NYC’s sexiest big boys, their allies and admirers are rocking out to the beats of DJ Noble Bear!
Thotyssey: Noble Bear, hello! Thanks for chatting today! Current events aside (💀), how are you doing as we head into holiday season?
Noble Bear: Pretty good… can’t complain, but worried about the future. I’m happy to at least have two events this month.
That is something to be happy about! What’s your favorite type of music to listen to at home, and is it different from what you like to play at gigs?
Well, I love all kinds of music. So it can go from alternative to hip hop to house music EDM to reggae and dance hall, depending on the mood I’m in. As far as gigs: depending on the requirements, sometimes it is more pop and house and sometimes more hip hop based. But most of the time, it’s a free form style–which is my favorite style to play, because I love variety and giving music to everyone of all ages and cultures.
Where are you from originally, and was music always a big part of your life?
I grew up in a town in Jersey right across the Lincoln Tunnel, and in my early 20s I moved to Brooklyn. And yes, music is a very big part of my life. I got my first cassette tape at nine years old with house music that was playing at the clubs like Limelight. And from there was the beginning of my love for music.
When did you start DJing, and how did your DJ name come to you?
2014. The name comes from my personality, and my mom calling me “Baby Bear “as a kid. Also people describe my personality as being like a teddy bear–and kind of a stoner also, lol. So I came up with my bear logo and character as a stoner bear, lol.
That would make some great merch!
Thanks, I made some t-shirts before.
What are your thoughts on the bear community in NYC? Is it all like one big family, and do you see the same folks pop up in all the big bear events?
Yes, I see familiar faces all the time It’s definitely like a community. As far as the bear scene goes, I think it’s a mostly friendly atmosphere. Maybe a little more POC representation would be nice, but I think that’s getting better. I see events like “Bear Happy Hour,” Megawoof” and “GoldiLoxx” making efforts of representation on their promotions and events.
Have you had an all time favorite night or moment as a DJ?
Yes, at this party that’s called “Heft.” It was one the funnest nights I had. And recently, this party called “Fat Fuc” that I did recently was a fun night.
“Fat Fuc” is coming back to Nowhere Bar this coming Friday! What can you tell us about what the night is like?
It’s great. We’re trying to bring a variety of music to the bear scene… something that we feel like is missing. It’s not only open to the bear community, but all communities to come and have fun.
Tell us about the other event you’re DJing this month, on November 29th.
It’s a more hip hop-based party called “Big Boy Club” It’s a place for African-American bears, but also open for everyone who likes hip hop. It’s at Rebar.
What else is coming up for you?
As far as events, that’s it for this month… but gear up for my own events again soon. And I’m going to do more merch stuff.
Great! Last question: What’s your best advice for new DJs on the scene who wanna make it big in NYC?
Haha, I’m not big yet! But I’ll say, be kind to people. You never know who’s who for new opportunities. Be easy to work with, and be open to constructive criticism from people who have been doing it long… then you might learn something.
Thanks NB!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ Noble Bear’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram.
Thotyssey 