The Vinyl Vibe: Celebrating Women & Femme Vinyl DJs in New York City and Beyond

Welcome to the world of women and femme DJs who are devoted to the art of spinning vinyl! This section is dedicated to the pioneers, trailblazers, and emerging talent who embrace the rich, tactile experience of playing records. Spinning vinyl is more than just playing music—it’s a labor of love, a craft that requires time, patience, and a deep connection to the grooves beneath your fingertips.

The Art of Vinyl DJing

For those new to the world of vinyl, DJing with records is a beautiful, hands-on art form that requires dedication. There’s no flash drive to rely on or digital crate to pull from—when you’re behind the decks, you’ve only got what you can carry. That means the music you select ahead of time is crucial, adding an exciting layer of creativity to the set. Each record represents hours spent digging through crates, sometimes in tiny corners of independent record shops, to find those rare tracks that speak to you.

There’s something magical about hearing the warm, analog sound of vinyl, the way it crackles and fills the room. For many, it’s about paying homage to the history of DJ culture while also pushing it forward. The best vinyl DJs are part music historians, part performers, and part tastemakers.

Building Your Vinyl Collection

If you're just starting out with vinyl, it can feel a bit overwhelming—but don’t worry, every DJ starts with their first crate of records! Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Start with what you love

Buy records from artists and genres you already enjoy. This helps you build a collection that feels personal and inspires you.

• Crate digging is key

Spend time exploring your local record stores. You’ll be surprised at what hidden gems you can find by flipping through vinyl sleeves.

• Ask for recommendations

Record store staff are often incredibly knowledgeable and can guide you toward the type of sound or genre you're after.

• Mix old and new

Blend classics with modern pressings. A great set can mix genres and eras seamlessly.

• Think about your next gig

Always consider the venue and the crowd. Are you spinning at a cozy bar, a club, or a house party? Your selection should reflect the vibe you're going for.

• Networking

Are you out and about among the current tastemakers in the vinyl DJ scene? Follow your favorite artists on social media, introduce yourself at events, create and distribute merch (i.e. stickers, shirts, patches, pins, etc.) that identifies your brand to others, and always be friendly and respectful in your interactions!

• Equipment

You probably already have a turntable (or two!) but if you’re just beginning your vinyl DJ journey, start small with a basic turntable to see if you like the mechanics of it. From there, you can explore the vast world of needles, headphones (aka “cans”), and perhaps invest in the classics (i.e. Technics 1200s) and eventually a mixer that you’re comfortable using. Start with a basic two-channel mixer and work your way up! Remember, your DJ skillz come from practice, practice, practice!

• Support others!

Supporting independent record shops is also vital to the culture. These stores often serve as community hubs, where you can meet other DJs, attend events, and get deeper into the world of vinyl. NYC has a rich tradition of legendary shops—take a trip to Vinyl Fantasy, for example—an independent, woman-owned record store, and start to get to know your local scene! 

Buying vinyl is about more than just music; it's about keeping a vibrant, creative ecosystem alive. Supporting local record stores helps ensure that the culture of vinyl DJing thrives. Many stores host in-store DJ sets, workshops, and even vinyl record exchanges, making them the perfect place to dive deeper into the scene.

Spotlight on NYC’s Vinyl Femme DJ
New York City is home to some of the most talented women and femme DJs spinning vinyl, and their contributions have helped shape the city’s vibrant music scene. Here are just a couple of local legends making waves:

Connie T. Empress
Known for her soulful house sets and infectious energy, Connie T. Empress has been a staple of the NYC underground scene for decades. Her vinyl collection is vast, and her sets are known for taking dancers on deep, soulful journeys.

Nacht Nurse
Fusing techno with a range of experimental sounds, Nacht Nurse is one of NYC’s most innovative vinyl DJs. Whether spinning at intimate venues or larger clubs, her sets deliver an electric, immersive experience.

These DJs, and countless others around NYC and the world, keep the art of vinyl alive with each set. By supporting them—through attending their shows, sharing their mixes, and celebrating their work—you’re helping to uplift a crucial part of the DJing tradition.

Together, we can keep the heart of vinyl DJing alive and well—one record at a time!

DJ Nacht Nurse is a versatile, queer, femme, vinyl DJ raised and based in New York City. Spinning records that traverse genres and eras, she brings an eclectic mix of sounds to every set, making each night unforgettable. DJ Nacht Nurse holds two esteemed monthly residencies: First Fridays at East River Bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Select Sundays at The LetLove Inn in Astoria, Queens.