Panel Discussion: How to make it as a DJ in NYC

Who they are

• 

  Justin Strauss

  New York City · 125 bookings since Aug 2023

  “Bio Few DJs could adequately represent the last three decades of New York nightclub history - no less do so with such iconic credentials as Justin Strauss.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  Bio Few DJs could adequately represent the last three decades of New York nightclub history - no less do so with such iconic credentials as Justin Strauss. Since he was 17, when his first band was signed to Island Records, Justin has had a career that reads like a Who’s-Who of the music scene, spinning at nearly every dance club that you’d ever want to go to. Starting as DJ at New York’s legendary Mudd Club, he spun his way through The Ritz, Limelight, Area, Tunnel, M.K., Life, Centro Fly and more, pioneering his own distinctive sound, and becoming one of the most sought-after remixers and producers not just in New York, but in the world. He has worked with the gamut of artists - Depeche Mode, Sergio Mendez, Tina Turner, Jimmy Cliff, B-52s, Luther Vandross, Malcolm McClaren, Skinny Puppy, Goldfrapp, to name a few (see full list) – and on over 200 records! Much of the new dance crowd that goes to hear Justin DJ today, whether at subMercer, The Standard, Highbar, Soho House, or Love, doesn’t necessarily know his history; they simply love his spinning because he always keeps them dancing and surprised, seamlessly mixing between choice classics, delectable rarities and innovative beats. For Justin, no genre or style is off-limits – he can and will mix anything, so long as he can keep the crowd enthralled. His self-proclaimed mission is “connecting the dots” between what might otherwise seem disparate musical periods and styles, while introducing exciting new sounds. He does so with infectious passion, subverting preconceptions about what’s old and new, and inspiring young DJs with his masterful skill and ever-youthful spirit. But Justin Strauss doesn’t stop there. As half of the production duo, Whatever/Whatever, he continues to produce and mix records, working on remixes for the likes of LCD Soundsystem, Beyonce, La Roux and more. In fact, he doesn’t stop at all. Like the amazing city he’s dedicatedly kept dancing since 1980, Justin just keeps going. Coming Soon. a/jus/ted . New project with Eddie Mars. 2013
  SoundCloud ↗Discography ↗
  Synth-pop on 46, Pop Rock on 21, House on 34 and Disco on 13. styles on their catalogued releases

  Released on DFA (1) and Demon Records (1); their RA profile also lists Southern Fried Records, Under the Shade, Dither Down, Plant Music and 3 more. labels on their catalogued releases and on their RA profile

  Recently at Gabriela, Libera, public records · often with Seth Magoon, Mike Guimond, Amelia Holt, none of them here that night

• 

  Toribio

  New York City · 119 bookings since Aug 2023

  “A triple threat who lights up a room when behind the decks, in the studio and on stage, TORIBIO is a lifelong student of rhythm.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  A triple threat who lights up a room when behind the decks, in the studio and on stage, TORIBIO is a lifelong student of rhythm. Analyzing melodies and chords with a musician's ear, the Dominican-American artist blends different genres and moods in all his creative pursuits–DJing, producing, singing, playing instruments, and even his skills on the mic. Thanks to a childhood spent playing in church and jazz drumming, the Florida-born, New York-based act has a natural sense of harmony. He takes on the role of musical cartographer in his Afro-Latin band, Conclave, whose debut album was named one of Resident Advisor's best in 2021 and praised by both Rolling Stone and the New Yorker. Acting as the ensemble's bandlander, vocalist, and key instrumentalist, TORIBIO connects jazz, soul, and house from various cultures with style and grace. His speciality in sonic connections are especially tangible in his DJing. Gliding from pan-Latin club to raw electro to jazz to old-school funk, his sets are a masterclass in building energy and tension. Whether playing Boiler Room or clubs in Mexico City and Tokyo, he knows how to work a crowd with selections and transitions that are as precise as they are powerful. As a producer, his edits and originals are DJ weapons, rinsed by the likes of Gilles Peterson, Rich Medina, and Theo Parrish. His original tracks have been remixed by the likes of Louie Vega, Joe Claussell, and DJ Spinna. Known for fostering community through movement, his Brooklyn block parties (Public Service NYC) embody the spirit of New York’s dance culture while his newly formed imprint B.D.A. is quickly becoming known for bringing these vibes to vinyl. A TORIBIO show is a full-body experience— as he always says, “bring dat ass, and your feet will follow.”
  SoundCloud ↗Bandcamp ↗
  House on 16, Deep House on 6, Disco on 6 and Downtempo on 6. styles on their catalogued releases

