On Point With: Luca Drelli

The adorbs Brazilian DJ will be keeping the twinks lit in Brooklyn this Pride Kickoff weekend: Luca Drelli!


Thotyssey: Luca, hello! Thanks for chatting with us and Happy Pride Month! Are you ready for gigs and parties, or do you wanna hide until it is all over, lol?

Luca Drelli: Hey, Happy Pride Month! I’m 100% ready… the first gig will be this Friday. I can’t wait for that!

What is your DJ sound like these days?

Super Gay Always, with a lot of diva pop. Madonna and Lady Gaga for sure.

Are you excited for Confessions II?

Oh wait.. Confessions II is real?? I thought was a fake news!

Oh, she’s real all right!

So where are you from originally, and what sort of music did you grow up listening to?

I’m originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil–where the closing of Madonna’s last tour was, for more than 1.5 million people. It was amazing… and also free! I grew up listening to a lot of pop and rap music; Black Eyed Peas was my favorite group when I was a kid.

Why do you think it is that so many great and successful DJs come from Brazil?

I don’t know. I think it’s because of Brazilians’ passion for music. There are so many different rhythms that it’s hard to keep track of them all; Brazil is such a huge country. But my favorite is funk. After all, I’m from Rio de Janeiro!

How did you begin your life as a DJ?

My DJ career began eight years ago, when a friend of mine (an event producer and DJ) taught me how to DJ so I could perform at one of his events. The experience was a success, and I’ve been passionate about it ever since. After years of practice and dedication, I had the opportunity to perform in multiple states across Brazil. Now, my goal is to continue that journey in the United States. So far I’ve performed in three states, and I’m excited to expand to many more in the near future.

[Photo: Den Sweeney]

What have been some of your favorite gigs that you DJed in the past?

I’ve played a lot of events! But if I had to pick my top three: the first would definitely be Nebula. When I found out that Cardi B used to party there, I was like, “Wait, what?!”

The second was playing tribal for the first time at a M.E.A.T. Party. The energy was unreal.

And the third one has to be performing at Whitney Houston’s former home in New Jersey. That was absolutely surreal. The house is still there, and a lot of her personal belongings remain inside. I remember sitting on the couch and thinking “OMG, Whitney Houston probably sat right here!” It might sound a little crazy, but I’m a huge fan. She’s a true icon.

I remember that Whitney house party! So this Friday you’ll be DJing the hit event ZOO at The Rosemont, care of Luis Fernando!

Yesss, ZOO Party! I love playing Luis Fernando’s events. They’re always exciting, fun, and completely packed! The energy from the crowd is amazing, and that’s one of the reasons I always look forward to performing there. And this time it’s the Pride edition, which makes it even more special. I’m more than ready and can’t wait!

What else is coming up for you?

I have a very special event coming up, but I can’t reveal anything yet until it’s 100% confirmed. Stay tuned… 🤐

Very exciting! Okay lastly… Everyone at the party always wants to hook up with the DJ at the end of the night (or sometimes before), lol! How do you navigate that?

Hahaha, honestly, that’s the first time I’ve heard that! I don’t think anyone has ever tried to hook up with me after a set. Maybe people see me working and don’t want to interrupt!? Either way, I’m always happy to chat and I usually give out my Instagram so we can connect afterward.

Good to know! Thanks, Luca!


Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Luca Drelli’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram and TikTok.

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