A home on the floor: The musical expression of a DJ in a queer place

Abstract

Existing studies about DJ learning and experience hint at the importance of place and music in the development of DJ musicianship. An exploration of the experiences of a queer DJ performing electronic dance music in a queer place might broaden our understanding of how musical expression and identity intermingle with musical places. I sought to understand how the monthly queer event Bronco functioned as a place for musical expression for an electronic dance music DJ named Greg. Using the remix as a methodological framework, I layered samples from interviews and field texts to depict Greg’s experiences alongside my own at Bronco. Findings illuminate the role of place in Greg’s musical development, performances and expression of musical and sexual identity. The resonance of Greg’s experiences with my experience as a queer music educator is discussed as well as considerations for music educators who may seek to include electronic dance music in classroom settings.