GayCities New York Editor, JJ Keyes stopped by DJ David Scott’s DJ booth at Therapy at the GayCities Cocktail Party for a chat about life in the Big Apple.
Career: DJ
Originally from: New Jersey
Relationship Status: In a relationship
Spotted on a typical NY Saturday night: Having dinner with my partner, Alec, having drinks with some friends and/or snuggling on the couch watching Saturday Night Live.
It was so great to run into you at the GayCities party! Where else are you spinning these days?
It was great seeing you at the GC party as well. It was a fun party and you guys were cool and easy to work with. I’m there at Therapy on Thursdays, Barrage on Fridays and Hangar Sundays.
How long have you been in New York?
18 years
How did you get started?
I’ve been DJ’ing for 9 years getting my start while I was performing as my drag persona- “Destiny”-while at View Bar in Chelsea thanks to encouragement from my friend DJ Aaron Elvis.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
It had been a fascination of mine since my clubbing days during the late 80’s and 90’s. I was in awe of talents like David DePino, Frankie Knuckles and Junior Vasquez, to name a few. I enjoy great vocals, hypnotic melodies and sexy beats.
What’s on your playlist for this fall?
Chromeo, N.E.R.D, Roisin Murphy, Kylie and Robyn
What are some of the staples people always want to hear?
Aah the gays love Madonna, Gaga, Rihanna.
How can we spruce up our iPod playlists in anticipation of the holiday season?
Quincy Jones‘ collaboration album is great, as is Mark Ronson’s. I love Marina and the Diamonds, Jamiroquai, Cee-Lo. If you want some holiday cheese, get Mariah Carey‘s holiday album. Pink Martini has a great holiday album out too.
Are there any new albums that should be on our radar?
Stay tuned for new stuff from Roisin Murphy. The Black Eyed Peas are about to take over the airwaves again. I’m also looking forward to Casey Spooner’s solo effort, Hercules and Love Affair, The Ting Tings and Maluca.
Favorite gig?
What’s great about having residencies at Therapy, Barrage and The Hangar is that they are each different in their own ways, giving me the chance to play a wide variety of genres. Playing gay pride Sunday at The Hangar is always a blast.
Where do you like go out for a few drinks?
Besides the places I work, I like the Ninth Avenue Saloon. Say hi to bartenders Paul and John if you go.
Best New York Club
Past-the original Sound Factory. Present- Hmm, good question…
Seriously. Hey, I always see you around Hells Kitchen, what are a few of your favorite spots for dinner in the neighborhood?
You always see me around Hell’s Kitchen because I live there- ha! There are some great spots for dinner. I’ll give you 5: Agua Dulce, Pio Pio, 44 1/2, Hell’s Kitchen and 5 Napkin Burger.
Where do you shop?
It would be easier to ask where DON’T I shop. You’ll catch me most often at Bloomingdale’s, Uniqlo, Tretorn, Puma, Club Monaco, J Crew, All Saints.
Best 2010 find?
The High Line in Chelsea
Love it. If someone’s in New York for 24 hours, what should they do?
Take a stroll or ride a bike along the west side from the UWS down to BPC. Visit the MOMA, eat dinner somewhere intimate like Omai in Chelsea. My neighborhood is overflowing with gay spots. See how many you can hit in one night. Or, check out East Village bars like Phoenix and Boiler Room.
