Downe Girls Triple Threat - DJ Lisa Delux, DJ Amara, Zulu Nasty

[photo credit: dj lisa delux, dj amara, tragik]

 

This month's "Downe Girl" feature is very special. We don't just have one girl, we have THREE. For Downetowne's upcoming 1940's Black and White Masquerade Ball, we're flying in some very talented women to help celebrate our four year anniversary!

 

DJ Lisa Delux, DJ Amara, and dancer Zulu Nasty take time of their busy schedules to chat with DowneTowne about their creative inspiration, musical influences, and what to expect at tomorrow's 1940's Black & White Masquerade Ball at Bar 35 (which is also DowneTowne's Four Year Anniversary).

 

 

---

[photo credit: DJ Lisa Delux]

DJ Lisa Delux began her career back in 1999 and is one of Canada's top female DJs. She used to sneak into clubs when she was only 14, gaining experience and knowledge from the underground scene. She's also appeared in movies, television, and has tons to share about her adventures.

Check out DJ Lisa Delux Official Website Here.

[DT] In your bio, it said you used to sneak into nightclubs when you were 18, which helped you gain experience and exposure in the underground music scene. Can you elaborate more about that?

[LD] When I was about 14, I started going out to little underground rave parties. I was completely captivated by the DJs and the way they connected the crowd to music. When I was 15, I got my first set of turntables. I practiced every day! I started spinning house, breaks, drum and bass, and hip-hop with the dreams of one day becoming an international DJ. A few years later I was ready to spin for a live crowd!

I started sneaking in to night clubs in order to meet the right people and making connections for some of my very first gigs. At that point in time I was really in to underground hip-hop. My best friend was an amazing and talented MC / vocalist well known in Vancouver as MC Brigee K. I became her DJ and we started performing live shows all over the city. Two girls throwing down hip-hop! Yes! We got booked for all kinds of events, showcases and battles! By the time I was 19 I was promoting and putting on my own hip-hop/DJ shows.

[DT] How did your experiences then influence your style of music now? How would you describe your style?

[LD] When I started DJing I had a lot of interest in being able to spin all styles of music. I started collecting records from all kinds of genres and slowly building them into my DJ set. I grew up listening to was funky underground house, d&B, breaks and hip-hop. When I would play live I would spin a freestyle set that went from house to hip-hop to drum n' bass and back to house again. That style of multi-genre mixing stuck with me though the years.

My current style is an influence of my past. I spin freestyle sets. I read the crowd and bring them on a journey through multi-genre basslines, rhythms and flow. I like to expand the crowd's musical taste, bringing in new sounds while mixing it up with something familiar to keep them connected.

[DT] What is the music scene in Vancouver like? How does it compare to other places you've played at?

[LD] The Scene in Vancouver is amazing! A lot of diverse people, styles and taste. The crowd is very open minded and they appreciate new sounds. Canada has a strong European musical influence. Electronic music is huge all over, even in the smallest towns. Some of the best times I've had spinning were in small towns in Canada! The people really appreciate the music and talent!

[DT]I read that you appeared on "the L Word" for three seasons, plus the television show "Reaper" and the movie "Hot Tub Time Machine." You must have some interesting stories from those experiences. Care to share one of your favorites?

[LD] I had a lot of fun working on TV and movie sets. The funniest part is acting out DJing. They always want you to act super animated. It's kind of cheesy. Working on the L Word was interesting. I have mixed feelings about the show but nevertheless it was history in the making for television and I enjoyed being a part of that. "Hot Tub Time Machine" was hilarious because I was in a scene where John Cusack got stabbed in the eye w a fork and it was really funny to see him do his thing!

[DT] What can we expect from your upcoming DowneTowne set?

[LD] I don't want to give it away but expect to have a fun night!

[DT] Any fun plans while you're here?

[LD] Roobee is going to take Ixquel (my partner) and I on a locals tour of Honolulu. I'm not much of a tourist. I like to experience what the locals do :)

[DT] Any upcoming gigs/appearances/etc. you'd like to promote? Promote away!

[LD] I'm excited to be spinning at The Fly Ball in L.A in may!

http://www.lisadelux.com

 

---

[photo credit: DJ Amara]

 

DJ Amara is making her return to Hawaii and you can bet she has a few tricks up her sleeves for her upcoming set. She has a monthly party in Los Angeles called STEADY where she spins underground house music with Josh Kane (from Uh Huh Her) on percussion.

DJ Amara's Facebook.

More info about STEADY at Medusa Lounge in Los Angeles.

[DT]First things first, how/when did you get started spinning? What made you choose that particular musical endeavor?

