Welcome back to Fashion Rocks, a series that celebrates dapper musicians across the globe. This week we’re featuring DJ Du Jour, a Sydney based DJ who has some amazing gigs coming up, such as spinning < The Finale Sunday party in NYC (Whitney Day’s “The Party“). So, we sat down with to talk fashion, music, and what fans can expect next.
dapperQ: Tell our readers a bit about yourself.
DJ Du Jour: My name is DJ Du Jour, but my mates call me Kat. I am from Sydney, Australia and am making my maiden DJ voyage to the USA for a mini tour in June/July this year! I grew up an hour south of Sydney in a sleepy harbour town called Wollongong. Growing up in a strong Italian, Catholic family was interesting and often tough; there was always a perception of who I “should” be. I developed an insatiable thirst for movement where I studied and graduated with a degree in Exercise Science before really finding my true direction as a DJ. I moved to Sydney in my early twenties and eventually realised that I wasn’t like other girls, soon figuring out that I was a gay lady. From there I began a journey of self discovery and really trying to determine how it was that I was to live my life. I have been DJing now for over 6 years and currently live with my best friend, Levi; my 4-year old Burmese cat. I am really looking forward to hitting the decks in June/July and mingling with locals!
dapperQ: When did you start DJing – and what or who were your early passions and influences?
DJ Du Jour: I spent my youth rummaging through music at local record stores and scouring for dance music over any radio station that I could find, innately drawn to 90’s dance, techno and house music. From teenage years, I had immersed myself with the pioneers of electronic dance music like Fatboy Slim, Chemical Brothers and Paul Oakenfold. My passion is movement; I have studied this and watching people move in front of me is what drives me… makes my heart sing. I started DJing after my first “break-up” with a girl as a way of trying to find some peace in my heart, to express myself, and also to fill the time that I would have normally spent with her. It was like a therapy. I didn’t really intend to perform live as I am quite shy, but after a few conversations with some key people, I was encouraged to have a go. I have never really looked back!
Photo by Claire Sargent
dapperQ: How has your work evolved?
DJ Du Jour: My performance has definitely evolved in the time that I have been DJing. I still remember my first few sets; standing meekly behind the decks, shy, reserved and perhaps a little unsure. I used to play quite a lot of Top 40 and commercial music. Nowadays I know my crowd, how to captivate them and how to tease them; tempting them to throw their hands in the air, making their bodies heave, enticing their ears and leave them wanting more. I am absolutely engaged with the crowd; which results in me having just as good a time as them!
dapperQ: How would you describe your current musical style?
DJ Du Jour: My style tends to be raw and notably eclectic ranging from arena style vocal house and deep, dark alluring velvet beats through to engaging and energy fuelled progressive and electro house.
dapperQ: The relationship with the audience is important for a DJ. How do you balance between giving the crowd what they want and staying true to your artistry? Do you believe in “reading an audience” – and how do you put it into practice?
DJ Du Jour: To me, the crowd is number one priority. It is all about them and what they want. My passion behind the decks is about making people move and my performances stem from that. Whilst I still continue to stay true to my musical style, it is very much in the delivery and ensuring that I am with the crowd, as opposed to the crowd being with me; I am merely the one that plays the music.
dapperQ: Music and fashion have always been intertwined. Some of the biggest style icons have come from the music industry, from Gaga, Bowie, Madonna and Beyonce to Andre 3000, Joan Jett, Pharrell, and the Beatles. On the runway, the perfect song has the power to convey the aesthetic of a designer’s work. Alternatively, the perfect outfit or personal style has the power to convey the aesthetic of a musician’s work. How would you describe your personal style when it comes to fashion? Would you say it is influenced by your music? If so, how?
DJ Du Jour: I would describe my fashion style very similar to music style; edge with a bit of glitter. I tend to sway towards black outfits with a hint of sparkle. I am definitely not femme but I still like to feel feminine with a little street style thrown in for good measure. My hi-tops are a bit of a trademark. I do consider the types of events that I am performing at and usually will dress accordingly which then does influence the type of music I will play on a given night. For example, during Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, I have a tendency to dress in leather and braces because I know that the night is going to get a little dirty and sexy!
Photo by John Mcrae
dapperQ: Has your style evolved over the years?
DJ Du Jour: My style is constantly evolving. It used to be very casual – tee shirts and jeans type scenario – but as I have evolved as a performer and as a person, becoming more secure in who I am and who I want to be, I tend to be a little more adventurous.
dapperQ: Who are some of your fashion icons?
DJ Du Jour: I don’t have any particular icons that I look up to. I tend to take bits and pieces from a melange of icons. I do like to keep ahead of men’s fashion to a degree because I seem to be able to take elements of what’s on fleek and create my own unique style. I am hugely supportive of local Sydney designers, namely CharlieBoy, who design amazing, funky, gende- neutral garments and House of Ianni, an incredible designer who recreates amazing classic suit pieces.
dapperQ: What is the one article of clothing you cannot live without?
DJ Du Jour: Oh, that would easily be a decent hat! Reason being, I can be super lazy with my hair and having some funky hats, caps and beanies to throw on and hide the mop is a must (particularly in humid weather!)
dapperQ: What can we expect next from you?
DJ Du Jour: Expect to see me in a few cities til August 1. I have a number of gigs lined up, including The Finale Sunday party in NYC (Whitney Day’s “The Party“), as well as gigs in Boston, San Francisco, Las Vegas and LA!
