You can find this prolific DJ bringing the beats everywhere from local bars and clubs to epic parties and festivals across the globe. The kiki is from night to dawn with Justin Dawson!
Thotyssey: Thanks for chatting today, DJ! You’ve had a busy summer so far, with a lot more to come! What’s been a summer highlight for you, as far as gigs go?
DJ Dawson: Hey Jim! Yes! Has been a busy one. Nothing really beats the energy of summer in NYC. Fire Island is always a moment that I can’t wait for. My Saturday night sets at Pavilion are always some of the nights I most look forward to every season. This year wasn’t an exception. I’m really proud of the sets I played for a packed house in June and July. Besides that, it’s been really special to continue the monthly party I co-produce at Red Eye, “Good Friday.” The response has been so great since we started in January, and they seem to be getting better with each month. That can be a challenge through the summer months in the city.
How many years have you been DJing now, and how do you think you’ve changed or evolved in that field over time?
My first ever DJ gig was down in the Chelsea basement of Gym Bar in 2009. Back then my sound was mostly defined by the music I’ve always loved: throwback R&B, vocal disco, soul, with a tinge of hip hop and pop… all guided by the house music that I’d recently fallen in love with as a young New Yorker discovering the club scene. Today I’d say my style is still rooted in a similar place. My taste as a curator, technical skill as a DJ, and confidence have evolved a lot, but I’m still very true to the sounds that I’ve always been drawn to.
If it ain’t broke, stay fierce, as the children say!
Amen! I’m grateful to have had the chance to play a variety of stages and parties. I feel like I’ve found a way to bring my vibe through no matter what the party calls for.
Can you tell us a bit about where you’re originally from, and what made you want to start DJing?
I grew up in Dallas, Texas. Music has always been a part my fabric. I sang in church as a kid, through grade school I did band and choir, and after moving here to NY for college I joined an acapella group. After leaving school, I didn’t have an outlet–and that’s how I found my way to house music in clubs, and eventually to DJing.
Are there any other DJs you’ve particularly admired, or who have influenced you?
Honey Dijon and The Carry Nation I’ve always had huge admiration for. Their ability and fearlessness to meld genres is always inspiring, and it’s been amazing to witness how they’ve catapulted their careers globally in the time I’ve known them.
What do you consider to be some personal DJing highlights to date, in your career?
A big highlight for me has been getting to play events that have such a long history in the nightlife culture of NYC. Black Party and the Pride Pier Dance are a couple that jump to mind. Also, doing a set at the top of 1 World Trade Center was pretty unforgettable. This year makes 20 years that I’ve lived here, and it’s still a gag to walk around the city and pass by iconic spaces and think to myself, “I really had the girls twirling that night!”
As you mentioned earlier, you and some other great DJs have taken over as residents and producers of Red Eye’s weekly party “Good Friday!” What’s that been like, and when might we see you there next?
Yes! Has been great partnering with Mitch Ferrino and Alex Dropo to bring a house music anchor night to Hell’s Kitchen. The concept is a little different… Good Friday is a “communal party” where everyone involved benefits from the night’s success. All our DJs, photographer, dancers, door person, and performers all earn a share of the profit from tickets sold. The pieces all came together over a conversation we had on a night out together, and we’ve had great support from the crew at Red Eye. Our next “Good Friday” is August 16th with Michael Magnan as our guest headliner.
And here comes Pines Party Weekend! You’ll be DJing the Beach Party on Saturday.
So pumped for Pines Party this weekend! I’ve had the opportunity to play the pool parties a couple times over the years (2013 & 2016), but this will be my first time performing at the main event Beach Party. I just have to say I’m honored to be sharing the decks with Massimiliano who I’m a huge fan of, and Dennis Ferrer, such a freaking legend and someone who’s music made me fall in love with the house sound.
Looking ahead, you’ll be DJing the 13th Annual StartOut Awards–which recognize and honor business leaders for outstanding representation of the LGBTQ+ community at Tribeca Rooftop on October 19–hosted by Thorgy Thor.
Yes! I’m looking forward to joining StartOut Awards again this fall. It means a lot to collaborate with organizations that are doing the hard work to advance our community and make an impact. I recently got to play events for Lambda Legal, Ali Forney Center, and a popup fundraiser “Coconuts for Kamala.” My close friends know how opinionated I can be when it comes to social issues, so contributing a DJ set to a good cause is always a pleasure.
Anything else coming up for you?
After Pines Party I’ll be heading up to Provincetown for Carnival Week, and then capping off my Summer with a debut at Burning Man at the end of the month. So yeah, a busy next few weeks ahead, but I’m grateful.
You go! Lastly, who do you think the song of the summer has been, thus far at least?
Hmm… song of the summer is always tough for me because I have a lot of favorites. I’m loving Charli XCX’s album and the Brat movement, but I gotta say one of my proudest live mixes in a recent set was a seamless blend of “Nasty Girl” by Tinashe with “Nasty Girl” by Vanity 6. It was kind of a perfect example of my love for throwbacks, meeting the more current bops. Cheers to a Nasty Girl Summer!
Cheers indeed!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ Dawson’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and his website.
Thotyssey 