While spinning in Manhattan, Jersey and Jackson Heights, DJ J Florez, has you entirely off your ass this summer.
Thotyssey: Hey J! You’ve had a busy few months… you were actually DJing at True Colors this past weekend! How did that go?
J Florez: Hey everyone! I’ve been really busy lately with my DJ residencies. I’ve started a residency at Hush Bar in addition to my residency at Lotus Thai. I’ve also recently become a resident DJ at “NSFW,” a party that happens at Hush every other Friday and this coming Friday is their 3rd anniversary. I’ve been DJing for the annual boat rides for Hombres Lounge as well. Last weekend, I made my debut at True Colors while we were celebrating Colombia’s Independence Day. It was a great experience playing for my Latino community, and people seemed to enjoy the diverse music I played all night long!
Is it crazy to be bouncing all over the place every week? Do you ever forget where you are going, lol?
No, absolutely not!. Whenever I have to perform at any of these venues, I always prepare myself to ensure that I provide the audience with the best party and fun experience. It’s funny, but I enjoy going to different places and giving people the time of their lives. My mother used to call me “happy feet” as a funny nickname.
Were your feet happy while DJing at sea for the Hombres cruise? Any sea sickness?
Not at all. I love playing music along with the ocean, and the movement of the waves inspires me to mix my music even better.
So can you tell us a bit about where you’re from, and if music was always a part of your life growing up?
I was born and raised in Colombia, then I moved to NYC in 2017. I used to be part of my elementary school’s marching band. Since that time, I’ve been passionate about music. Over the years, I started collecting music in different formats such as cassettes, CDs, and digital. When I turned 18, I began mixing music using virtual DJ software. Later, I learned how to DJ with a CDJ mixer. With the experience gained from mixing at private parties, I became a resident DJ at various venues in Medellín.
After moving to NYC, my passion for music grew even greater. I found my first gig and residency at the Hangar Bar, followed by the Monster Bar in the West Village. After that, my happy feet took me to play in other venues in the city like Cafe Flor in Chelsea, The Ritz and The Q in HK, Kings Bar, and Hombres Lounge in Queens.
What’s your favorite music to play at gigs, versus what is your favorite music to listen to at home, if it’s different?
I am extremely passionate about music. I feel very confident playing all music genres on my gigs, but house music is my favorite because it speaks to my soul. I like to listen to all music genres at home and always stay updated on new releases so that I’m prepared for all my gigs.
You produce a lot of DJ mixes too… what do you like those to sound like?
I always try to make a mix with a seamless blend of electronic music, taking the audience on a journey through a wide variety of sounds with global influences, including House, Deep House, Afro House, Tech House, Funk, and Disco.
I got my inspiration from my teenage years when I used to listen to the music that my mom and aunt played on the radio, especially 80s and 90s Anglo music.
Have you had a favorite ever moment DJing?
Every gig has always left me with memorable moments, but one of my favorite ones was when I played at our town’s festivities, and I saw my family supporting me while I was DJing!
You’ve been playing Hush on weekends for awhile now! What makes that venue great?
Hush is amazing! They offer a wide variety of music at their parties. I love that you can dance on different floors based on your musical taste and enjoy music to the fullest.
“NSFW” has been a very popular twice monthly Saturday there. The third anniversary is going to be a ki!
For sure! They always throw a great party!
And tell us a bit about Lotus Thai in Gutenberg, NJ where you also spin. What’s that place like, and when can we find you there?
Lotus Thai is an authentic Thai BYOB (bring your own bottle) restaurant featuring a spacious patio / garden where I have been DJing for over four years. You can find me there every Thursday and at every special event, such as Lotus Pride, Halloween Ball, holidays, and private events.
What else is coming up for you?
I’m really focused on my music production classes right now. My goal is to finish some projects I’ve been working on for several months with Nico Aristy, a Colombian tutor and music producer. Hopefully, these projects will culminate this year and it would be my first EP release.
Exciting! Lastly: what’s been the song of the summer so far, in your opinion?
I always play “Nasty” by Tinashe, and every time I play it—no matter which remix I choose, including my own remix or just the original—everybody seems to really enjoy it, singing it loud, dancing sexy, and sipping their drinks.
Thanks, J!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ J Florez’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram.
Thotyssey 