The New York by way of Texas model, dancer and very new-to-the-scene House DJ is gonna be leading us through some much needed, blissful sonic escapism in may local venues this season: let’s ram out to Thee Aries!
Thotyssey: Aries, hello! Thanks for chatting today! How was your Halloween Extended Weekend?
Thee Aries: Hi, Thotyssey! Thanks for having me. I could tell you every single detail of this past week of spooky twirls, but I’ll stick to one word: Fabulous. Got to see some major sets and deliver some of my best at my own gigs.
As a DJ, how might you describe your sound to folks when you’re playing an event you have full control over?
My sound is House Music, according to my ABC’s where the C is for Cunty. I love a pure house beat with all the old school vocals that made the soul of our community stronger when we were beginning to shed our skin and show off, blended with today’s evolution of unique drum syncopations and instrumental color. I make mixes to keep you on the dancefloor well pass your bedtime, and thankful for it.
I want you to leave feeling the energy of fulfillment and appreciation of self, the ones around you and the love that you can give and receive if you just move to the beat.
You’re also a dancer and a model… were you always all these at the same time? And do they all fulfill you in the same way?
I was a model and dancer at the same time, but I actually sidelined those endeavors when I found the art of DJing. Of course I will participate in a shoot or film, but they are more creative in essence rather than my bread and butter.
Do they fulfill in the same way? No, but each career has simultaneously fulfilled each part of my creative mind that I possess. Modeling was a totally unexpected industry I was introduced to through my mom, who had been one for ten years when I started. And dancing , specially learning how to vogue, came after meeting my gay mother Robert “Silk” Mason and essentially saved me when I was diagnosed with HIV four years ago. But the DJing has enveloped both my fashion and musical parts of my brain and made them one. I really couldn’t be more grateful to have found this medium that works so well with who I am as a person.
By the way, clearly you are Thee Aries… but does that also mean that you are an Aries? And if so, what sort of traits from that sign do you have?
I am an Aries, actually–April baby, of course. I am definitely strong-willed, hard-headed, and ambitious as a Rottweiler to a bone. I care deeply, and fight hard for love and friendship. And when I say I’m gonna achieve something, you might as well bet on it, and that could be split-second spontaneity–like changing my entire career path to DJing–or a goal a year from now. With astrology, it’s easy to become these zodiacs and make them an identity, and some would say I’m doing just that… but there is a difference between becoming and growing from those traits. An evolved version, not perfected. Hence, Thee Aries.
Where are you from originally, and what sort of music did you grown up with?
I was born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, but grew up in Houston, TX– [I lived there for] around fifteen years before I came back when I was 17, in 2018. I grew up in a very conservative blended family, so [for music] mainly gospel rap, choral… nothing ever really secular. I started singing at the age of seven in church… then a city choir, Young Harmonies of Houston with my elementary school choir teacher for 1st-6th grade, and in school choir courses until freshman year. The choir director of YHH, the late and great Ms. Fayetta Allen, was really the one who turned me on to the blues, jazz, and some Classic House music and artists that made me an old soul when it came to my current music selection. So I had both sides very filtered, but that’s where my Aries came in and did my own snooping as much as I could as a kid.
Do you have someone you consider a “DJ Mom” or “Dad?”
I actually do [have a DJ Dad]: Alex Dropo, a true staple and support system when it came to performing as a DJ. We met randomly after a sick “Wrecked” night at Basement, and the cutie I had left the party with was a good friend of his. It was instant connection, and universally necessary. Soon after, he had me over to practice mixing and even came to my debut at XPizza in February of this year. Just weeks before that, we were hanging out and in the midst of it, he says the most major piece of advice that truly pushed me over the edge into this crazy life: “you are ready, you don’t need to practice, you don’t need to perfect, just go and let the crowd move you.” And I’ve been just doing it ever since.
And for my DJ Mom, that would be DJ Shimmy G. I first heard her play at “HARDER Halloween 2023,” and I could not get over how much energy this little woman had that night… but also the energy that she kept up the entire time she was behind the decks. I got to open for her back in March for the same party, and crossed that off my DJ bucket list. We got to hang out at Six Flags this past summer, and I am forever in love with and grateful for her.
For many recent years, DJs in the scene have complained that dance partygoers want to treat them like Spotify with constant requests, and venues want them to play only the most basic Top 40 hits. What’s been your overall DJ experience with musical choice, crowd reception, etc.?
The pipeline from dancefloor patron to dancefloor curator has been a very eye-opening experience. I’ve had one guy–plastered and clearly having a great time–walk up to me during my set at Rebar on two separate occasions, two different songs, hand me a $20 bill each time. I’ve also had a person come up to me during one of my sets there and ask me to play House–as in the genre–while “Baby Powda” by Tedd Patterson is playing, and tried to suggest some basic a** beat. When he said it to me, I remember skipping that song while I was researching music. I told him straight up, “if you had a $20 bill, I’d be more amenable, but you don’t.” And as he walked off, I mixed in “Spirit of House” and had the entire crowd bouncing. The one thing I don’t tolerate at a venue or party is entitlement to the dance floor, to a song, and access to the DJ… and it needs to change.
