(Photo courtesy of Whitney Day and Next Magazine)
On March 3 – 5, the first media and entertainment conference for LGBTQ women will be taking over Las Vegas. The weekend event includes a film festival, panels, workshops, and special guests.
However, with all of the daytime fun and networking, organizers also wanted some nightlife fun. That’s where DJ Whitney Day comes in. The New York native is looking forward to headlining ClexaCon’s SINFUL party on Saturday night.
“I’m looking forward to connecting to women and LGBTQueers from all over the world. I love when like-minded individuals can gather in a single place like ClexaCon, which up until now hasn’t existed,” says Day. “And of course, I’m looking forward to DJing and partying like a mad woman on Saturday night.”
Before becoming a full-time DJ seven years ago, Day’s career path led her right where she is today. She says music ran through her veins, so in school she had the itch to study classical and jazz, which led to singing and arranging for an all-female acapella group. After college, she used her musical talent as a film score composer and sound designer, followed by a lot of time working in a recording studio.
“Along with my technical and studio experience, it was kind of organic that I put everything together. Once I started to practice DJing at home with just two turntables and a mixer, I was hooked,” explains Day. “I loved coming up with new ways to present my favorite music. The science and artistry of DJing was the perfect combination of my skills and passions.”
Now, Day is bringing that passion to Las Vegas for ClexaCon’s main event, “SINFUL: A Black & White Affair.”
We spoke with Day to discuss her plans for ClexaCon, her love for music, and her love for travel.
Do you consider (or label) yourself as a queer DJ? Why or why not?
I’m a DJ who just happens to be a woman, and who just happens to be queer. I do primarily spin for LGBTQueer audiences, but there’s really no specific relation between my chosen profession and my sexuality.
What has been your favorite event you’ve played?
Wow, that’s a really hard one. I’ll pick top two. The first would be Pride in New York at Marquee. It’s an annual party that I produce, and it’s one of my favorite clubs to play. Being able to fill the space with 1,500 LGBTQueer people on pride to take over one of the largest and most distinguished clubs in the country is just mind-blowing. They also have a killer sound and light system. When you have that many elated people in one room, dancing together, you can literally feel the crowd moving along with your music. It’s an incomparable, out-of-body experience.
The second would be the first time I played internationally for a festival called L-Beach in Germany. Playing out of the United States was always a goal for me, and in this case I performed to a crowd of 5,000 women. The crowd was so welcoming, and enthusiastic to hear me spin. I’ll be back at L-Beach again for my fifth year.
What distinguishes you from other DJs?
I would say two things. First being my personal musical style, which distinguishes every DJ from the others. The roots of my music are grounded in soul, but I tend to play a lot of Brazilian rhythms, almost gospel-like vocals, and disco throwbacks. But each performance is completely unique and totally on the fly, which keeps it fresh every time – both for me and the audience.
The second is that I’m a DJ and an event producer. I’m producing some of the largest and notable events geared towards women and LGTBQueers in the United States. I’ve produced dozens of events over the last six years in New York City. These days, I’m also producing parties in Los Angeles. I do everything from booking the venue, curating the DJ and entertainment line-up, and marketing and promotions.
Why is it important for our community to support queer artists/DJs/musicians?
It’s important for everyone to support queer artists. Every point of view and life experience relays a unique voice. If we only observed art from white, cis, straight men it would be a very one-note world. Art reflects the human experience, so everyone, not just our community, should embrace and uplift artists from all backgrounds, particularly those who come from a marginalized perspective. Often times it’s we who add the most interesting, colorful, and pensive voices to the arts.
What attracted you to the ClexaCon conference?
There’s never been a conference geared towards women and LGBTQueers like ClexaCon. When I was connecting with them, I was really impressed by their passion for bringing media and entertainment specifically to this demographic. There are so many conferences happening in the world, bringing together people whose interest span a range of topics, but they honed in on a void in this space for our community, and I commend them for taking a risk to create something massive from the ground up.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’ve visited 31 countries. I’m kind of a travel nut. I just think travel is the most important, fulfilling and rewarding gift you can give yourself. I even bought a one-way ticket to Buenos Aires and didn’t return for six months.
Anything else you want us to know?
Yes! Tickets just went on sale for the SINFUL Saturday night main party. They’re being snatched up faster than any event I’ve seen before. I would definitely recommend grabbing tickets for your group of friends at www.universe.com/sinfullasvegas. Tables and booth reservations are also available for bottle service if you want to go all out, Vegas-Style.
For more information about ClexaCon and DJ Whitney Day’s SINFUL party, visit www.clexacon.com.
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