Fresh Beats: Meet DJ Tryst, Goth Queen of the Turntable

For the latest installment of our series on Hudson Valley club and event DJs, we are going dark with the Goth Queen of the Turntable, DJ Tryst. When she is not orchestrating her popular burlesque events or performing with her goth grunge/alternative rock band, Tryst can be found spinning up good vibes in venues like Pearl Moon or Colony Woodstock.

Read on to learn about her musical inspirations and secrets to keeping the dance floor rocking.

INSIDE+OUT: When did you first become interested in music, and how did you start your DJ career?

DJ Tryst: I have been interested in music as far back as I can remember. I vividly remember being three years old and MTV being on my parent’s TV. I was introduced to alternative and pop music and raised in a music house. My mother introduced me to bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, The Doors and Madonna, New Wave, Disco, you name it! My father introduced me to Pink Floyd, Kate Bush, The Sisters of Mercy, and The Beatles. He was also the singer in a band in the 80s, ironically called Dark Daughter, so I guess I was manifested!

At 14 years old, I bought my first Nine Inch Nails album, The Downward Spiral, and it opened my world up and fed my teenage angst like no other. I started singing in a band when I was 18 and had a few live bands performing all over NYC, Brooklyn, and anywhere else we could. Then, eventually, I started making music solo, which has been such a fantastic experience. I am currently working on and finishing up my third album. I work with the wonderful Steve Woodzell, who completely understands me and my inspiration. 

The first DJ party I officially threw was a Bowie party in Woodstock in the summer of 2022 at a fantastic place called Pearl Moon. I was completely new and did not know what to expect. I had on eight-inch stiletto vinyl red thigh-high boots and a boa. The place was packed, and we all celebrated Bowie singing and dancing the night away that summer evening. Since then, I have done different monthly events throughout the Hudson Valley! 

Describe what makes you unique in the DJ space, your favorite music to spin, and your favorite kind of place or event to work.

I bring an atmosphere of freedom and energy, plus I’m what you call a Go-Go dancing DJ!  I am a visual artist, so when I do my DJ parties, I make sure the room’s energy is nothing but good vibes and a visual experience. I have these great vintage visuals of Go-Go dancers and silent films; it really varies depending on what type of party I am doing.  My music selection is also unique. I have a vast range and knowledge of music, artists, decades, and genres. I do 70s Nights, 80s New Wave parties, 90s nights, etc. But my favorite parties are called “The Crystal Cave,” which focus on Darkwave, Classic and New Goth, Post-Punk, and the darker side of the dance floor. Those are extra special to me. At every party I do, I announce to be free, let go, and feel the music inside! I think that anywhere I go, I bring the party so I will have fun anywhere! As long as there’s music, lights, and a fog machine, we have a party! 

What have been some of your favorite experiences DJing in the Hudson Valley?

I have met many beautiful people of all ages and genders who became good friends. I love seeing the familiar faces who come out and dance and support what I am doing. I want everyone to feel safe and happy, leave feeling sweaty and high on life, and come back for more. It’s so crucial to my soul’s purpose to be able to make people happy through music and art. I also love this scene for my fellow Dark Creatures of the Night! There is nothing better than seeing someone who is a little reserved and then starts dancing, and by the end of the night, they are throwing their arms around and jumping all over! This is what I want everyone to experience. Dancing heals us!

What is your go-to song to spin when you need to pump up a crowd that’s not feeling it? 

I have a few! “Blue Monday” by New Order and “Personal Jesus” by Depeche Mode definitely excite everyone. When I do my disco nights, anything by KC and the Sunshine Band or Kool and the Gang always gets the floors wild. As far as a classic Goth, I have this fantastic mash-up of “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” by Bauhaus and “Tear You Apart” by She Wants Revenge and every bat opens their wings on the floor with those. By bat, I mean my fellow Dark Creatures of the Night! Oh, and of course, “Kiss” by Prince! 

What are your three favorite desert island discs?

They always seem to change! I would need to have Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd. Even though my favorite of theirs is The Wall, if I were on a desert island, I would like to imagine I would want a more peaceful-sounding album!  Haha. I would probably also bring a Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds album And No More Shall We Part. I don’t even know how to pick a third. I will cheat a little and say Kate Bush’s Never for Ever or Hounds of Love. But then there is Songs of Faith and Devotion by Depeche Mode. This past year, I had dived into Harvest Moon by Neil Young, and it was playing non-stop in my car. I’m sorry, I’m not good at this game! Can I pick 50? 

Give us a mini-biography – where you were born, where you live now, what you may do outside of DJing.

I was born in Queens, New York, and then did a lot of growing up on Long Island. As a teenager, I came into myself and was attracted to the darker side of music and art. I moved back to Brooklyn when I got my first job as a makeup artist. At the same time, I was pushing my music and bands and playing at many alternative venues that are sadly gone now! During those years I lived there, I met so many talented musicians. I felt so lucky to be around this scene of artists. That is how I know my writing partner, Steve Woodzell. Now, I’m living up on a mountain in the Hudson Valley. I never thought I would be here, but I love Life’s surprises.

I also produce Burlesque and cabaret shows and have a residency at Colony Woodstock. I started doing Burlesque in 2018 because it was just another art form and expression I felt needed to get out of me. I  am also a part owner, videographer, and video editor for Strangehouse, where we specialize in audio/video production, music videos, live shows, etc. I love editing videos for musicians and making their visions come to life! 

Follow/Connect with DJ Tryst  website | Instagram  | Facebook | Bandcamp

Photos courtesy of DJ Tryst

Contributing writer Sal Cataldi is a musician, writer and former publicist living in Hudson Valley NY.

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