When DJ Scotty Thomson burst onto the scene about five years ago, not only was he a breath of fresh air, but a double dose of eye candy. He got his start in NYC, where he became known as the jock who would strip down to his skivvies as the afternoon or night wore on. Today, he has carved out a niche playing mostly international clubs and parties with an eclectric sound that even he can’t entirely explain. No matter, crowds love him. GayCities New England editor Tony Giampetruzzi (winenothate) chatted via IM with Scotty on the verge of an international tour that will take him from Leon, Mexico to Beunos Aires with stops in Fire Island and Toronto, among other hot spots. (See full schedule after the jump.)
winenothate: So, Scotty, what’s up with the most recent publicity pics? You had this shtick of spinning in Speedos, but now it looks like you’re practically naked!
cherub69: well, the Speedo thing was always kinda a “shtick” as you say. I really only did it during pool parties or “beach” themed nights. Having been a sponsored model for an underwear co. only energized that impression.
winenothate: You are good at self-promotion! The camera doesn’t seem to bother you, and you’re certainly not intimidating it.
cherub69: In my photo shoots, I just do what comes to mind. The last one with Bruno Rand was supposed to be all fancy, fashion with an edge. It started out that way, but somehow the shirt came off, then the pants. I guess it also had to do with the fact that I was also DJing the BASKIT Underwear launch party.
winenothate: I recall you landed on the cover of unzipped a couple years back.
cherub69: I mean most people would die for the opportunity to be on a nationally distributed magazine. right??? haha
winenothate: So, you’re doing well, globetrotting–being a DJ is a bit like being a hedge fund manager these days–what’s giving you the edge?
cherub69: I’m not playing the same stuff as everyone else. People start to hear me more and more and they realize that I play a ton of fun shit, but in a different way. Tons of energy…ups, downs and kinda crazy.
winenothate: And your audience gets it?
cherub69: I love watching people kinda look at me and say “WTF???” then what I had planned comes together and they cheer. It’s kind of like tricking people to listen. Then they become intrigued …
winenothate: Such a Svengali. Do you think the willingness of the a crowd to give more leeway is a symptom of a new generation bubbling up or the circuit, after hours scene dying away?
cherub69: Well, I think that my style, selection and vibe cross into both sides seamlessly. I can appeal to everyone without the night seeming choppy … in this way this “evolution” has been working in my favor. I cater to the commercial people, but then serve the older crew/circuit boys some sick beats in between. But yeah, I do find myself trying to lightly educate the young pop crowd … cuz I’m versatile
winenothate: You’re versatile. What are your top 5 favorite gigs ever, and if you don’t list una in Portland, Maine for the famous 2005 Scotty Tea, you’re dead to me!
cherub69: una what? Haha … that was a blast. BUT, I’d say my residency at Limelight NYC, Levi’s Party in Moscow, Queen Paris, Velvet Nation, Washington D.C. and LoverBoy Party in Buenos Aires.
winenothate: So, cherub, God touches you on the shoulder and says, “Blondie, the world will end in 48 hours – I want you to drink and dance.” What are the three clubs or bars you make a priority?
cherub69: Still open or ever?
winenothate: God is not re-opening clubs for you, merely offering a glimpse into the near cataclysmic future.
cherub69: Damn
winenothate: This time you can’t have it all.
cherub69: The Week, Rio de Janeiro, Parking, Montreal and Eleven, Los Angeles, cuz I spin there and the boys are HOT.
winenothate: Will we see some studio work from you soon?
cherub69: VERY soon. I’ve been playing my own shit for a bit now, just nothing that’s been released. Also, look for a mix CD within the year.
winenothate: In terms of gaycities (dot com), what’s the one city you haven’t visited that’s on your short list?
cherub69: Dallas or Houston…it’s a toss-up.
winenothate: Hmmmm – Texas seems to be the hotbed of online amateur porn. I think something’s up …
cherub69: you wish 😉
winenothate: I’m sure anyone reading does! Anything else do you want to mention?
cherub69: I still spin vinyl and I’ll never give it up.
winenothate: You’re the Ovaltine of mixology.
cherub69: Too much sugar…how bout tea with Splenda?
winenothate: Whatever it takes to maintain the abs.
Scotty T‘s summer tour schedule:
- July 18 Club Heaven – Leon, Mexico
- July 25 Fire Island Pines – Private Event (Pines Party Weekend)
- August 1 Atlanta – Info TBA
- August 8 Buenos Aires, Argentina – Manhunt.net “BLOWOUT Party”
- August 15 Mendoza, Argentina
- August 16 Cordoba, Argentina
- August 28 Club Eleven – Los Angeles, CA (Monthly Residency with Jeffrey Sanker and Paul Nichols)
- August 30 RAGE Nightclub – Los Angeles, CA (Monthly Residency with Jeffrey Sanker and Paul Nichols)
- Sept 6 Beach Ball – Toronto, Canada
- Sept 11 Club Eleven – Los Angeles, CA (Monthly Residency with Jeffrey Sanker and Paul Nichols)
- Sept 13 RAGE Nightclub – Los Angeles, CA (Monthly Residency with Jeffrey Sanker and Paul Nichols)
