At the forefront of Portland’s queer scene, dj red tide is known not only for their dance parties and commitment to activism and community support, but also for the unforgettable moments they create. dj red tide holds the distinction of being the only DJ to ever set a subwoofer ablaze and surprise an ecstatic crowd with the Undertow Brass Band (formerly What Cheer? Brigade), an 18-piece ensemble that brought the house down. dj red tide’s events stand out as some of the most memorable that Portland has ever seen.
“It all started when I moved back to Maine from Philadelphia, where I had spent several years DJing through the early 2000s, hosting numerous house parties and really immersing myself in the music scene,” dj red tide explains. “After stepping away from the scene for a while, upon my return to Maine, I noticed a significant gap—there were no queer dance parties. That’s what inspired me to dive back into DJing. I gathered some friends, and together we approached Flask Lounge with our crazy idea. Flask was incredibly supportive and allowed us to bring our vision to life. SUB/MERGE lasted three and a half years and holds a very tender part in my heart.”
SUB/MERGE was about more than just music; it aimed to create a space that connected dance parties with queer community building and broader radical political activism. “It was always a fundraiser. We raised $11,000 and donated it to various organizations over those years, which is pretty cool. But for me, as a DJ, what’s crucial is how to connect a party to community activism.”
When discussing the impact of community events on advocacy, dj red tide emphasized the powerful role of intentional spaces: “We’re embodying the kind of world we want to live in. It’s about setting intentions, creating a space where we can dance, have fun, and advocate for change simultaneously.”
This year’s Pride party is meaningful, as it supports two important causes: Portland Outright and a crucial water project in Gaza. dj red tide passionately discussed the vital work of Portland Outright, saying, “In the midst of a severe backlash against trans youth and a broader right-wing agenda scapegoating trans people, Portland Outright stands out by nurturing young leadership within the LGBTQ+ community. They’ve been developing leaders who continue to advocate for change both in Portland and across the country. It’s an incredibly important time to support such a program.”
Expanding on their global advocacy, dj red tide spoke about their commitment to the crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and their direct involvement:
“The war and genocide happening in Palestine are among the most pressing issues of our times. For 20 years, I’ve been involved in Palestinian solidarity work, and right now, we need to be thinking about Palestine all the time. We’re raising money through this party to support a community water project in Gaza, where the funds go directly to developing a water distribution system. This direct involvement helps us ensure the resources we raise are immediately put to work to aid the community—because water is life.”
As for what attendees can expect from this year’s Pride event at Flask Lounge, dj red tide promises a blend of joy and resistance. “This year, it’s about embodying queer resistance, showing that our joy and our rights are intertwined. We are creating spaces for celebration but also for advocacy and change, reinforcing the idea that our gatherings are not just parties but acts of solidarity and activism.”
This Pride, Flask Lounge invites you to experience the Queer Revelry and the heart of activism woven by dj red tide. Join us to celebrate, support, and contribute to a movement that dances boldly in the face of adversity.
BONUS — Quickfire with dj red tide
Favorite Dance Track: Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend” is a surefire hit. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that not only has people singing along but inspires coordinated dance routines. Video Bonus: Check out this throwback clip from 10 years ago to see the magic in action!
Digital or Vinyl: Digital – it allows for creativity, sharing, and accessibility, despite a love for vinyl records.
Morning or Night person: Somewhere in between, but not quite built for the typical DJ late nights.
One app they can’t go without: The weather app – crucial for planning parties.
Last book read: “Dilla Time” – a biography of Jay Dilla, a musical genius and pivotal figure in hip-hop history.
Favorite podcast: “Maintenance Phase” – a podcast about fatphobia and the weight loss industry, filled with humor and political insights.
Connect with DJ red tide
• On Instagram @redtide207 which is regularly updated. DM on Instagram for bookings.
• Substack for occasional mixes and writing about dance music.
Upcoming events:
🗓️ On June 14th dj red tide is djing for Nebula! A Queer Party at Geno’s Rock Club that will feature incredible burlesque and drag performances and will close with a dance party.
🗓️ On Friday July 19th DISCO DUNGEON and I will be at Flask Lounge for a takeover of Friction Friday.
ADDITIONAL Resources:
Portland Outright:
Website: www.portlandoutright.org
Instagram: @portlandoutright
Boston Area Palestine Mutual Aid
LinkTree: linktr.ee/bostonareamutualaid
Give directly to this community water project: Venmo @wellforthepeople with “water” in the subject line
More Palestine resources:
Middle East Children’s Alliance: https://www.mecaforpeace.org/
US Campaign Palestinian Human Rights: https://uscpr.org/
Palestinian Youth Movement: https://palestinianyouthmovement.com/
Jewish Voice for Peace: https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/