[A]I used to be in this dance crew back in the day called Strictly United. This was in junior high to be exact. I had a friend who was a DJ and he would mix the music for our dance routines. When we change our routines we always had to wait for him to make adjustments to the mix, which became inconvenient especially when there was a time constraint. So, I figured it can't be that hard so I asked him to teach me. Well, I was wrong...it was unbelievably hard! This was the day when you didn't have Serato to help you beat match so it definitely took a lot of practice and train wrecks before I got the hang of things.

[DT] You have quite an impressive resume of past gigs. Tell us about one of your favorites and why?

[A] That's a hard one! I have so many favorite parties that it's hard to pick just one. One that is memorable, funny, amazing, surreal, all bundled in one was of all places Kentucky! I feel a quick explanation is needed for this so here goes the cliff notes version. I used to tour with Dew Action Sports Tour, which is an X-Games type of event that travelled all over the US. One of our stops was in Louisville, Kentucky which for some reason, I was very excited about. I played outdoors while the athletes competed so the energy was insane! I think what made this event stand out was at one point, I look up and there was a huge sign being held up from the crowd by a couple of kids who've been dancing nonstop and it said "I LOVE Asians!!" pointing at me. That was really funny considering I was probably 1 of 5 Asians in the entire crowd of thousands. Yeah..Kentucky has a very special place in my heart ever since :)

Other memorable gigs for me was opening for Salt N Pepa at Club Skirts Dinah Shore last year, playing Christmas day in Frankfurt, Germany, Club Embassy in the Philippines, and all parties I've done for Flygirl Productions in Vancouver and Downetowne parties, of course!! I love playing for Canadians and Hawaiians because they are just so unbelievably nice! I've been truly blessed to have travelled to many incredible places doing what I love but what I learned is that you can be at the most, beautiful places in the world but if the people aren't friendly, it definitely takes the fun out of being there.

[DT]What can we expect from your set for DowneTowne's upcoming anniversary party?

[A] Expect a house party vibe for sure! I've been into throwbacks lately because it just instantly puts people in a good mood. I can pretty much guarantee I'll play a song that will connect you back to last summer, your first Dinah Shore, a camping trip you took 5 years ago, and/or your first crush. I guess what I'm saying is to just expect a good time.
What I love about Downetowne parties is that not only are people nice and gracious, they are also open minded, which is important because I love to mix up my set by throwing in some underground tracks and if the people aren't open to new music, it ruins the vibe.

[DT] What's unique trait about your style/musical tastes do you bring to the tables?

[A] My niche is definitely the ability to play cross genres seamlessly, and playing music that just puts you in a good mood. I have love for all kinds of music and that shows in my sets. I've also been able to take experiences from my 10+ years of playing for many different crowds- gay, straight, whites, blacks, purple, hispanics, asians, martians, young, and old so I'm able to switch the music, as needed. Before you know it, you're doing the running man, voguing , the dougie, or freaking your partner all in my hour set. So make sure you wear comfortable shoes when you come hear me play.

[DT] Are you excited to be returning back to Hawaii? Anything you have planned while you're there?

[A]Are you kidding me??!! I've been counting the days since Roobee confirmed that I was coming back for Downtowne's anniversary party. I am so honored and thankful to be back! Hawaii is definitely in my top 3 favorite places to go so yes, I am ecstatic for my return. What's even more exciting is that I'll be sharing the decks with some uber- talented ladies, Ms. Angel and Lisa Delux! I've been so lucky to have developed some great friendships from my last trip here so we all plan on island hopping and swimming with dolphins! That is definitely what I'm really looking forward to. Oh and of course the food!!!! I don't think there's enough space in this article to elaborate on this. Don't get me started on my love for Hawaiian food...just don't. This will turn into a novel and I don't think your readers will be that interested in how obsessed I am with the shrimp trucks and huli huli chicken.

[DT] Any other upcoming gig you'd like to promote? Promote away!

[A] I have a monthly event called STEADY that I do with a few of my really close friends, Ro, Baohaus, Josh Kane, and my brother, DJ Stoke. This event is definitely an experience and I encourage anyone visiting LA to check it out. It's on 1st Fridays of every month at Medusa Lounge and I play underground house with Josh Kane on percussions! Some of you may know him as the drummer for Uh Huh Her. He is a beast on the drums! My brother plays old school hip hop/ funk / breaks in the front room. There's also live art that takes place. The dancers that attend are so amazing and I'm so proud of what friendships form on this night. People who come for the first time has this perception that everyone there knows each other but in reality, they just met for the first time! The people are just so open and friendly so I can see why they would have that assumption.

