Spanish Harlem Taught Memphy To Have Thick Skin & Be Herself
You’ve probably never met a New Yorker who didn’t have tuff skin and DJ, model and artist Memphy is no different. From a young age she knew EXACTLY who she was and is steady building up her brand while maintaining her “IT GIRL” aura. We sat down with Memphy to learn about her love for diverse music, growing up in Spanish Harlem and everything in between!
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FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What was it like growing up in Spanish Harlem and how has it influenced your music today?
I would say that growing up in Spanish Harlem was such a blessing in disguise. It gave me an insight to true and authentic New York culture (which is just a blend of all cultural backgrounds), as well as how to have thick skin and be yourself. I love Dj’ing a ton of genres at once. I feel like that culmination of diversity I grew up around has really influenced me to mix and play with a handful of different musical genres from Pop to Dembow to Brazilian funk. and beyond.
Did you ever feel the need to “come out” or have you always known exactly who you are?
I definitely did feel the need to come out. I already knew when I was younger that I was different. But it was important for me to differentiate that from being just “gay” or “queer”.
At what age did you realize that you identified as a woman and how was the processing of transitioning for you?
I have always identified as a woman, the only thing that made me second guess myself were other peoples opinions and pre-conceived notions of what I should be!
For any young trans kids who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps, what’s one piece of advice you have for them?
The only advice I would give to young trans kids like myself would be to follow your own path. Never let people other than yourself tell you who you are.
When did you first realize you couldn’t live without music?
I first realized I couldn’t live without music when I was in middle school. Music helped me escape my reality and made me feel so much better.
Talk to us about how you got into DJ-ing.
I got into Dj’ing officially in 2017. When I was younger I went to a performing arts camp and took DJ classes. It wasn’t until I was a bit older that I found the confidence to DJ in front of big crowds.
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What initially drew you to techno music?
Going to raves and experiencing people losing themselves in the music is what really drew me to techno music. The intensity let people leave their egos at home and dance out all of their problems on the floor and I LOVED that.
In your opinion, what’s the most popular song in the clubs right now?
The most popular song in the clubs right now I would say would have to be anything by “ONLYFIRE“.
You’ve been called one of the newest “It Girl’s” on the scene. In your opinion, what does it take to become an “It Girl”?
In my opinion it takes style, charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to become an “It Girl”. I think also a lot of hard work. I fear some people think being an “It Girl” isn’t also a full time job.
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Aside from music, you have a pretty successful career in modeling, working with some of the biggest brands like Savage X Fenty, Mugler and featured in French Vogue alongside Beyonce for Balmain. Talk to us how you got into modeling and what you enjoy most about it.
I got into modeling around the same time I started DJ’ing. In 2017 I signed to my first boutique agency and it just snowballed from there. What I enjoy most about it is being able to work with so many amazing creatives all over the world. As well as being able to meet and network with so many people globally.
You’re releasing a new single “Shake It” which accompanies a hot music video. Talk to us about the inspiration behind your new song.
The inspiration behind “Shake it” is finally being able to vocalize and share how I feel whenever I’m on a dance floor losing myself to an iconic dj set or whenever I personally lose myself while djing. It’s all about feeling like your hottest self when you’re out at the club with all your favorite girls.
Your fans also will be receiving a new EP from you as well. What can you share with us about this project?
This will be my first solo EP I’ve ever released. It’s a project with 4 tracks on it produced by Flirty800, Twonski, DJ Thankyou, and myself. It’s definitely clubby and catchy. I can’t wait for the world to hear it. It’s for the “It Girls” and the Gays.
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When you’re not jet setting all over the world, what does a typical day in LA look like for you?
A typical day in LA for me looks like getting some work done on the computer, going to the music studio, prepping future DJ sets, going to Erewhon and spending time with my best friends. Can’t forget about spending quality time with my mom.
What’s 3 beauty items that you can’t leave the house without?
I can’t leave the house without my YSL lip gloss, MAC Cork lip liner, and my Balenciaga travel perfume.
What can Galore readers expect from Memphy for the rest of 2026?
Galore girls & gays can expect more music releases, hopefully an album and more music videos. They can definitely expect to see me grow more into myself as an artist as well.
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TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor & Writer: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Joaquin Castillo (@thejoaquincastillo)
Wardrobe Stylist: Jack Novotny (@jacknovotny__)
Assistant Wardrobe Stylist & Creative Director: Dax Reedy (@____dax______ ),
Assist Wardrobe Stylist & Creative Consult: Ava Lorentzen (@avalorentzen)
Makeup Artist: Glam: Kye Quinlan (@kyequinlan)
