[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ew York’s nightlife will never suffer from a shortage of DJ’s, musicians or scene queens. And with the city’s never ending influx of transplants hoping to find success and notoriety, getting noticed takes talent, tenacity and a splash of good ol’ fashioned luck. DJ Becka Diamond has mastered the formula. From her signature shock of white-blonde hair to her penchant for expensive fashion, the former Nylon music writer and full-time DJ has become a hard to miss fixture on the New York nightlife circuit, and in some of your favorite publications. WhoWhatWear crowned her “It Girl” of the month, and she’s been featured in Elle.com as well as the pages of The Guardian. NO TOFU caught up with the ever-busy Becka while she was (of course) on the clock DJ’ing for the opening reception of Diane Pernet’s A Shaded View on Fashion Film Festival.
You’re a Jill of all trades: you DJ, have been a music reporter for Nylon, and you’re known for your edgy fashion sensibility. Does one passion take precedence or are they all on pretty equal footing?
I would say lately, music takes precedence. And throwing a great party. It’s an awesome feeling to be contributing to New York nightlife, one of the greatest in the world. I often took it for granted, but time away from here (whilst living in LA) made me appreciate it on a different level.
You moved to New York from Boston to study stage training. How did you end up on the music and fashion scene?
I actually didn’t move here to study stage training. I moved as I was working in retail at the time, hence the beginning of my fashion adventure. I began DJ’ing 10 years ago at a house party in Boston, spinning vinyl. My first gigs here were at Niagara in the East Village, and St. Jerome in the Lower East Side.
You’ve said you spent four years as a personal shopper at Kirna Zabete, how did that evolve your sense of style?
It made my taste very expensive, haha! I started paying more attention to the runway, and how to bring that to real life girls. It was a blast. It’s still one of my favorite stores in NYC.
What’s in your closet right now and what do you absolutely need for spring?
My shoe collection has gotten a bit out of hand! I’m really loving the boots from Modern Vice right now. They’re handmade in NYC, and they have a bit of a heel, which is necessary for me. I love to support designers here in the city. I’m obsessed with Sally LaPointe right now as well. For spring I am dying for the Rick Owens//Adidas collaboration, a great pair of acid wash denim shorts from Wildfox, and a few vintage tees to add to my growing collection.
If there’s one thing a DJ knows it’s where to find good music. Name the three best spots for music and nightlife lovers in NYC.
Le Bain at the Standard Hotel.
Output in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Saint Vitus in Greenpoint, Brooklyn
I heard you’re a big fan of Nick Cave and you even have a few tattoos inspired by his work. What do you like about his work?
It’s hard to place exactly what it is, but there’s raw power, romance, poetry and madness in his energy that really speaks to me.
Who’s your biggest musical icon?
That’s tough. Up in the high ranks are Lisa Gerrard, Rowland S. Howard, Hope Sandoval, Aphex Twin.
Any bands or musicians we should be watching out for this year?
Ninos du Brasil from Italy, with an upcoming record on Hospital Productions, the collaboration between Vatican Shadow & Function, Sons of Magdalene out of Los Angeles.
If you could partner with any designer in the world to produce a Becka Diamond line who would you choose and why?
Hands down, Rick Owens. I love the idea of a luxurious uniform. A perfect leather jacket. Silk, flowy black layers peppered with earth & sea tones. A pair of sky high boots. He does it perfectly.
What would you want your line to look like?
See above.
The most exciting event you ever DJ’d for was?
The most exciting event I ever DJ’ed for was my first live showcase for my mini brand, and website, 13:13 (thirteen-thirteen.com) with live performances from Prurient, Azar Swan and Clay Rendering. From set times to curation and production, I was in charge of it all. Control freakishness aside, it felt great to bring 13:13 to tangibility that evening.
So everyone knows you’ve got some fierce blonde hair. If you had to change it up what’s the next color of choice?
I’ve basically had every color at this point, so if I wasn’t white blonde, I would probably end up with some honey blonde version similar to Kate Moss’ shade.
I imagine you have a lot of super late nights. How do you balance your DJ’ing with other projects?
Working out has been a life saver. It gives me energy & releases toxins and tense muscles from late nights. Pilates with Karen Lord in Tribeca is my go to.
Anything new and exciting you have in the works we should know about?
I’m working on music of my own, finally.
Becka Diamond