  Released on BDA (4) (2) and Bastard Jazz Recordings (1); their RA profile also lists BBE, Fool's Gold, Darker Than Wax, Razor-N-Tape and 4 more. labels on their catalogued releases and on their RA profile

  Recently at Dead Letter No. 9, Nightmoves, Gabriela · often with Mickey Perez, Love Injection, MUSCLECARS, none of them here that night

• 

  Rose Kourts

  New York City · 97 bookings since Aug 2023

  “Originally from Charlotte and now based in Brooklyn, Rose Kourts has built a reputation for unpredictable, fearless sets that retain a deep sense of musicality and joy.”

  their own biography

  the whole biography

  Originally from Charlotte and now based in Brooklyn, Rose Kourts has built a reputation for unpredictable, fearless sets that retain a deep sense of musicality and joy. Whether throwing down jagged techno, serving sensual house, rinsing jungle, or slipping into acid grooves and beyond, the New York mainstay brings a philosophy of fun, a risk-taking verve and a distinct, magnetic presence to every booth she steps into. Drawing upon a lifetime of musical exploration, scholarship, and an unwavering dedication to the dancefloor, Rose Kourts is an artist unafraid to go deep and wide. taking dancers through emotional peaks, ecstatic turns, and a healthy amount of surprise and delight. Rose Kourts is a regular at New York’s best-loved venues including BASEMENT, Nowadays, Paragon, Bossa Nova Civic Club, Public Records, and Knockdown Center; consistent tour dates across North America, western Europe, and the UK have won her a growing international following. Rose Kourts has played as direct support for artists like Mr. G and Moodymann, DJ Bone, DJ Stingray and Helena Hauff, Kevin Saunderson, Disclosure, The Egyptian Lover, RP Boo, Kenny Dope, and many more legendary and contemporary greats. Her festival bookings include WIRE Festival (2023 and 2025), Sustain-Release, Honcho Campout, Dweller Festival, Making Time, Fourth World, Keep Hush, Boiler Room (NYC and Boston), Shaker Mountain, and Slingshot Festival. She has also joined the lineups for storied collectives and events including Underground and Black, Body Language, Club Toilet, WRECKED, BOUND, Pep Rally, The Bunker, and Four Tet & Friends. Rose Kourts has also been tapped to join international tour dates for artists like Disclosure, Bicep, Interplanetary Criminal and Main Phase, Avalon Emerson’s 9000 Dreams, and X Club. Rose Kourts is a passionate curator and community leader with a longstanding commitment to creating spaces where music connects, empowers, and inspires. She is a co-founder and resident of the beloved renegade party Sweet Kicks along with Karlala and Miss Alicia. As a resident of The Lot Radio, she hosts GEMS, a monthly show with selections and affirmations inspired by the energies of different gemstones. Rose Kourts also currently serves on the Board of Directors for Beyond Booking, the nonprofit organization behind NY electronic institution The Bunker, and is an Ambassador for Rotterdam’s Kult Funktion cultural organization.
  SoundCloud ↗
  Baltimore Club on 2, Bass Music on 2, Breaks on 2 and Jersey Club on 2. styles on their catalogued releases

  Recently at Million Goods, Mansions, Avant Gardner · often with Miss Alicia, Andi, shekdash, none of them here that night