The first time I really recognized Dj Nita’s talent was one night in a club called LOVE in New York City. I was dancing and having a great time. At one point, there was layer after layer in the music; not a collision but a rich weave of three tracks. I went over to the booth to give props. He was in the groove; connecting with the dance floor, dancing his own ass off, and his hands were flying all over the booth. I got his attention and asked him was he playing three tracks. He shook his head, smiled and pointed out one… two… three… four. I knew then that Dj Nita was a step above.

I’ve been listening to you perform since I moved to New York City in 2007. I found you at an underground dance den called mr.Black. But, lets take it waaaay back. How long has music been in your life?
Oh god… birth maybe. My father is a self-taught musician and music lover so there was always music playing in the house. There’s a fantastic picture of me when I was two in front of my dad’s stereo system and record collection with his giant headphones looking at the camera like, “Don’t bother me. I’m in the mix.” Little did they know…

Did you explore music more when you were a kid with classes, band, choir…?
Yes. Eight years of percussion and a ton of vocal work both classical & jazz. I was trained in grade school and had a lot of private training. Later, I went to college for theater performance which had a bunch of that mixed in as well. I’ve been involved in the performing arts as long as I can remember.

Have you been in any live bands?
(Laughs.) One in high school, Deliberate Ambiguity. We had one show. I was the co-lead singer/arranger/tambourine player. I can’t believe you are taking me back there. It cracks me up just remembering. (Laughs.)

When did you get interested or exposed to electronic dance music?
I’ve always enjoyed shakin’ my ass. Oh… the shows we used to do in our basement. I was obsessed with Prince and that whole movement at a very young age. Plus, I couldn’t get enough of that Motown 4 on the floor… which eventually led me into a disco phase… which led straight to house. Although, looking back, I’m not sure which came first really.

What do you like about electronic dance music?
The BEAT. And some SERIOUS stabs.

For those that don’t know you yet, what kind of music are you known for?
A House of EVERY color.

…or want to be known for?
In an ideal world, I’d like to be able to play anything that tickles my fancy and have an intelligent enough fan base that can go with it. There are so many different rhythms in this world to dance to. Why not get your body moving in every direction?

How did you get into DJing?
I played a few parties in high school. But, I never really thought to pursue it… it was always a hobby. Along with a little high school radio and making mixtapes, that pretty much summed it up. I was way more into the programing side of things. Then, in September 2002, Michael Formika Jones called a friend who’s house I happened to be at then looking for a last minute fill in DJ for his John St. party. We decided to do the gig together since my music collection was way more tight. By the end of the night, I was a resident there. Granted, I had never mixed with CDs before; never even seen a pro CD player. But, I knew how to beatmatch from vinyl so it was ON!

Where have you been playing since then?
I was a resident DJ at Area 10009 at Opaline from 2002-2007. I’ve done gigs at Horsemeat Disco in London. I’ve been a resident DJ at Tubway at mr.Black since 2006 and going strong. I also did the TUBWAY CRUSADES west coast tour in Spring 2009.

What are some of your favorite venues and parties?
The best venue has got to be LOVE in New York City; the best party BOOMBOX in Barcelona.

What do you like about DJing?
Makin bitches SWEAT!

What do you not like about DJing?
Nightclub d-r-a-m-a.

Talk to us about your own music. When, what and deets please.
I had a track out in 2000 on Xtreme Records under the name 31.16. It sounds absolutely bonkers to listen to it now… but… considering the time. I think we sold 500 copies in New York. I just looked it up and you can buy it on the web. I wouldn’t. (Laughs.)

Shortly after that, I moved out of New York for a minute and gave up on dance music all together. Since I’ve been back, I have just gotten back to producing again seriously this year. I’ve currently got my first remix released on Hades Music: The Kiki Twins Geometry In Motion (Dj Nita’s Perpendicular Mix) plus a remix of Lauren Flax’s You’ve Changed coming out soon on DANR Music. Here’s a clip. I call it the You’ve Changed (Dj Nita & the Elegant Children Remix).

Where do you see the evolution of music heading next?
I think we’re getting back to basics; the drums. I’d like to just call it tribal. But, that title has so many connotations these day and what I play is not that. It’s hard to say where the evolution is going next. I always just play the music that makes me move. If I’m not moved to dance, why would I expect you to? It’s about having fun. But, it should move you on the inside as well. The dancefloor is church and I just try and move people to an emotional response. Good, bad or otherwise…FEEL something. If you’re just there to listen and enjoy, please take your cocktails to the side and make some room for those who uncontrollably jack their bodies. THANK you.

You head out this week on a tour, right?
Yes. I’m about to go on a US tour with mr.Black 2033 – A Look Into a Twisted Party Apocalypse. Its presented by Svedka and hosted by Paper Magazine. Sammy Jo and I provide the soundtrack. Its starring Drew, Macky, Ladyfag, Nick.B, One-Half Nelson… and… the return of The Ass. Its a vision of the future; so any dress or costume goes. The year is 2033 and there are no rules. Come dance and play with us in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco or Los Angeles.

You know I’ll be there. Thanks for your time and this great mix!

You can next catch Dj Nita on Thursday November 5th @ Berlin (Chicago, IL); Sunday November 8th @ Honey Sound System (Paradise Lounge, San Francisco, CA); Tuesday November 10th @ mr. Black LA (Bardot, Los Angeles, CA); Saturday November 14th @ mr. Black (New York City, NY). Keep up to date on his other live performances at his websites below and the Jungo Road calendar.

More about Dj Nita on Facebook, MySpace, SoundCloud, Twitter, and his own website.

Booking: Click to reveal email

Play individual tracks and then click on the links below to purchase! You can also download the full podcast mix above.

1. Daniel Steinberg – Uptown (Original mix) [Unreleased]
2. Anton Pieete & Paul Ritch – The Opera (Original mix) [100% Pure]
3. Worthy – Work the Walls [Anabatic Records]
4. DJ T. – Dis (Original mix) [Get Physical Music]
5. Uncle Bakongo – Masaii [Roska Kick & Snares]
6. Photomachine – African Love Fest (Ghetto Dub) [Unreleased]
7. Plump DJs – London Street Music (Original mix) [Finger Lickin Records]
8. Act Yo Age – Night of the Hornheadz (Acidkids Remix) [Sweat It Out!]
9. Bok Bok – Ripe Banana (Original Mix) [Dress 2 Sweat Numbers]
10. Solo – Afreaka [Exploited]
11. Uncle Bakongo – Anlo Ewe [Roska Kick & Snares]
12. DJ T. – Gorilla Hug [Get Physical Music]
13. Crystal Fighters – X-tatic Truth (Renaissance Man Remix) [Kitsune]
14. The Toxic Avenger – The Fall (Switch Remix) [Scion Audio Visual/ iheartcomix]
15. Joy Orbison – Hyph Mngo [Hot Flush Recordings]
16. Dorian Concept – Trilingual Dance Sexperience [Affine Records]