Bringing darkly provocative and unexpected sounds to unique venues, Justin Brooks is also here to remind you that there’s never a bad a time to Tip. Your. DJ.
Thotyssey: Hello Justin… aka Tip? We’re already approaching the end of July, how did the month treat you?
Tip Your DJ: June was an absolute movie, so I’ve been taking it easy this month… just popping around Bushwick mostly. I mean everyone’s in the Pines or P-Town this month, so I’ve resorted to harassing straight men for a thrill.
Lol, how fun is it to harass straight men in the summer!?
The absolute best, to be honest. I’m visually queer and get a hard on for sloppy, hairy men, they’re really out here in the streets looking like my PornHub search history, and I’m going to let them know it. It’s all fun and games until I realize they’re more of a sissy than me. It’s just gay sex. Like, calm down Mister Got No Pussy… I’m just saying you’re fuckable.
She is out here In the Straight Streets, boys! I’m sure what they really want to know about you is your sound in the DJ booth—how might you describe it nowadays?
I’m flirting with the audience really, and I encourage requests on certain nights. I really love to mash up different music genres and keep everything fresh, while still following the groove. Tipyourdj started out as a way for me to learn other people’s favorite songs and build my mixing skills… also make a few bucks. I’ve never played Taylor Swift without compensation.
Taylor wouldn’t have it any other way!
Where is your original hometown, and did you grow up with music in your life?
I’m from Denver, Colorado , mostly. There wasn’t much music growing up; Dad liked talk radio. That all changed in middle school (the late 20th century), when I discovered techno and raving. It was the fast beats, dancing how you felt, and a second family that let me exist as my whole self. P.L.U.R.R. Is my doctrine, and the dance floor my church.
I’m also a big fan of punk rock and classical. When you come to my show, you hear it all, but you won’t stop dancing. And if your DJ isn’t dancing in the booth, odds are you’re not dancing on the floor. Never stop dancing–that was the motto of the Denver scene back in the day. And I haven’t stopped.
What ultimately brought you to New York, and how do you find the DJ scene here to be like, overall?
NYC has always been the goal. I just don’t make sense other places. It’s the center of the universe, and I love being in the nexus of art, music, fashion, politics and good food.
The DJ scene here? Well, look– there needs to be a more of a community IMHO. I’ve heard from other bigger and frequently booked DJs that there’s a gender divide and genre cliques about town. I avoid that, favoring instead to do B2B sets at my home bar Bootleg on Myrtle with the dolls and baby DJs. We’re supposed to be musicians, not idols.
I’ll say this, when you come to my show as a DJ and you’re Shazamming my set (which won’t work divas–I layer and mix bass lines), you’ve lost the plot. It’s not a competition, it’s a collaboration. It’s about the music. At the end of the day, we’re just pressing buttons–snap out of it. Also, if you’re a real DJ… stop using the sync button.
Keep them dancing, and guessing! Tell us more about Bootleg.
Did I mention I’m at bootleg right now? They got WiFi, and men bent over a pool table. Oh Bootleg Bar, how I love thee… I’ve been going there for a year, gradually queering the space. It’s worked; they’re officially LGBTQIA+ on Apple Maps now, and a Sniffies hotspot. It’s just a perfect combo of a dark, dingy punk bar that’s a collection of people and individual personalities. It’s a place for everyone really, as long as you’re not an asshole. It’s more of an art space than a bar. There’s a $5 beer and shot combo and a Trans pool league that come in, curious straight guys and a secluded backyard. Like why would anyone ever go elsewhere! I’m working there on Sundays right now but honestly, I’m at Bootleg every day.
And you have another special event coming up this weekend.
Oh, I’m doing my own thing too! August 1st is my first official party of the year! It’ll be at Alphaville. It’s called POPPA and we’re going to be feeding everyone corn dogs through a glory hole! Shameless plug I know, but we’re all whores under capitalism.
POPPA knows best!
I’m also gonna see you this Wednesday at Metropolitan, when Queer Talent Show, a variety competition I help that bar’s great bartender and event producer Senerio run, returns! I must say, the contestant lineup seems unusually fierce this week! You’ve DJed several installments of QTS–it’s a cute scene, right?
The energy in the room for every QTS is incredible. Senerio loves his community, and it really shows through QTS. I love being the “back stage lesbian in a headset” getting everyone on stage for their moment in the spotlight. There’s been so many great talents and performances that have cycled through. I have laughed and cried at every event so far–let’s keep the momentum going. Oh, and [host] Janelle No. 5 is That Bitch–a consummate professional. Let that be known.
Absolutely! What else is coming up for your?
Oh hell, we live in a magical place. Who knows what’s next?! I’m really just a person around town,–I’ve got my USB in my pocket, and I’m cheap to book if you’re a queen. Just trying to stay booked and blessed. My biggest investment right now is rent. That’ll change one day, because I keep doubling down on love and kindness; that shit adds up.
Amen! Okay, lastly: what track are you gonna hit play on once this discussion is over?
“School” is going to be mashed up with “Shiny Disco Balls.” Mother knows best!
Thanks, Justin! See you Wednesday!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Tipyourdj’s upcoming appearances, and follow hm on Instagram.
Thotyssey 