A huge milestone was achieved last month when one of our members got an opportunity to play Dweller’s 26hr Live Audio Stream in NYC. What makes Dweller extra special is that it centers Black artists and the roots of techno & house. For an entire week they bring together some of the most talented musicians in the underground electronic music scene. For this pre-festival marathon, artists were given 1 hr to express themselves via an audio live stream. We caught up with Negroyokio after their trip back to get their take on this amazing experience….
So how did you get connected to playing at Dweller?
It was actually really surprising. Reg (Love Higher) asked me to be a part of the Dweller Radio Programming, which was put together by SLICK DOWN and 999Radio. I was super honored to be considered for this opportunity and got to carry for CWC as well as the local scene.
Was there anyone you were excited to meet during the fest?
There wasn’t anyone I was specifically excited to meet, although I did get to fangirl for KeiyaA. During the BodyHack Dweller night where she performed live, I caught her at the end of her set while in line for a drink. I was really trying not to freak out, but I let her know how amazing she is.
Do you feel nervous or anxious before these types of events? Do you have a pre or post show ritual?
Both times that I’ve gotten to DJ out of Columbus have been incredibly nerve-wracking. Usually, before a show, I try not to listen to any of the music I plan on playing that night. I also love to have a full meal a bit before then! The main post-show ritual I have is to just decompress, whether that’s outside or in a green room. Sometimes even in a bathroom.
What was the game plan or story you wanted to tell for your set?
Honestly, the story I try to tell with every set is the sonic reality of a Black queer American. Using sounds and music from, by, as well as for, Black queers. Still influenced by the African diaspora while also the peaks and valleys of the life of a Butch Queen. The tears, laughter, pain, and drama of it all.
WHAT WAS THE MOST EXCITING PART OF THE FESTIVAL AS AN ATTENDEE?
There were so many high points of the festival for me. An image I have that’s burned into my mind is during Archangel’s set at Nowadays for BodyHack. A sea of beautiful Black people all moving their bodies against one another. Voguing, twerking, two-stepping, jumping around, yelling, sweating, even some guys juking and top rocking. Hearing nothing but Black sonics on the sound system brought me to tears at one point. Another high point was my last night in NYC, going to the Dweller event at Public Records. The atrium hosting JAGU4R who completely tore the room apart before Leonce, who took the remains of the same room and ripped it piece by piece.
At the same time, the darker room, the sound room, housed a hard trio. NÍDIA, DJ FIRMENZA, and DJ MARFOX. I was changed. Lastly, I have to talk about Love Higher’s set for SLICKDOWN’s Dweller night. Starting with an orchestral excerpt, they pushed every body and every inch of that sound system to its limit. It felt like I was back at Skylab (RIP) at 3 a.m., I was so proud. In all, my most exciting moment from Dweller was to be able to experience Black genius every night and be surrounded by Black people who are all together for the same reason.
ARE THERE SOME THINGS FROM DWELLER THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO IN COLUMBUS?
I had so many notes coming back home from the festival. Although our city doesn’t have an as strong dance community like NYC, I would love to see more dedicated music spaces. Not just random dive bars where we get to play music (which still have a place in my heart), but nurtured spaces for us all.
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