You can see more for yourself by going to STEADY CREW facebook. We have videos of the night posted so you can get a glimpse of what you can experience if you visit us in LA. You can also be my friend on facebook. I would really like that :)

 

---

[photo credit: Tragik]

Dancer Zulu Nasty describes her style as rebellious, powerful, emotional, and just plain out NASTY. She's danced all over British Columbia, San Francisco, and is now making her way Hawaii to show off her skills at the DowneTowne party.

Check out these awesome videos of her dancing, special thanks to Tragik for the awesomeness:

Zulu Nasty Dancing, Zulu Nasty's Dance Reel, Freak Tribe.

[DT] How long have you been dancing for?

[ZN] I've been dancing since I came out the womb. With the combination of Bangra beats and Latin flare, rhythm is in my bloodline (my father is from India and my mother is from Mexico).

[DT]How did you get started in dancing? From watching friends? Taking classes?

[ZN] I started dancing in Los Angeles underground scene since I was 15. School dances weren't cutting it for me. I found solitude with my friend Masi who was well acquainted with Los Angeles underground hip-hop, funk, break and dancehall scenes. She empowered me with her freestyle. I had never seen anyone move like her. There she was in her high heels, loop earrings, a mini skirt and tube top rocking every male dominated cypher.
I had only seen female breakers wearing the same clothes as the men. My friend used femininity as a tool to differentiate herself from the other dancers. Not only was she free with the way she moved her body, she was taken by the spirit. The spirit is the energy from the crowd, the heart, the DJ and your connection with the floor. She used dance to illustrate a story. You could see the intensity in her stride and beauty in her movement. This was inspiring since I considered myself a tomboy who was detached from "girlie" things. She has been a huge influence in my dance style.

[DT]How has music/dancing influenced your life?

[ZN] My style of dancing has definitely progressed and changed with the different music in my life. When I was younger I would go to where the breakers went to practice. These events mainly played hip-hop, breaks and funk music. I'd work on my top rock and pop n' lock. But when I moved to Oakland, California for college my life forever changed. There I was introduce to house music. With house music came a community of dancers from all backgrounds. I was blown away. To balance a heavy course load and the stresses from academia, I quickly became obsessed with the freedom and tranquility house music brought out of me. Like my friend Masi, I had found my spirit and was taken over.

[DT]Do you think there is a strong community of female dancers where you live (or just in general)? Do you find there is an unspoken camaraderie between women dancers?

[ZN]I do think there is a strong community of female dancers. When I entered my first "battle" I was disheartened by that word. I took it as an opportunity to dance and collaborate with many strong dancers who have been in the scene or where to it. I made sure to congratulate the other dancers and show my appreciation for sharing the floor. I have had numerous occasions where woman have come to me while I am dancing and tell me that I am in inspiration to them. That has been the most rewarding experience. I also see more men utilizing feminine movement in there dance styles. Dance doesn't need to be constricted or hard. Everyone is a dancer everyone has the right to feel free and connected.

[DT] Who are your creative heroes and why?

[ZN] I have found an incredible group of women in my dance community. Tsunami from soulshifters, RoObee, BgirlCrix, Jules, Lacey Harris a.k.a DJ Lacey Q, and DJ Amara who has an amazing night in Los Angeles called "Steady", which is a monthly party where dancers rule the night like warriors. They are my dance sisters. Get us together and we bring the madness. Also my good friend TRAGIK. If it wasn't for her vision and her amazing talent as a film maker and performer, I would not be here. My partner DJ Lisa Delux who pushed me to go on stage with her in San Francisco Pride last year and discover the relationship between the dancer, the DJ, and the crowd. From then on it opened a door of opportunities for me to travel and pursue my passion. I have danced my way all over British Columbia, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and now Hawaii. With TRAGIK and Lisa Delux we formed a group called Freak Tribe. It's an allegiance of talented woman who are fearless to do what they love.

[DT] How would you describe your dance style?

[ZN]I had come across this question for the first time at an all styles female battle in San Francisco last year. I had not connected with a specific style because my dance could not be boxed. This is where the name Zulu Nasty was born. My style is rebellious, powerful, emotional, and just plain out NASTY.

[DT] Excited about the upcoming party? What can the girls look forward to when they see you dancing?

[ZN]I am very excited to visit Hawaii and to be a part of the DowneTowne's Masquerade Ball, to share the magic from this Island and the people who will be a part of my memories for years to come. I am grateful to be have been invited. As for what the girls can look forward to, a lot of sweat from them dancing.