongside DJ &Drew and Brie Bordeaux, so stay tuned for that!
Exciting! Okay, to wrap up: unsolicited song requests in the booth! Yay or Nay?
Ooh, that’s a tough one! I don’t mind requests so long as you’re asking nicely, prepared for me to say no if I don’t have it or it won’t fit the vibe, and come with a few dollars in hand! Remember: DJs are working while you’re partying, and we’re giving up our night to make yours! We love our job and want to enjoy our time doing it, so show your support and be kind!
Thanks, Alex!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ Alex Cohen’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram and SoundCloud.
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