The music community is in mourning after the tragic news of Oakland-based DJ Erika Kayne's passing, a pioneering artist whose impact in the club music scene left an indelible mark; her death was confirmed on July 3, 2023 as poet and author Mimi Tempestt shared the heartbreaking news on Twitter, stating, "You deserved the world, baby girl, we loved you, we were rooting for you, legendary is an understatement, you'll always be in my prayers and I hope you're finally at peace," according Resident Advisor
As reported by Mixmag, DJ Erika Kayne was known for her mixing wizardry and sets that dove deep into the realms of R&B and retro pop, presenting music in a club-ready framework and uncovering overlooked gems; this brave exploration of sounds led to a fiercely unique DJ style that defied genres and trends, with her many original mash-ups and blends available on SoundCloud as testaments to her distinct tastes and personality which she brought to every set.
In a past interview with Human Resources, Kayne described her DJ style as "schizophrenic," adding that she believed it was "punk and radical" due to the risks she took and her stylistic choices, emphasizing her multifaceted identity as a trans, black, and femme artist, stating that "I have to make a declaration every time I play because I could never be some DJ that plays one genre," per MixMag
Dublab spoke to Kayne's fearless approach to genres and her penchant for surprising audiences with unconventional and sometimes forgotten tracks in club contexts, showcasing her commitment to empowering femme anthems; her incendiary edits, mash-ups, and fearless exploration of music history made her a highly respected figure in the electronic music scene, with notable appearances at Club Delirium, Negress, CLUB CHAI, and many other key experimental club parties in California.
Furthermore, DJ Erika Kayne built an impressive resume with guest appearances on numerous radio stations, hosting a residency at Club Delirium on LA's Dublab, appearing on BAE BAE's Negress show, making multiple appearances on NTS, including Alima Lee's Rave Reparations Radio show, Rinse FM as part of Night Slugs and Fade To Mind's takeover, last year hosting The Takeover on Reform Radio, and more according to Mixmag.
Artists and peers in the music community were quick to pay tribute to Erika Kayne on social media, illustrating the impact she had on their lives as well as the broader music scene; Hood Rave and Negress founder BAE BAE shared her memories of Kayne's fearless performances, calling her one of the most punk DJs she had ever witnessed perform while artist Ariel Zetina expressed her sorrow that they never met in person and sent love to everyone deeply affected by Kayne's passing.
