While most of us were spending March 2020’s initial COVID lockdown collecting shells in Animal Crossing or messing with ill-fated sourdough starters, Syd was honing their mixing skills. “I started DJing 'cause I was fucking bored. Like really and truly.” Some friends gave Syd their first board while cooped up in Friendship Heights and after some pointers from local spinners, like Amal of Black Rave Culture, Syd turned boredom into b2bs. Five years on, they’ve played some of D.C.’s biggest stages and even have a Boiler Room set to show for it.
Born in Silver Spring, Syd’s musical life really started when they got into an arts-focused high school in Hagerstown. First it was choir, then musicals and opera, then it was cheerleading. “A lot of the reason why I play what I play is because I did competitive cheerleading. That music is fast, high energy. It has jersey cuts, drum and bass cuts, hip hop cuts. It has literally everything that you could want in a span of six minutes for a routine.” And you can hear it in their mixes. At one point in their Book Club Radio set, they blend a version of Steely Dan’s Black Cow into a Jersey Club remix of Migos’ Fight Night.
What is it about the DMV that makes you want to have a concerted effort to be a presence here?
“The DMV is home. It's where I really came into myself, both personally and creatively. I feel a deep responsibility to give back to the community that’s continuously poured into me. I love this city, and I truly feel that love reflected back.
I want to see D.C. thrive on every level. I want the people who are constantly pushing boundaries—creatively, culturally, and communally—to grow and be recognized. If I can be a part of that momentum, if I can help amplify that work in any way, I’ll do it.
There are so many facets of creativity here that go beyond just making art. Most party series I know, including my own, find ways to give back to a range of causes. In comparison, those causes often use creative approaches to uplift and empower their communities.”
How has the DMV’s music scene influenced your mixes? Is it a conscious decision or does it make its way in subconsciously?
“Those choices are very intentional. Sometimes I just feel it, “Tonight is a real D.C.-ass night.” There’s something specific about the energy here. The DMV is stacked with incredibly talented artists, both underground and mainstream. So many have already broken through from this area, and plenty more are on the rise.
The thing is, people don’t think of D.C. as a creative city. It gets overlooked. But once people actually take the time to tap in, even just a little, they’re blown away. They realize there’s a whole underground world here: unique sounds, stories, aesthetics, all rooted in this region. And what’s wild is that the DMV flow? It’s not just part of the culture anymore—it’s influencing the culture. It’s the blueprint now.”
What’s a “D.C.-ass night” sound like?
“If the homies make an edit, hell yeah, I'm playing that shit. Auto Lola dropped this song called Waikiki and it has this cute Jersey beat underneath of it. Amal produced it. I play that all the time.
I play a lot of Black Rave Culture, Nativesun, James Bangura, and Baronhawk Poitier. The electronic music coming out of the DMV is super crazy and there's so much to tap into.”
Do you think D.C.’s electronic scene is having a moment right now?
“I think it’s been building for a while. The electronic scene moves in waves — there’s this constant ebb and flow. Sometimes it’s way up, sometimes it’s down — not because it’s not thriving, but because it’s not always mainstream.
Lately, though, I’m really noticing how things are taking off for the people around me. It’s honestly the most incredible feeling. I’ve been in it for about five years, and seeing how far homies have come, how proud they are of what they’ve built — it’s so motivating. It reminds me of what’s possible.
And then there’s 618, which is doing something totally different. Their parties are packed, and the word spreads fast. People know it’s the spot, especially if you’re trying to avoid Dupont Circle or Downtown. Honestly, I’d way rather be at 618.”
Is there a place or activity in the DMV that you find artistically inspiring?
“The Hirshhorn. That's a place that I find a lot of inspiration. The Georgetown graffiti cliff. And that waterfall by the Trader Joe’s in Northwest Branch.”
Favorite local venue?
Food shout outs?
“God damn. Heat Da Spot on Georgia Avenue. That's my Ethiopian grandfather. I used to see him every day. Yums on 14th Street. They have the best mumbo sauce and half and half in the city.”
Local song that you genuinely can't stop listening to?
"B/W by El Cousteau. Panty Dropper by XIB.”
What do you hope listeners gain from a Syd set?
“Once you put something out, it's no longer yours.
For me, the intention is always rooted in care. I hope what I put out can offer someone a moment of peace, make them move, spark a memory, or shift their thinking—however small. I don’t need everyone to feel the same thing. I just hope that each person gets what they need from it, in that moment. That’s enough for me.”
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Set to Check Out:
🎟️ Upcoming Local Shows To See
Bongo District, Soroche, Chicha Morada (Cumbia) | August 8 | 10 p.m. | $18 | Comet Ping Pong
Eyes To End, Gash, Loose Screw, Anesthesiac (Hardcore) | August 15 | 7 p.m. | $12 | Haydee’s
Ether Pleaser w/ SoFTT (House) | August 16 | 10 p.m. | $11 | 618
Glitterer, Teen Mortgage, Toro, Anthony Family (Rock) | August 22 | 7 p.m. | $15-$25 | Black Cat
🎵 New Local Music Mentions
Amal, Rxfx: “Stuck in SP”. Syd’s fellow DMV DJ Amal and Brazi’s Rxfx masterfully combine the UK Jungle sound and Brazilian funk into this beautifully abrasive track. To me it sounds like playing footy in the favelas in a pair of New Balances.
🎧 Your August Local Music Playlist
Check out this Spotify playlist we made, featuring Syd’s picks and inspirations, plus music by the other local artists above.
