Witness the sunset transform into a dance of colors as Tony Y Not delivers the pulsating beats of Acid House at Sunset Beach Point on Oahu.
Following her releases on Fabric Records and Live At Robert Johnson last year, Brooklyn-based Tony y Not will release ‘Give And Take’ EP on Damian Lazarus’s Crosstown Rebels’ Rebellion label on 8th March.
WWD: Hey Mimi! Thanks for speaking with When We Dip! Where are you currently speaking to us from?
Heya! I am in my studio in Brooklyn, NY preparing for my upcoming trip to Mexico and Seattle. Thank you so much for having me.
WWD: How has your 2024 started?
A bit chaotic to be honest at first. I was so busy in December that 2024 kind of just happened and I didn’t really have the time and space to set intentions for the new year. But now everything is set and we are smooth sailing and looking forward to all things to come for 2024.
WWD: We’re premiering your recent livestream from beautiful Hawaii. Please tell us a bit about that set and also the gorgeous location.
The amazing Centered Collective in O’ahu reached out to me for a gig and it’s truly amazing what that crew has built there. When someone thinks of Hawaii, nightlife is not the first thing that pops into their mind – but maybe it should. The gig was absolutely amazing and you can tell the depth of music knowledge of this tight community. They then suggest the stream and of course I said yes. We drove out to the northwest side of the Island that is more quiet and filmed the stream at a really stunning location. It was so much fun recording my set. I included my signature acid-y sounds with disco and combined some deeper darker tunes with my own tracks as well. At one point a whole family that was walking by started dancing the music.
WWD: Last year, you released on Live At Robert Johnson and Fabric Records. What releases have you got coming up this year?
I have a release coming out with Rebellion (Crosstown Rebels) next month and some other nice surprises for the rest of the year.
WWD: You had a busy touring schedule last year. Where can people expect to see you this year?
The same! and more! We have been in the talks with tours in Australia, India, Japan and China. Let’s see what happens.
WWD: We love seeing your little sheep Couzin S appearing in your sets and videos. How long have you had Couzin S?
Couzin S is actually my nephew and the story is a long one but he has been with me since 2017 and a sort of reminder of my father, who passed away, who gave him to me.
WWD: What are your pre-gig rituals?
pre-gig rituals are so important to me. as a DJ you have a responsibility to hold the energy of the room. you are in charge of so much and that’s one of the many reasons I am sober. I find it important to connect with the dance floor in a raw way and for that you need to be ON. and it’s hard to always be on and keep your energy uplifting. Before I play I do an intention check with myself, what message I want to carry into the crowd tonight and how I want to show up for that to make everyone feel safe to have fun.
WWD: We enjoyed your Beatport Studio Jam video for your 2022 ’Send Me Up’ on Man Power’s Me Me Me label. As you work with quite a lot of equipment, what is your favourite piece of kit?
To be honest, because I travel so much I find hardware a little bit difficult to work with because it isn’t as flexible as vsts. But out of my hardware I would say I use the Moog Sub37 the most and like it the best and is also my oldest piece of equipment. Just always delivers good and fat sounding baselines.
WWD: When you’re not in the studio or on tour, how do you like to unwind?
I read a lot of books. I am obsessed with Harry Potter and other fantasy novels like The Wheel of Time. I also meditate a lot and have all my little rituals at home – the usual, cooking, friends, watching shows.