Whether it’s in the DJ booth or with scissors in hand, the multitalented Patrick Kyle is in demand across NYC.
Thotyssey: Patrick, hello! How was your Labor Day Weekend?
Patrick Kyle: It was great! Surrounded by friends and disco music. How was yours?
It was fun, I was in Fire Island! Did you get to do much stuff on the Island this summer?
Yes, I was just there for a beautiful, long weekend in August — but just for fun, no gigs.
Is there a favorite “type” of gig you like to do in regards to venue size, location, vibe, etc?
Not really. I love variety. Putting me in a small bar playing for a few folks can be just as fun as a larger venue. Also, I get to play stuff that I might not normally play at a dance club, like oldies or country. But I always prefer to play in places that have people who appreciate variety and music that I like. A few friendly requests are okay now and then, but when I get asked to play Beyoncé over and over then I know I’m not in the right venue. lol! But I’ll throw a Beyoncé in once in awhile. Who doesn’t love her music!?
Can you tell us a bit of your origin story? Where are you from originally, what were you into growing up, and was music always a part of your life?·
I grew up in Pasadena, TX (suburb of Houston). I was too young to go to clubs when I started to record music being broadcast on radio stations Friday and Saturday night from Club 6400 and Numbers, the big clubs at the time in the late 80s. But listening to all that music (I would record it on my boom box with cassette tapes) formed my love for dance music. The DJs were playing underground music that you would never hear on the radio during that era… everything from Chicago House, Italian Disco, Belgian EBM and Chicago Wax Trax. All this great music! I started my record collection trying to find all the music I was hearing (without Shazam, lol) by going into records stores and just digging through and listening to music and chatting with the record store owners.
What brought you to New York, and how did DJing become a thing for you?
I followed a boyfriend and an acting career to NYC. I was on tour with Footloose: The Musical for about two years. When I got back to NYC in 2002, I started DJing at local spots with a friend but I never took it that seriously or tried to be consistent with it. It was only after Covid, that I doubled down and committed to doing it.
Do you still pursue acting?
No. After the tour, I auditioned a few times but knew it wasn’t for me anymore. I had a great time; it was a lot of fun. But the hustle, the time commitment and being on the road all the time didn’t do it for me anymore. I also wanted to pursue other things, like DJing. I also ended up cutting hair. That’s also how I make my living now.
You’re an in demand hairstylist to the stars! That requires a great deal of professionalism and talent.
Aww. Thank you! I really enjoy the craft of hairstyling, and to be able to do it and get paid well is a gift.
Do you have a favorite cup of Behind the Scenes Tea to spill from that world, lol?
I’ve done some of my most photographed and seen work in a tiny corner of a high end NYC hotel. I’ve also been asked to give a high profile client a full set of curls and extensions just after she finished doing hot yoga. Impossible, lol.
The gurlz are gurling!
Yes they are, lol.
Back to DJing: what’s your sound like today?
I love to play an eclectic mix of: 80s/90s EBM (Nitzer Ebb, DEF, Thrill Kill Kult); Sexy Synth House (Lil Luis’ “French Kiss,” Section 25, Colm III, Black Box); Synth Pop (Yaz, Vicious Pink, My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult); Disco (Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Chic, Patrick Cowley); Boogie/Funk (Roy Ayers, High Fashion, Change); Newer Electronic (Eats Everything, In Flagranti, Polo & Pan) and Newer Pop (Tove Lo, Kim Petras, Remi Wolf, Beyoncé).
You are speaking my musical language!
Yessss! I want you on my dance floor forever.
Have you had an all time favorite DJ gig, moment, residency etc?
I’ve loved my “ConTEAnental” gigs. There’s no agenda, just good music to have sex to. Ricardo Tavares (“Harder” promoter and DJ) and I have a deep love of music from many genres, so I can play my favorite sexy jams! Also, I love C’mon Everybody. I feel so much freedom there. Eric Sosa is such a cheerleader and the people who go there are from all walks of life and love to dance. Also, I just DJ’d a wrap party for an upcoming Lena Dunham movie at Public Records (The Atrium). Holy Shit! That sound system is insane!!! ‘Twas an amazing party!
Sounds like it! Speaking of C’mon, you’ll be returning to their booth this Saturday for “Daddy Dick” alongside Mark Holcomb! Is this party as sexy as it sounds?
Lol, yes! It is. It’s for Daddies (me for sure, and Mark — he’s still pretty young, but he’s a Daddy for sure) and those who love and appreciate us. Lots of great people and music. There will be clothes check. Bring your gear, looks… whatever makes your feel sexy and want to get down. Poppa Greg Scarnici (who helped produce this party) is working this weekend, but will be back soon.
Then on Sunday, you’ll be DJing another Brooklyn hotspot, Animal, with Peter Napoli taking over for you later in the evening!
I start at 3pm, so expect some Oldies (think John Waters, Pulp Fiction, Bikers and Bimbos) and will throw in some country (sexy, fun and gay). Then I’ll warm up the floor for Peter with some sexy dance music.
What else is coming up for you?
My next “ConTEAnental” is November 9th!
Calendars marked! Lastly: what’s the best advice you could give to a baby DJ who wants to make it big in NYC?
Oh wow! Okay, I would say: invent your dream gig. Try to get a weekly party going, and hustle to get everyone you know to come. Build a community through it. Consistency is key. Then get another one going. Boom! You’ve got your DJ career. It will take time and loooots of patience, but if you stick with it and stick around, people will come and venues will want to host your party.
Second, get a low key day job. That’s a hard one, because you want to have the bandwidth to be present for your parties.
Lastly, you have to be able to manage your party substances. If that means you’re a sober DJ, then do it. You will get everything for free, so it’s easy to overdo it on all the fun things.
Thanks, Patrick!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Patrick Kyle’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram (DJ and hairstylist / personal), LinkTree and SoundCloud.
Thotyssey 