Although we’re used to seeing men work the turntables behind a DJ booth, there’s plenty of women who know how to spin a track and electrify a crowd. Whether you’re a first-time club goer or a master fist-pumper/ smooth shuffler, these female DJs in New York City are definitely worth checking out.
1. DJ LAZY K (@DJLAZYK)
DJ Lazy K was born in Mexico, but eventually found herself in New York, where she fell in love with the local hip hop scene. She started her career by making mix tapes (originally for personal use), and by participating in DJ competitions, battles and parties. In her decade long career, she has collaborated with major artists, such as Jay Z, Nelly, and Lil Kim, just to name a few.
2. Spinderella (@spindizzy)
Dee Dee Roper, also known as DJ Spinderella, is a Grammy award winning DJ, rapper and producer. She is a member of hip hop trio, Salt-N-Pepa, which has sold 15 million albums and singles worldwide.
DJ Spinderella | Photo via Flickr: DrivingtheNortheast
3. LOUISAHHH!!! (@LOUSIAHHHh)
Although LOUISAHHH!!! (Louisa Pillot) was always surrounded by music growing up, she eventually discovered a passion for DJing. At the age of 17, she began to sneak into NYC clubs using fake IDs. Perhaps that is where the New York bred and Paris-based DJ developed her own style, which has been described as “hard, but deep, tough but tender.”
4. Harley Viera Newton (@harleyvnewton)
Harley Viera Newton began her DJing career by throwing weekly parties at NYC hotspots like Le Bain and Beatrice Inn. She later signed with Roc Nation, Jay Z's management label, and has went on to play events around the world, including Oscar after parties and international fashion shows. She is also a model and runs her own clothing label, HVN.
Harley Viera Newton | Photo via Facebook
5. Hannah Bronfman (@hannahbrofman)
Hannah Bronfman is usually associated with the music scene, but she is also a co-owner of Acme, a NYC restaurant and club, as well as the co-founder of Beautified, a mobile app that makes it easy for users to find and book day-of beauty services.
6. Chelsea Leyland (@chelsealeyland)
Chelsea Leyland made a name for herself with her creativity and unique taste in music, which caught the attention of fashion and lifestyle brands. In 2013, she became one of the most in-demand DJs, and seasonally curates music for runway shows during fashion events.
Chelsea Leyland | Photo via Facebook
7. DJ Jazzy Joyce (@DJJAZZYJOYCE)
Hip hop DJ, Jazzy Joyce, is a producer on New York City’s Hot 97, the premiere hip hop radio station in America.Throughout the length of her career, she has worked with iconic people in the music industry, such as Brooklyn-based alternative hip hop group, Digable Planets; she is most known for her collaboration with rapper Sweet Tee on her 1986 single, “It’s My Beat."
8. Leigh Lezark (@_loveleigh_)
Musician-turned-model Leigh Lezark, known for her staple black bob, is a member of DJ group, The Misshapes, alongside Geordon Nicol. You can now find her Djing for fashion and art events, or in-between the pages of a magazine.
The Misshapes | Photo via Facebook
9. Cory Kennedy (@Cory_Kennedy)
Before Cory Kennedy became a DJ, she was an Internet celebrity. The spotlight first fell on Kennedy when photos of her, taken by photographer Mark Hunter, brought visitors from the fashion community to his website. She is now a regular at fashion events and spins regularly around New York City.
10. Mia Moretti (@miamoretti)
Mia Moretti is an East Coast transplant, having been born in L.A. Even so, she has become one of the most sought after DJs in New York City. Alongside violinist Caitlin Moe, she has toured the US as part of The Dolls duo, which opened for pop musician Mika. She has also made exclusive remixes for celebrities like Katy Perry, Robyn and Rye Rye, and composes original tracks for runway shows and fashion week events.
Photo via Vimeo: RealTVFilms
