Having navigated the New York nightlife scene as a bartender, a musician and a popular DJ, Alissa Brianna tells us her story, her thoughts on the music and nightlife industries and her reflections on the end of an iconic party this month. [Cover photo: @_anlacy]
Thotyssey: Hello Alissa! So we’re a few days into December — are you feeling Christmassy yet, or too soon?
Alissa Brianna: I’m not really a big Christmas person. I love the message behind it and how everyone seems a little more loving, but the holiday itself can get pretty overstimulating and overwhelming for me. I just try to focus on the parts that feel good, and not stress about the rest.
I hear that… too much! Your DJ calendar has been quite full lately… what’s your favorite type of gig / vibe to play these days, and how might you describe your DJ sound today?
I honestly just love to DJ, so anywhere I can plug in, I’m there. I love clubs because the sound is clearer and you can really hear all the different layers of the music. And I love bars because they’re more intimate; it’s easier to feel people’s energy in the room.
My sound these days is definitely all over the place, in the best way. I hit a bunch of genres during my sets, but you can always count on hearing a vocal, a cunty beat, and some acid.
You’re also a singer and recording artist. Is performing music a very different animal from DJing, or do they serve similar creative goals for you?
Performing is a lot more self-focused for me. When I’m writing music or performing, I’m very much in my own world and it’s very personal, so I’m more centered on what I’m expressing. DJing, on the other hand, feels way more inclusive. I’m taking cues from the crowd, and the plan can change at any moment. It becomes less about me and more about creating an experience together.
Much to discuss, but we better start at the beginning! Where are you from originally, and what sort of music and other art / performance did you grow up with?
I’m originally from Niagara Falls, NY. I’ve always been around music — my parents love to say I was singing before I could even form full sentences. I grew up in the church, so gospel is a big part of my foundation, along with soul, funk, and R&B.
I started singing in church, then joined choir at school and eventually discovered musical theater. By the time I was about 10, I was doing shows and completely obsessed with performing.
What brought you to New York City, and into the world of nightlife?
I came to New York for college. I got into the musical theater program at Marymount, Manhattan and I’ve been here ever since. I’ve basically been in nightlife since I first got here. I was going to Marquee underage all the time, but I think the moment I realized it was actually a thing for me was when I got taken to Westgay and met that whole crew. It’s weird to say, but I kinda got chosen.
Marquee just reopened, and Westgay founder Frankie Sharp just started a new party at Animal! Have you popped in to either recently?
No, I haven’t. I feel like the “new” Marquee isn’t really my crowd anymore… but never say never. And as for [Frankie’s new party “BEAST,”] , I might pop in one day. I love Animal; I’m there all the time, and I DJ there pretty often.
I first heard of you when you were bartending at Club Cumming right around when it first opened, and I believe you were also part of a live music duo then!
OMG, yes. I always say I’ve lived so many lives in this city. At the time, I was working at Club Cumming and I had just started really getting into guitar and writing my own songs. Cedric Antonio (S’aint Panic) and I would hang out, I’d play guitar, and we’d just start writing. That’s how our duo, Captain Black and the Maiden, was born. It’s definitely a forever project… it’s just on the back burner right, now because we’ve both been super busy.
How did DJing start for you?
It actually happened at an afters. I just hopped on the decks using someone’s USB while everyone else was kiki-ing, and it honestly wasn’t half bad. I liked that I could be present but not totally in it, if you know what I mean. I never planned on being a DJ at all, but here we are.
As everyone is going through their Spotify Wrappeds this week, what are some of your general thoughts on the state of the music industry today? What do you love about it, and what do you hate? And will AI destroy us all?
I think the music industry itself is kind of a scam, lol. It feels like we’re moving further away from genuine talent and artistry and diving head-first into commercialism. I hate that it’s so hard for artists to make a living wage off their own intellectual property; it can be really discouraging for creatives. What I do love is that the industry has made all kinds of music more accessible to all kinds of people.
As for AI, I think it’s a helpful tool. There’s definitely potential for it to have a big presence in the industry,and to take jobs from some really talented artists. But it can only kill us if we let it. Honestly, I’ve never fact-checked or used my brain more than I have since AI became a thing.
That’s a great point! What about the state of nightlife, in your opinion? Obviously things haven’t bounced fully back since Covid, and young people’s decreased socialization and shattered attention spans have become topics of heavy discussion in our community. On the other hand, music-centric, no phones dancefloors are definitely on the rise. Are you optimistic or skeptical about what’s to come?
I feel like nightlife goes through cycles. I think a lot of us are still finding our balance after Covid, even though it was like six years ago. Going out recently, I’ve seen some very disheartening things. But I also have seen some beautiful art and a lot of community driven work, which I love. I have hope that those who are supposed to remain will, and those who are only meant to be a part of it for a moment have learned something and passed it on.
Beautifully put! So you have some gigs coming up I’d love to discuss, starting with Papi Juice’s “Papi Pump” on Friday, December 12th at Elsewhere! Have you played Papi prior?
No, I have never played Papi Juice before, but I’m super excited to play! I’ve been to a few of their parties, and they are always extremely fun with fantastic music. I can’t wait.
Then on Saturday the 13th, you’ll be at Good Room for the final installment of your featured residency with The Carry Nation, aka DJ duo Will Automagic and Nita Aviance. You’ve had a long relationship with Carry, and even recorded a house single with them “Prism” back in 2018 that all the gworls are still remixing to this day! How did you meet them, what has the Good Room residency with them been like, why do you think the pair wanted to conclude it, and will you have a future with Good Room after next weekend?
Ugh, such a bittersweet moment. I literally love them so much. I met Nita when she was DJing at Westgay, and we just clicked. She introduced me to Will, and soon after they suggested I work the door for them. I shared some music with them; “Prism” was one of the songs, and they ended up making a track with it. We actually signed the contract for that song at Good Room!
My residency at Good Room with them has been amazing. I’ve honestly learned so much from both of them, both musically and on the business side. They’re incredible teachers (though I do require a little patience), and dope ass artists. I’ll always be indebted to them.
I think the reason they decided to end their residency there is simply that it was time. They’ve been turning out that club every second Saturday of the month for ten years. That’s a huge feat in New York, and sometimes it’s best not to wear out a good thing. We had a fab time, made amazing memories, and now it’s time to create some new ones. The Carry Nation isn’t done; it just isn’t at Good Room anymore. It’s on hiatus, with bigger things on the horizon.
As for my relationship with Good Room, I still consider the staff there part of the Carry family, so I have no doubt I’ll be back to play there again.
What else is coming up for you?
I don’t have any gigs until the new year, but I’ll be at Animal on 1/18 and Nowadays on 2/7. Also, Cedric and I throw a party called “STAFF PARTY,” made for nightlife workers who DJ and want a chance to hop on the decks and play a curated set. Keep an eye out for it!
Great! Okay, lastly: what’s your best advice for a baby DJ who wants to make it big in NYC?
First off, forget about making it big, lol. I’d say the most important thing is to just love the music. At the core, being a great DJ is really about that love. You can always learn how to work the equipment, but developing great taste is much harder. So keep your ears open. I’ve found some of my favorite gems in the strangest places.
Thanks, Alissa!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Alissa Brianna’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkTree and SoundCloud.
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