Various events: Bonnie Beats

How did you get involved with DJing? Did anyone teach you? 
"I was booked for my first gig by a promoter who had been following my music blog at the time, Behind Color Bars. I really didn't have experience DJing at a club. Hell, I didn't even have an alias then, but I haven't stopped since! I had worked in radio before so I knew my way around a mixer, but it was my step-dad, who is a renowned crate-digger and collector in the Latin jazz and salsa industry, who would take me out to his gigs and show me the ins-and-outs of basic DJing."

What did you start playing?
"It would all depend on the venue, but for the most part I'd land opening slots, so I'd start the night with nu-disco at a slow BPM and then work my way up to faster indie dance tracks."

What would you describe your DJ style as being now?
"Disco has had and will always have an influence on me. Nowadays, I'll play more obscure disco/funk tracks that can be both old — such as BB & Q Band or The Jonzun Crew — to a more fresh version of deep disco, like Tiger & Woods or Moon Boot's. Deep house is pretty big here, so you can find me ending my sets with Maxxi Soundsystem, Maceo Plex, and the likes."

Besides DJing, what other things do you get involved in around town?
"If you would have asked me this question a few months back, I'd tell you I'm working with fellow MTV alums over at Wynwood Radio for my show 'The Bailout,' but since then I've taken time apart from my blog and show to focus on more personal endeavors, like my EP!"

Where can we find you on the weekend?
"Oh man, you can find me anywhere. I'm a huge supporter of the movement so wherever my friends are throwing an event, I'm there."

When you are playing out, do you dress any differently? Or do you just come as you are? 
"Not at all. I'm as big a weirdo on the decks as I am off the decks, ha! I would have to say color and bling."

Lastly: What is your must-play jam for the summer? The one you are currently obsessed with and will be on heavy rotation for the foreseeable future?
"I'm mildly obsessed with anything FRΞNCH ΞXPRΞSS. Right now my current jam would have to be Perseus, 'Russian Girlfriends.' The PM Dawn sample lands heavy on the dance floor. It's brilliant."

Photographed by Justin Namon