Serving “serious camp” from the DJ booth, Perris Cavalier aka PLANETPERRIS sends NYC into outer space.
Thotyssey: Perris, hello! Thanks for chatting today! It is Brick AF outside… are you staying warm somewhere?
PLANETPERRIS: I am blessed to be in my warm home today, yes. And thank you for having me, it’s an honor to be nominated!
That reminds me, is there any chance you were at the Glam Awards for local queer nightlife at Sony Hall last Monday?
I am so sad I missed it; I was working. There were amazing nominees. And congrats to all the winners. The competition was hot. And I voted, of course!
Absolutely! As a DJ, how might you describe your particular sound these days, when you have full creative control over the dancefloor?
Oh wow, it really depends but I think my overall sound is: serious camp. A little of both!
An excellent genre! Do you have any sort of secret weapon track that you bring out to shake things up when needed?
Now if I gave it away, it wouldn’t be a secret…
Lol, good point!
How long have you been DJing now?
Ten years. I was a bedroom DJ since I was 13, and was too scared for a long time.
There are a lot of nerves to overcome, I can imagine! Where are you from originally, and what sort of music has been a part of your life since the beginning?
I grew up in upstate New York. I was deeply influenced by my parents; we always had music playing at home. Heavy metal to jazz. Cher to Toots and the Maytals. All over the place. We constantly went to concerts, and music was just always around. I was a child of the internet, and through that became obsessed with music history, research, and digging. Discovering what was going on in the UK blew my mind, and I became obsessed. My love for different genres, history, and the intwovenality (sp? lol) of it all has, and continues to, inspire me.
Where was your first DJ gig?
I did house parties at first. Then the Rosemont.
How are you feeling about the nightlife biz these days?
The landscape is dramatically changing. The younger generation sees nightlife so different, which has its ups and downs. I think you have to be able to adapt. I think there is a shift, and people idolize the glory days of clubbing, and want that… in theory. My goal is to bring music and nightlife past, present and future in everything I do. Honoring all eras, and those that shaped us.
You’re on rotation with some of some of Brooklyn’s hottest music-centric venues. Friday night, you’ll be at Animal! What’s it like to DJ there?
I am, very excited! It’s such an amazing space, and love the team so much. The space goes on such a journey throughout the night, so I can really go through so many different worlds when I play there. It’s always so exciting, and I love crafting different stories through the night as the space evolves. I can really play around when I’m there, and test so many different things out. Silly, sexy, serious, camp.
Then on Valentine’s Day, you’ll be at Good Room for NYSocialbee’s “STUNTZ,” along with DJs Baazley, Kim Anh and Stacy Christine. Killer lineup!
Yes! Beyond excited. It will be my Good Room debut. Such a special moment, to be able to have my debut with my dear friends at “STUNTZ.” Truly a dream lineup.
What else is coming up for you?
I have a very exciting mix that will be coming out in March, with a legendary mix series. Also a Lot Radio date in February is on the horizon — look out for that. I’m playing locally and outside the city too, so look out for more announcements. Many more parties coming this year that focus on bring our community together. Always excited to play and create special moments here in New York and afar.
Okay, lastly: do you hope to see anything in particular at the Grammys this weekend?
Beautiful gowns. Excited for all. It’s stacked this year! So. wishing all nominees the best of luck.
Thanks, Perris!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ PLANETPERRIS’ upcoming appearances, and follow him om Instagram, TikTok and Soundcloud.
Thotyssey 