On top of that, DJs are not hired to play the Top 100. They are there to express their unique style, sound, and creativity through the blends of genres that exist. Pop music is pop music because it is popular, so it gets old. But when you hear that fresh beat come out of nowhere and make your feet move and your hands raise, there is no other feeling like that–and that’s why it is so crucial to protect your sound as a DJ. Yes, of course, play to the crowd… but your way. I didn’t get to this point in my career following the rules of DJ culture; I pushed them by making my own. And that’s what people really gravitate towards.
These days you frequently DJ “Collab” on Thursdays and “Apollo Fridays” at Rebar Chelsea. That venue has had a little “musical chairs” with management recently, but their parties are still going strong! What’s it like DJing there for you?
I love DJing there. The decks are older models, but learning to play on them has actually helped me so much when it came to the newer ones I play at Animal or Exley. I feel like the parties I play there are a bit of an extension for me: very sex-forward and positive. In “Collabs” case, its about being supportive of gay expression, sex work as art, sensuality and experimentation. My sets always end up so groovy and sexy; it’s perfect for me. It’s one of the most iconic bars in the city, and to even be a regular there is an honor. I’ve been able to hone the crowd-pleasing aspect of DJing and staying true to my musical personality. And also, the venue loves me as much as I love it; the bartenders always give me a hug, and are excited to see me come in and spin. One of the best feelings as a DJ is when you look up finally after mixing, and you see the bartenders dancing with each other and clapping at you. Shout out to Leo (“Collabs” founder) and [former co-owner] Franco, for the constant support, love you guys.
You also often take part in Fridays at Red Eye in Midtown, and this weekend is gonna be a biggie: “Ceremony,” care of the people who bring us “Ultramaroon!” It’s looking like an incredible DJ lineup that you’ll be a part of.
It will be an absolute twirl. Expect the liveliest beats and twists that each DJ is going to bring to the decks that. I am honored to be opening for Ultramaroon’s “Ceremony” ahead of DJ Dad Dropo with his unhinged eclectic blends; Anthony Velez, an absolute favorite who can turn you out under any disco ball; and Someone From Berlin, a spectacular house tech DJ I’ve been able to witness tear at “HARDER Ball” earlier this year. You’re in for a real treat, to say the least. It’s Ultramaroon on a Red Eye, and we expect to go late!
Speaking earlier of Animal and The Exley, any planned returned trips to either?
Absolutely! I’m back at Animal on November 29th for the “Black Friday Night Shift,” 10pm-4am, and if you are tryna really twirl, that’s where I should see you. My favorite venue to play above every one under my belt, seriously. Ashton the founder, the staff, and the DJ community that I am humbled to be a part of is extraordinary. All of the patrons come to dance and stay to vibe until 4am, and I don’t know if they understand what that means to me as such a new DJ to the scene. I get way too excited when I get to book a date there. And I truly believe, the nights that I play are some of the best sets I have since I started DJing. I love ANIMAL for life.
This has been great! Anything else you wanna mention?
I truly appreciate this entire interview; it’s my first and glad this worked out. Truly blessed to be noticed and acknowledged after just eleven months of being an actual DJ. To my partner, Jo’Juan, I could not be here without his support from the day I bought my first XDJs and offered to store them, to showing up to every set I’ve played from the beginning and even helping with my music selections. I love him so much. And to you Thotyssey, thank you! It has been a privilege being in conversation with you!
Also I want to say this. To my late best friend, Gatlin Landess–he was the rock to my music when he was with us, and passed suddenly the day before Brooklyn Pride. He tore up a dancefloor, and would adlib his own little samples when I played. There won’t be another energy like his ever; all of my friends and family would say the same. In most of my sets, I dedicate “Missing You” by Michael Gray to him every time I get the chance to. He loved that song the first time I played it, and would sing at the top of his lungs every time I did. Miss my Lil’ Gat Gat, forever in my heart.
A beautiful tribute. So, to close: as a young DJ yourself, what might be your best advice for an even newer newbie who wants to succeed as a DJ in queer NYC?
You’ll never know how ready you are until you put yourself out there. Play for your friends who will tell you the truth, find your mentor(s) and pay attention. When you go to that party you love: stay off your phone, listen to the music and watch the DJ, ’cause I promise you they aren’t doing nothing.
I was self-taught, but when I was at a party or set, I watched the way the DJs I loved maneuver the levels and cues, and just practiced them until I learned how they work for me and my style.
Lastly, stay true to your sound. Whether it is pure house or baby pop, make it yours and yours alone.
Thanks so much, Aries!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Thee Aries’ upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram.
Thotyssey 