DJ of the Week — Mr Charming

Every week we introduce you to a local LGBTQ party DJ and ask them about their experiences in the scene and feature an audio mix they’ve made. If you’re interested in being featured contact alley@qpdx.com.

Gaycation is one of the longest running queer nights. It happens this Saturday at Holocene, and has been, for the past 5 and a half years. It’s a damn good night at one of the most interesting music clubs and still as fresh and fun as it always was. At it’s helm is Mr Charming aka Mary McAllister, who knows how to throw a good party, as most of my 20s can attest to. And this Saturday is her birthday, so you know she’s gonna bring it.

She has also come to be a friend of mine, the beginning of which I will mark with a special random video ending for those of you who stick it out through the post. It has nothing to do with anything, other than it’s October and therefore Haunted House time. So let’s view it as something of an outtake circa 2008.

When and how did you get started DJing?

I started djing about 7 years ago. It all started when a friend of mine was hired on to do some booking for a new club that was opening, Doug Fir. She wanted to set up some queer nights & came to me to see if I knew anyone who would be interested in putting something on. My friend Aubree (DJ Snowtiger) (who I put Gaycation with) accepted, neither of us having any real DJing experience. Over the next few months, the club found its footing & we found ours with DJing/ promoting/ booking bands and our night, Snatch, went on for about 6 months. It was a really great way to get started and I feel really lucky to have made connections with so many talented folks.

How did you get your DJ name?

I wish I had a good story for this. People tell me I’m charming + I have always wanted to have a pet named Mr. (fill in the blank) = Mr. Charming. I Googled it & there were no other DJs w/ the same name, tada!

Who are you influences/inspirations?

Mostly the other amazing queer DJs in this town. It’s really impressive how much talent we have here.
Also: Venus X / GHE20 G0TH1K, Nguzunguzu, The Twelves…

Why do you dj?

Its really damn fun and I like being in charge of the music.

What parties/clubs do you currently DJ?

Gaycation / Holocene (3rd Saturdays) Blow Pony / Rotture/Branx (4th Saturdays) and I guest DJ at other nights in town and in Seattle.

What genres of music do you like to play?

For the most part, whatever people are responding to & whats keeping people dancing. But more specifically, hip hop, top 40 remixes, indie house, and all things GAY.

What are some of your current favorite tracks?

You – CREEP
212-Azealia Banks
El Tigeraso-Maluca

What was your WORST DJ experience?

14 yr old birthday pool party. bitchy, mean, hormonal teenagers with rich parents.

What was your BEST DJ experience?

On the pride stage at Seattle pride 2011 in front of a gazillion drunk people.

What makes a DJ experience good for you?

Anytime people are feeling it & dancing & having fun, I’m gonna be pretty excited.

What are your main pieces of equipment and your favorite?

I started out DJing with CDJs but have since switched to doing everything via my laptop & sometimes a DJ controller.

What else do you want qPDX to know about you?

Come to Gaycation this Saturday, the 15th because ITS MY BIRTHDAY and we’re having one of our favorite guests: DJ Chelsea Starr to keep you dancing and the delightful Ally Picard / Bloodhound Photography  to take photo booth pictures of all your beautiful faces!

Ok, and as promised a visit to FrightTown with Mr Charming: