Track #03: Notes from New York

a few thoughts and reminders I took from NY.

💌 Prelude

Hey friends,

Happy Tuesday :) I took a little solo trip to New York this past Sunday; mostly to check out Soulection in the Park, but also to just get the heck out of DC for a quick second. The day was such a success. It was a mix of great DJ sets and great people. I ran into so many folks there that I hadn’t seen in ages, which is always nice.

I also got to kick it with a handful of DJ homies while I was up there. It reminded me of how grateful I am for the DJ cult I’ve been lovingly inducted into over the past few years. DJ life is very specific and we speak a language that only WE fully understand. The late hours, the pressure of being in the public eye, the emotional rollercoasters, the equipment glitches, the nonexistent sleep patterns, the adrenaline, the burnout, the slow seasons, the joy. There are so many things we experience on a day to day basis and there’s nothing like being around people who just get it.

Whether I’m connecting with another DJ in person or online, I’m so thankful to be part of a community that reminds me I’m not in this alone.

I just have to say that Benji B’s set at Soulection completely cracked me wide open lol. I was Shazamming every track with a consistent stank face throughout the whole thing. Most of them were not Shazzamable …but that’s neither here nor there. When I say this man was COOKIN’. Good heavens. While I was Shazamming songs I kept asking myself “Would I ever be bold enough to play this track?” His set was so soulful, funky, and full of life, with some deeeeep deeeep sounds. It was everything I aspire towards as a DJ. It reminded me to trust my ear more, and to stop second-guessing the choices that make me me. I’m in these rooms for a reason and being authentic is key.

I also caught a (very) late night set from Native Sun too - he went crazy as always. Def top 3 DJs for me. His ear and his skill don’t miss.

Speaking of the late night set from Native Sun… I’m talking 4am late night. If you know me, you know I’m a very sleepy girl. I love a good time, and I love going to bed after the good time. Especially after DJing all week. One thing about it, I’m going to go to SLEEP. Ask anyone that was on the aforementioned Jamaica trip earlier this month. I did not make it outside for a single night during that trip, and got dragged for it. So the odds of me making it to a late-night move after a full day of partying are usually unlikely. But I pushed myself to stay out after Soulection (shoutout to that espresso martini that gave me wings). I had such a genuinely fun night, and did not want it to end, so I’m really happy that I didn’t end up pulling my regular grandma moves.

Still, even with all the good connection and good music, I needed one moment for myself. So I extended my trip a bit, took the next day off, and booked a solo pool reservation. I needed some quiet time with just me and the sun. That was so necessary and I don’t regret a single second of it.

Soooo basically, main takeaways from my quick NY Trip:

• Being a part of a community is fire, especially when it’s with people who speak your same creative language.

• Great sets from legends can change your whole DJ philosophy. Benji B and Native Sun’s sets reminded me to trust my taste more during my sets.

• I can, in fact, pull an all-nighter after an all day-er. As long as there’s an espresso martini involved.

• After a lot of socializing, I’m always gonna need a lil time to myself to recharge. That’s just how I am.

💿 Deep Cut of the Week

Loving Me 4 Me - Christina Aguilera (2002)

No lie, this may be one of the most beautiful ballads ever made. It’s like the perfect blend of sultry and romantic. But listening to it now, as an adult, I appreciate the lyrics so much more than I did back when I was blasting it on my walkman in middle school. (Yes I was singing this song with real conviction at age 11 😂)

This song is the perfect description of real, healthy, mutual love and unconditional acceptance. A lot of songs these days are rooted in toxicity. But Christina is singing about being seen, being poured into, and loving someone that’s giving that same energy right back to her. 🤏🏽 Clock it.

AND ANOTHER THING. I just feel like we as a society don’t give Christina Aguilera enough flowers. Her voice goes crazy. She’s a legend in my book.

📡 Monthly Playlist

Added a few songs I’ve been enjoying & revisiting lately. (sidenote: Why is July so long? I feel like I’ve updated this July playlist 10 times already).

🔁 In Heavy Rotation

I’ve been enjoying Tyler’s new album, Don’t Tap The Glass. It's been on repeat since it dropped last week. “Ring Ring Ring”, “Sucka Free,” and “Don’t You Worry Baby” are my faves.

I’m not too proud to say that I’m kind of new to the Tyler, the Creator train… but better late than never. This album made me dig into his older stuff and I get the hype now. I really enjoy his production style. It’s like… playful and fun but still intentional.

Okay that’s all for this week folks. I’m literally writing this on the bus headed home from NY, dozing off with every word I type 😭 Catch y’all in two weeks!

xoxo,

Ebb