With parties in two boroughs under his leather belt, DJ Tokenblackfriend is about to make magic happen in a third. [Cover photo: @jaime_theleatherman]
Thotyssey: Hello TBF! Happy Pride! Where were you, and how did it go?
Tokenblackfriend: Hello! Pride was amazing. I was DJing at Icon in Astoria with the wonderful and talented DJ Boyish Charm and Roqué.
Amazing! What’s your favorite kind of party or vibe to DJ? Intimate, huge, sexy, casual, etc.?
I definitely love a party that gets people to dance, but I enjoy a range of parties as well. It’s always fun to DJ a casual night where friends can have a drink and groove, or a sexy night where people can let go of inhibitions.
You also DJ a lot of drag shows, which is its own special skill set. Are you someone who likes to have back-and-forths with the girls on the mic, or would you rather just quietly play the tracks, lol?
I love DJing drag shows. I’m definitely the more relaxed and chill type of DJ; Ill have an occasional back and forth.
Where’s your original hometown, and what sort of music did you grow up with?
I was born in Charleston, SC but I moved around a lot as a kid. I’ve always listened to a range of music, and I thank my dad for my love of music. I listen to a lot of music. I grew up listening to the pop greats like Britney, but I also love Depeche Mode and Basement Jaxx.
How did your DJ journey begin?
The first thing I ever did was the Mx Rockbar competition. I was quite literally just playing off of Spotify. During the finale, I was approached by Poppy J. Snacks to start doing their “Bearlesque” shows. I eventually bought a controller and starting practicing and learning how to mix, and slowly more gigs started popping up.
Would you consider yourself to be part of NYC’s bear community, or are you merely bear-jacent, lol?
I spend a lot of time at bear parties and spaces, and I enjoy them a lot. I’d like to think I’m bear-jacent.
There’s plenty of room in the cave! Song requests: yay or nay?
Requests are fun, and I’m down to hear what you want to hear.
So what do you like about spinning at Rockbar? And, can you remind us of the usual recurring nights you’re there?
Rockbar was one of the first spaces I went to and always felt very welcomed and comfortable. That’s the best part overall. Currently I’m there every third Thursday for “Bearback Bingo,” then every third Saturday for a new party called “The Brodown” with Stachional.
This Thursday you’ll also be DJing a special event there that Miss Rockbar Coma White is hosting: the joint birthday bash for venue owner Jason Romas and “PERV” host Peter Cage!
Yeah, it’s going to be a very fun time. Some Madonna, The Killers and everything in between.
But first off, on Wednesday you’re gonna be at Metropolitan in Brooklyn!
I played once there, and it was a great time. It’s going to be a fun time on Wednesday. The idea is to have a space to have a drink with your friends, and just move and groove to the music. It’ll be a good mix of pop, soul, hip hop, and electronic music.
What else is coming up for you?
I will be at Albatross in Astoria on July 4. It’s called “We The People Fridays” hosted by Harriet Tugsmen. I’m there every other week. I will also be at Rockbar on the third Saturday for “The Brodown” hosted by Stachional.
Anything you want to close with?
One more thing — a special shoutout to people that have been integral in this journey: Temple Grandé, Lacy Stoner, Harriet Tugsmen, Gierre, Penny Livonia, Poppy J. Snacks, Dom Impala, Breezy, Jason Romas, Stachional, and my girlies Vince, Diego, JJ, and Wayne.
Thanks, TBF!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ Tokenblackfriend’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram and SoundCloud.
Thotyssey 