On the DJ lineup for a big anniversary of one of NYC’s most popular parties this weekend, Josh Steers shares his journey from the Cock to Mexico City to Battle Hymn. [Photo: Rodrigo Álvarez]
Thotyssey: Josh, hello! Thanks for chatting with us today! How was your month of March?
Josh Steers: Hey back at you ! March was cool, I’m just pushing through the last of the cold weather. These warm days recently have been energizing.
What are you listening to these days–old or new–that’s giving you joy and inspiration? And what do you listen to when you want to revel in dark moodiness, lol?
I been listening to a lot of early 00s dancehall: Vybz Kartel, Busy Signal, Elephant Man… the production on those records go crazy. If I’m feelin moody, Portishead.
How about your own DJ sound? How might you describe it today?
I try to keep it sexy, and get a lil’ rowdy when it’s time for it. I have a lot of energy, and it comes through with the music I play. I don’t really stick to one genre for long; I love everything, and enjoy mixing it together. I don’t put limits on myself sonically; if I fuck with it, I’ll play it.
Where are you from originally, and was music always a part of your life?
I was born in Florida, but grew up between Maryland and North Carolina. I’ve been obsessed with music since a kid. I’ve always been listening to and searching for new stuff, whether in records stores or on the internet.
How did you begin as a DJ?
I always wanted to incorporate music into a career, but I wasn’t sure how until I started to go to parties and realized that I could do it through DJing. Once that clicked, I moved to NYC as soon as possible. I got to the city August 2012.
I was living in the West Village on 6th Street and going out a lot; the downtown scene was pretty lively. I started DJing weekly at The Cock in 2014. I had originally worked there as a gogo dancer, knowing it’d be an easy way to meet people… and eventually started to DJ there. I’d play five hours, open to close–learning to do longer sets from the jump has been so helpful throughout my career. Between the bar gigs and playing parties like “11:11” and at The Spectrum is how I got my start DJing in the city.
Have you had an all-time favorite gig or moment in the booth?
There’s been a lot of memorable ones, but if I had to choose one It would be this festival in Mexico called Ceremonia. I moved to Mexico City in 2019, and lived there until 2023; it’s as much of a home to me as NYC. [DJ and producer] Alberto / Mexican Jihad from [record label] NAAFI invited me to play the stage he was curating called Club Traición. When you play a gig that makes it feel like all the hard work has paid off… that feeling is indescribable.
When you’re not DJing or working on anything musically related, what might we find you doing?
TBH, I’m really obsessive. I’m usually doing something music related. I guess to take breaks I like to chill with friends, go to the gym, watch movies… if it’s nice, I’ll def be outside wandering the city. I like taking photos too, but that comes in waves .
Is dating and relationships challenging to maintain as DJ? I imagine that the crazy hours, complex social structure and tons of beautiful half naked people trapsing about might be a challenge for some folks to navigate.
Relationships take work regardless of the industry. If there’s a mutual understanding, confidence and trust with each other, it can be great.
You’ve produced a number of remixes and original compositions. What can you tell us about what’s out there of yours, and what makes your approaches to that unique to your skillset and point of view?
I’ve self-released a lot of music over the last few years, as well as a few tracks and EPs on labels. I just do my thing. I’m like a sponge, I soak up everything I hear whether in the club, day to day life in the streets of NYC or abroad… I take inspiration from all of it. I’m constantly learning new things production-wise. I get so much love from people telling me they like what I do; it’s definitely motivation to keep going and continue to push the sound.
We’re at a weird time in music where people have access to endless amazing back catalogs and new music, but the girth of it all kind of makes it hard to really appreciate individual selections. It’s also a lot easier to make original music, but very hard to expose it to the right audience. And all of that isn’t even bringing the looming opportunities and threats that AI can bring. What are your overall thoughts on the future of the music industry and art? Are you more optimistic then worried, or vice versa?
Yeah, you gotta stay optimistic. It can be easy to be pessimistic about it, but I constantly remind myself there are no rules. You don’t need a record deal to do your thing, whereas at one point it was seen as a requirement. You can make a beat, throw it up on Bandcamp, and immediately reach people. It obviously takes a lot of work and dedication, but you gotta roll with the times and find a way to work it into your favor.
You’ve been a resident DJ at the Brooklyn version of Ladyfag’s seminal “Battle Hymn” at Refuge. What was that experience like?
Working with Lady is great – I have played for her since the 11:11 and Holy Mountain days – I’ve really enjoyed getting to know her better and work closer with her on “Battle Hymn Brooklyn.” She takes it serious, but has fun with it… which is my approach as well. She really cares about the music, which makes playing for her a pleasure.
In the meantime, the flagship version of Battle Hymn at it’s Chelsea location Rumi will celebrate it’s 10th anniversary with a whopping 10 hour soiree on Easter Sunday! There’s an epic lineup of longtime Ladyfag collaborators doing sets in the booth, including yourself! What do you think it is about Battle Hymn that has not only made it so enduring, but more popular than ever?
Battle Hymn is about the music and the dance floor; keeping the focus on the essentials is what’s kept it alive. I’ve been going to it since the beginning, and have had some of my all time favorite nights at Battle Hymn. To play the 10th year anniversary alongside all my friends is very exciting.
Then on April 18, you’ll be at Paragon in Brooklyn for their Saturday party, “Pressure!”
Yea this will be a fun one. It’s another line up full of friends – Juliana, Leonce, Junior M b2b Shyboi upstairs. I’m downstairs with Concrete Husband for a “Pervert” takeover. Pervert is a major party in the underground scene of Mexico City; they were the first I played for when I got there in 2019. We have continued to work together consistently over the years… it’s cool to connect it with my life in NYC.
What else is coming up for you?
I’m just tryna get these tracks out, so be on the lookout for that.
Finally: what’s your best advice for a baby DJ who wants to make it big in NYC?
Be cool, go out and make friends with people in the scene, and trust the timing.
Thanks, Josh!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Josh Steers’ upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram and LinkTree.
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