A resident of New York’s AAPI party brand Naarak, Grant aka DJ Get Gott will be on the decks for an epic September event.
Thotyssey: Hello DJ GG, thanks for chatting with us today! How has Labor Day Weekend been treating you so far?
Get Gott: Hey Thotyssey! Labor Day has been great, not much laboring! Been enjoying the gorg weather, kiki’ing with my Judys and attending some fierce functions. How’s yours?
Not bad… Sunday was a night of bar hopping for us! As both a DJ and partygoer, what are your thoughts about the state of NYC nightlife right now? Are people coming out in large enough numbers, are they engaged, is stuff fun, etc.?
I feel like NYC nightlife right now is in its Waking It Back Up era… I’m starting to see fresh faces come out to new parties and venues, and seemingly having fun organically and being present. I’m seeing less and less phones being whipped out and distracting flashes on the dancefloor.
There’s less consolidation around mainstay institutions and events, but I think all around they could use some more patronage. Support your local event producers and artists; buy a ticket, grab a drink, and dance, dammit!!
How might you describe your own DJ sound these days, when you have complete control of the room?
Lately I’ve been having a great time exploring darker and underground sounds and themes: heavy synths, sensual lyrics and faster, groovy beats. Like if Panorama Bar at lunchtime and Bossa at 2am had a lovechild. It feels amazing when I’m taking the room on a journey from a dark synthy haze, and then turning up the dial with a cunty ass shaking tune–or three, or six–it’s invigorating!
Can you share a bit of your origin story with us: where are you from originally, what sort of music did you grow up with, and how did your DJ life begin?
I grew up in Reno, NV so it was a unique environment musically, to say the least. There’s a massive DIY / hardcore straight edge scene (my high school was featured in a Nat Geo documentary), thriving not too far from Black Rock City. it was a perfect mishmash of moshpits, crunchy granola hippies, and washed up lounge singers. I then spent ten years in San Francisco, which scratched my disco and house itch before landing in NYC.
I was always into music as a kid. I played the drums, trumpet, French horn and piano throughout my childhood, but lost touch when I went out on my own. My DJ life began when I was hungry for a creative outlet, and wanted to draw upon my musical upbringing and eclectic sonic inspirations and share those experiences with the world. My first gig was with Naarak, and I’m so thankful for Tai for giving me a chance and still inviting me to play. This was my foot in the door.
Naarak had been a real game changer for nightlife in general, and especially for queer Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in the city. What do you think the secret to their success is?
I think they amplify the voices, diversity, and visibility of queer AAPI folx in a fun, engaging, and authentic way–and authenticity is so important, especially in nightlife.
Many of Naarak’s resident DJs, including you, are joining forces for an epic two floor party at Red Eye on Friday September 18–Switch NYC: Dark Side of the Moon! Drag Race Thailand’s Siam Phusri will be in the house as well. What can you tell us about this night?
It’ll be a fun, fabulous, and sickening total venue takeover in partnership with QT Nightlife based out of LA/SF! We can’t wait to bring a taste of the West Coast and Asia to Red Eye. I’ll be kicking off the downstairs room at midnight. And while it is a night to highlight AAPI excellence, it’s also a night for the people that love them, too. Everybody is welcome!
Anything else you wanted to mention?
I want to shout out the people that I have worked with and booked me: Naarak, Patrick Crough of Rawhide, Shia Ho, ShamanLove, Robert Phillip Smith and Animal. They all do so much to keep nightlife alive and exciting, and they showcase local talent. I have some exciting things in the pipeline with Harder and Janelle No. 5 and other collectives, so stay tuned and watch this space. My DMs are open… hit me up!
And my last question will be: what’s your best advice for a baby DJ who wants to make it big in NYC?
Focus on developing your unique sound, developing your crate, and put in the hours… not just practicing your technical skills (don’t rely on that Sync button!). Know how to read a room. Also, show events and promoters that you care and appreciate them for investing in what they’ve built by interacting with their content. And show up to their parties!
Thanks, DJ GG!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ Get Gott’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram and SoundCloud.
Thotyssey 