Igniting his musical and artistic flames in the South, DJ Stevo Blaque is now keeping the party lit in parties all over Brooklyn.
Thotyssey: Stevo, hello! Thanks for chatting with us today! How is the spring season treating you so far?
Stevo Blaque: Spring has been in full bloom, so excited for the incoming heat!
It’s already upon us! So I know Drag Race is not required viewing for DJs, but did you happen to catch last night’s season finale, or any of the season?
I caught the first episode. But the two girls that have my heart are Symone and, of course, Sam Star because she’s also born and raised Alabama like myself!
What was Alabama life like for baby Stevo?
Alabama is incredible, and I was able to build a very beautiful community garnering powerful friendships with powerhouse creatives, musicians and artists! Brotha Josh, The Wood, Liv Streetwear, my brothers Kaine, Dezzy Andretti, Sho and DavidxDaisy, my mentors DJ Coco, Suaze and Rahdu, colleagues Artsen, Will, Mellow Mellon and Andrea Really. With the leadership of Melo Events, we were able to create Milk & Honey which is the hottest party in Alabama for LGBTQIA+ individuals, with myself being the resident DJ!
How might you describe your style as a DJ then, and what it is now?
We are getting deeper and more intuitive, and more free in my expression sonically. Thinking less about what the crowd wants versus what they need, and what I can share to allow the dancers to feel and let loose whatever woes we all have living day to day.
How did you come to be a NYC DJ, and how have you enjoyed the ride so far?
After becoming very established as a painter and DJ back in Birmingham, I was as ready for more. So with the help of my community and mentor Coco, we booked a one way trip to NYC for myself and put a little cash in my pocket to save time on the job hunt. [Then I] found a job and some stability, and I hit the ground running. Meeting community pillars and sharing dancefloors with other artists who happened to DJ such as ALI IRL and Porygon K allowed me to share a bill with them, connecting me to Jaseda Galore and then Ryan McKnight who took me under their wing pretty swiftly as the booker for The Exley. And then being blessed by [venue owner] Brendan Donohoe with a residency at Loafers Cocktail Bar! The ride has been very fulfilling, and I’m building a very deep self trust and allowing myself to be a vessel for liberation.
Charli XCX just told us that dance music is dead! She’s probably being a bit cheeky, but do you feel as if there might be a big change in music on the horizon?
Psssssssh, yeah, I think it’s just being exhausted from her run. But otherwise I think dance music is more fresh and new than ever, with several artists adding a new flavor and language into the canon of dance music.
Do you have any “secret weapons” to shake things up on the dancefloor as far as records, artists, genres, etc.?
“Ghetto Kraviz” (DJ Slugo “Juke” Remix) is such a banger; the bass really takes a hold of you and makes you move n’ groove.
Have you had a best DJ gig or moment that you can recall?
Playing Animal and spinning Hex Hector’s iconic remixes of “Waiting for Tonight” and “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here,” hearing the crowd roar word for word singing the songs to the top of the their lungs! No better feeling than allowing the crowd to be fully immersed in the moment!
On Thursday you’re on a great DJ roster at All Night Skate in Brooklyn for a “T-Girl Housing Fundraiser!”
This night, curated by Gabe Is Ok, honoring our dear friend Jafri in need of funds to secure a stable housing situation! This friend has been an incredible support to myself and several other DJs on the lineup. Whether she’s working door for one of our parties or hosting, she always lights up a room with such tenacity, care, love, and fun. So it’s only right we return the love, and make sure we get a little something in her pockets to show our love and admiration to honoring her through a good time — with all proceeds going towards a more stable future!
Then on Saturday you’re DJing the popular “Bear Belly” tea dance at C’mon Everybody! Cuz who doesn’t love a roomful of happy horny dancing bears!?
Omg yeeeeeesssss! Very excited for this one! It will be my debut at C’mon Everybody. And yes, I loooooove my beefy and thick boys! Lots of love, lust, and desire will be in the room. I’m excited to provide an early twirl for sexy boys who love sexy boys!
And as mentioned earlier, you have a residency at Loafers in Brooklyn.
Yes, “First Fridays with Stevo Blaque!” Loafers is very cute, quaint and intimate: perfect for a first date, drinks catching up with friends, or even a nightcap after dinner in the neighborhood! Sister bar to Ginger’s, Loafers has garnered a beautiful and intentional relationship with not only myself, but musical liaison Robert Philip Smith who has allowed “Joy Ride” to continue to bloom with Loafers every Tuesday. And then there’s the “Midnight Swim” party with DJ Hyogo taking flight every Saturday as well! Also DJ SPRFRK is blessing us with a monthly Sunday tea dance entitled “GOSSIP!” It’s so incredible to share space with inspiring DJs and curators invested in community and world building! Brendan has been such a great mentor and support for my journey as a DJ here in NYC; I’m really grateful to the team of Loafers for treating me as family and ushering me in with open arms and deep trust!
And you also have a non-DJ gig coming up.
Friday May 8th, I will be hosting the Ultramaroon party with DJs Holographic and Bridge headlining a magnificent lineup with Someone From Berlin, Sainte Francis and IPOK at Eden NYC. So grateful to be a part of this family. What is truly special about this party is how open and free the energy is amongst the party goers. You are guaranteed to leave Ultramaroon with your cup filled and feeling rejuvenated! And who doesn’t love a femme forward dancefloor?! Raf has been very intentional about platforming and showcasing women DJs with this latest season of Ultramaroon, and that is so inspiring in such a male dominated industry to see a curator and DJ spearheading femme voices in music! Here’s my host link for discounted tickets!
Random: what do you have to say to the bitch who just slapped Ice Spice in a Cali McDonalds because she was allegedly “rude!?”
Ice Spice ain’t regular, and LA hates a celebrity who wants to just exist. She definitely needs to not be alone ever without a wall of security if she’s going somewhere like McDonalds. It sucks, but that is her reality in being as bright as star as she is. She’s naturally an easy target when people think she’s vulnerable. The bitch just wanted to be known as “the girl that slapped Ice Spice.” Thank God it didn’t become deadly.
Truly! And finally: what’s your best advice for a baby DJ who wants to make it big in NYC?
As a baby NYC DJ myself — haha! — I don’t think there is such a thing as “making it big!” It’s just hard-work, dedication, community building, relationship building, supporting everyone and finding your tribe. DJing is all about the music and becoming a vessel, taking yourself out the equation, and just letting the music speak through you! It’s about having fun and being free, but also being very intentional. Don’t be afraid to take risk. Don’t be afraid to fail. Pick yourself up and try try again, but leave your ego at the door.
And honor the history and the giants you stand on who allowed moments like this to happen! I wouldn’t be here without Frankie Knuckles, Larry Levan, Ron Hardy, Peter Rauhofer, Junior Vasquez, Hex Hector, Honey Dijon, Stacy Hot Wax Hale, DJ Minx, DJ Deeon, DJ Slugo and so so soooo many legendary building blocks to what the scene is today!
Get in the field and do the work. No one is going to hand it to you! Don’t be afraid to take up space!
Thanks, Stevo!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Stevo Blaque’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram.
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