DJ Aurora
Every week (or so…) 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.
DJ Aurora is part of a DJ duo called What the F@*K Ever (with DJ Chubby Chaser) starting a new night at Crush Bar (1400 SE Morrison) this Friday aimed at the sexy side of queers (I mean, as if there’s another). It’s called Have a Heart on: Sexxy dance party, and it’s just in time for V Day with go go dancers, lap dances, Valentine candy and all that good stuff.
When and how did you get started DJing?
As a native of Portland OR, I started DJing about two years ago. With my love and passion for music, my good friend Owen (Queer Gothic DJ at Plan B’s night Hive) referred me to DJ Entropy for his night, Bad Music for Good People at Tiger Bar. It was a free range night so I played everything from psychedelic rock to punk to contemporary pop.
From there I had a night at Plan B called Kaleidoscope which was all psych rock. I also did some spinning for various other nights at Plan B including Hive. Then after working a few random parties, I was recruited by my friend Heather to DJ the size positive, queer friendly night Jelly Roll at Crush. I am currently still rocking that night every other month, along with my DJ partner there DJ Chubby Chaser. We are working together as “What the F@*K Ever DJ DUO” on various parties around town. Individually I’ve worked recently at the New Thunder Ranch and The Lovecraft Bar.
How did you get your DJ name?
After trying to come up with a clever, unique moniker I thought, “Why don’t I just go with my ACTUAL name?!!” So Aurora it was. My DJ Duo name was thought of because we play whatever comes to mind so “What the F@*K Ever” made sense.
Who are you influences/inspirations?
Where do I begin? In high school, I suppose. I was listening to Daft Punk, whom I still listen to and play today. I love their creativity in their electronic music and sampling ability. Also, DJ Spinderella of Salt ‘n’ Pepa was a childhood hero. As a woman, she brought validity to all female DJs. I thought as a child, “I could do that.”
Then there is DJ Gregarious from Portland’s Shut Up And Dance. He has this presence of fun and charisma that invigorates the crowd and invigorates me. I also have to give a shout out to local talents Owen and DJ Freaky Outty, whom not only are inspirations, but are good friends too. Owen has professionalism and technical skill, as well as a musical knowledge that still, to this day, amazes me. Freaky Outty brings so much to the table: flawless mixing, a wide spectrum of musical selection, as well as superb technical skill. He’s in a class all his own. Finally, I am always impressed by new DJs I see around town as well. I receive a lesson with everyone I see spin.
Why do you DJ?
Having an excuse to wear wild clothing and crazy wigs is one great reason but mainly I do it because I love music and the art of the party. I’ve always been called the “Patron Saint of Parties.” DJing is just one facet of the saintly party energy I am purported to have. I also enjoy seeing the happiness on people’s faces when they hear a song they love, whether they sing along, stomp or clap to it, or just cut a rug and boogie down. –Whatever it is those kids are saying nowadays!
Aurora with DJ Chubby Chaser together make the duo What the F@*K Ever
What parties/clubs do you currently DJ?
Every month I do a night at Crush. Firstly, I DJ Jelly Roll, which is a queer friendly night dedicated to loving your body, no matter what the size, and features Go-Go dancers, performances and of course plenty of dancing all night long to killer jams of the 70s, 80s, 90s, and today. The months in between Jelly Roll are “What the F@*K Ever DJ Duo” nights where Chubby Chaser and I hold crazy, sexy, fun dance parties where we play all sorts of solid, dancirific music for the masses. We have a night in February called “Have a Heart on: Sexxxy Dance Party,” which is just in time for Valentine’s Day. It’s a dirty, sleazy night to leave your inhibitions at the door.
Also this February, I’m DJing an all glam night with Chubby Chaser at The Jack London Bar called Glam=o=tron. We’ll be playing Glam in all forms: Glam rock, metal, pop, and more. Costumes and tight pants encouraged!
What genres of music do you like to play?
I love to have a constant flow of everything: rock, pop, bass, techno, or anything that comes to mind. What’s most important is the crowd. The floor is a wild ocean and I feel like I’m riding a wave in the musical tide with my DJing. Ride the flow right and you’ll keep from drowning. I love to mix old with new, so to put my finger on a specific musical genre I play would be difficult. Being a child of the 80’s I have a certain love for synth pop. I mostly get a kick out of a good beat and the possibility of a song causing “booty shaking”.
What are some of your current favorite tracks?
Hung Up-Madonna
Little Bit (AutoErotique Bootleg mix)-Lykke Li
The Girl and the Robot-Royksopp Ft. Robyn
Shake that ass-Eminem Ft. Nate Dogg
Run the world(girls)-Beyonce
Standing in the way of control (original)-The Gossip
I Wish-Stevie Wonder
Super Bad, parts 1&2-James Brown
What do you wish would stop being played out right now?
Two words: Dub Step.
What was your WORST DJ experience?
Well, I won’t name names but what I will say is I’m not a fan of pretension in any instance. Or assholes.
What was your BEST DJ experience?
It’s tough to pick a particular night because I don’t want to discount any of the other nights I’ve DJed. One of my best experiences was a Jelly Roll night. The feeling that night can only be described as electric. It was a festive, joyous night that made me feel completely connected to the crowd in collective happiness. I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing the whole night.
What makes a DJ experience good for you?
It’s all about energy. You feed off the energy of the crowd, so when there’s a weak energy you gotta build it up. If it’s already there you keep it going.
What are your main pieces of equipment and your favorite?
I gotta say my favorite and only DJing tool is my lovely laptop. Her name is Fantasma, which means ghost in Spanish.
What else do you want qPDX to know about you?
I’m also an artist. I make everything, from club flyers to random art projects, but what I’m known best for, as featured in the last Jelly Roll flyer, is custom Barbie dolls. I transform the Barbies into the image of various people, for example Beth Ditto, Ziggy Stardust, Madonna, Alice in Wonderland, or Pinhead. I also paint, draw, and create flower clips for wearing in one’s hair. My art page is on Facebook underwww.facebook.com/aurora.art1
