DJs are some of our most in-the-know friends. Think about it--they know all of the music you've never heard before, they play at all of the nightspots you want to frequent, and more often than not, they love a good cocktail. Good thing for you, we know a lot of DJs... and we like to share. We've tapped Kim Foxman of Hercules and Love Affair, the DJ of our out-of-control "NYFW is almost over" party for Last Magazine at ACME. From cocktails for all occasions to the song that's guaranteed to get people on the dance floor, Kim is sharing her secrets to an awesome night out. Read on, friends, read on:
Kanon Vodka: What's the one song you play that always gets people on the dance floor?
Kim Foxman: One of my deep moment jams has always been Coco Steel and Love Bomb's "Feel It" - that goes for getting me on the dance floor too.
KV: As a West Coaster now in New York, what do you find are the biggest differences in the music scene?
KF: West Coast has a more hippie vibe, while the East Coast is definitely a more urban vibe. Both are good for their own reasons. My years in San Francisco were the years I really partied and at that time everything was underground. So for me that music is always going to be special, and I’ve found a lot of inspiration from the music and moments of that time. In a way, I find SF to be more free--people are not afraid to really let loose there, and I love that. It's really about the music.
New York is a bit harder to get a real vibe going on music. Sometimes it’s about more of a social thing, but when it's done right, it's great--when it’s really going off. I love it because of the people. New York is loving dance music more and more again, so that makes me happy, as when I first moved from SF, I was let down because that was not the case.
KV: Any favorite moments from the Grammy's this year?
KF: I totally missed it. I was traveling and I still haven’t seen any of it. It’s on my to-do list.
KV: Do you have a pre-show ritual?
KF: No, I usually just get in a good, positive mode.
KV: We know a playlist is the backbone to any great party. What's your process like when putting together a playlist for events?
KF: I just bring a bunch of music that I would want to play. I never put any specific playlist together, unless I’m recording a DJ mix. I used to plan a set list when I first started DJ-ing, but I found that when you plan, things don’t always happen the way you want. I always feel the mood of the party, and go from there and see what happens. I choose things on the fly--that way I don’t get bored ether. It’s fun to try new things. I do best when I vibe off the people and the moment.
KV: On any given weekend in NYC, where would we most likely find you hanging out?
KF: I’m not in town on weekends too much, but when I am, I’m usually walking around the city, eating, or hanging with friends. I’m probably most often hanging around the East Village, as I live there. I love to get noodles from Xian Famous Foods and to eat at Westville, Momofuku, and The Mermaid Inn. If I’m not there, then I’m chillin at home. Those are my usual spots. As far as going out at night, it depends what’s going on.
KV: Are there any artists you're still waiting to cross off your bucket list for a collaboration?
KF: Well, sadly most of them are not alive anymore, but of course there are so many people that I would love to work with...all kinds of artists of pop as well as underground.
KV: Finish this sentence: A great DJ _________
KF: Will catch you and take you on a journey, and will help you to discover new things--and will make you sweat :).
KV: We love that you're on Twitter--who are the must-follow music people we should be adding to our lists?
KF: @JDsamson, and @Laurenflax, @Bisradio, @fritzhelder, @starvingyetfull, @azariandIII, @ladykier, @wolframamadeus, @yokoono, @mjcofficial…I actually need to follow more people--but these ones are really fun.
KV: What would we find in a Kim Foxman cocktail?
KF: At night in a club, you will find me drinking a vodka with soda and lime. At dinner or at a cocktail bar, you will find me drinking a Moscow Mule (vodka with ginger and lime) or a dirty martini. In the sun you’ll find me drinking a frozen Pina Colada. And at brunch you’ll find me drinking a Bloody Mary--and sometimes, you may find me drinking champagne.
