Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Lorraine Von Strange.
Hi DJ Lorraine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Music beckoned me from an early age, from taking guitar lessons as a kid to asking Santa Claus for a keyboard for Chistmas. I spent much of my childhood exploring sound. I began making mix tapes off the radio and later mix cd’s for friends until I discovered the wonderful world of vinyl records as a teenager. I spent much of my time sifting through record shops and thrift stores, digging for anything new or different that I could get my hands on.
Listening to New Order for the first time was a sort of spiritual awakening in which the enticing sounds of deep synth transported me to an inescapable mind altering dreamscape. They really opened a doorway to a deep love of electronic music for me.
I think in general this special love of music was an innate part of me that poured out in different creative and often unexpected ways. What really set everything into motion for me in terms of becoming a DJ was the desire to share the gems that were collecting dust on my shelves. I wanted to share the found treasures in my vinyl collection with the public and in doing so, provide an exciting dance environment.
One of my joys in life had always been going to goth and new wave dance nights since I was a teen. I’d come to feel deep admiration for the DJ’s and promoters who hosted these special events for us to dance the night away, and it felt almost inevitable to join in on that.
I had my first vinyl gig in 2015 when local DJ and friend Tropicana Joe so graciously hired me on for a guest spot. One taste, and I was hooked. By 2019, I had begun a vinyl residency called Dark Entries, an all encompassing goth night. By 2021, I had started spinning at the local goth club, Elysium, via digital format. Becoming one of the resident DJ’s for Austin’s longest running goth night, Haven, was a pivotal moment as I had frequented the club often and danced so many nights away there. I also had the opportunity to DJ and open for many touring bands including some of today’s top acts like Lebanon Hanover and Traitrs and 80’s Synthpop legends, Anything Box.
Last year, I started a new recurring series called Darkwave Disko in hopes of bringing a new vibe to the city with immense high energy where we play the best in modern dark electronic and goth related music. It ended up exceeding my expectations with its success and high attendance, and that is where my main focus lies now.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Although being a female in a male dominated industry may be tough, I never allowed that to hold me back. I viewed every obstacle as a learning opportunity whether that was a learning curve from switching to digital format from vinyl or navigating the vibe of the dance floor to keep everyone dancing. The better version of you is always on the other side of overcoming the obstacle.
Showing up is always the first step, and things tend to fall into place as you go. Plan well and be prepared, but also have provisions for the inevitable because at some point those electronics will test you. Alas, it’s the vibe that will linger and be remembered, not the equipment or the mishaps.
In addition, never underestimate the power of being authentically you. Everyone has a unique voice and perspective to offer, and that has the power to break down stereotypes and barriers.
I believe it’s important to work on your own personal brand, to build strong connections within your local community, and to continuously strengthen those bonds. I’m fortunate and grateful for all of the wonderful colleagues who have afforded me opportunities and believed in me because I believed in myself first. The patrons who support my events are some of the best people I’ve ever come to meet, and I enjoy building genuine bonds with them as well.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a digital illustrator by day and DJ by night, I am able to blend the best of both worlds and bring creative freedom to my life as well as incorporate that into the flyers that I create for my events. Creativity is the driving force in everything that I do.
I play Goth and related sub-genres to include Darkwave, Post-Punk, Synthpop, New Wave, Industrial, and so on. I specialize in the dark side of electronic music. At my Darkwave Disko nights, you can expect to hear a blend of Dark Electronic, Darkwave, EBM, Dark Techno, and Italo with artists such as Boy Harsher, Sextile, Gesaffelstein, and Twin Tribes to name a select few.
I’m incredibly proud of Darkwave Disko. I sought out to bring new energy to Austin with a dance night that showcases the best in modern dark electronic and goth adjacent genres. There are so many talented new artists emerging constantly, and I love bringing much deserved exposure to new talent as well as showcasing beloved well known artists. The response has been incredible and a beautiful testament to my love for this city and its night life.
I’d say what sets me apart is my drive. I’m a total music fiend on a constant hunt for that next perfect track. My main goal is always that people enjoy themselves on the dance floor.
At Darkwave Disko, we blend together the darkest soundscapes to fully immerse you into a hypnotizing nonstop dance party that evokes a brooding yet electrifying atmosphere. I feature a different guest DJ at each one, and our mission is always the same – to keep you dancing.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorrainevonstrange
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djlorrainevonstrange
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@djvonstrange?si=18IIvXr2YbZGQbZo
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/kqybxGHM9P2qubCY8
Image Credits
dontmindmestudios
