An interview with DJ Marilyn Thomas

Photo by Angelo Yap

Philly’s DJ Marilyn Thomas has been a nightclub DJ since the dawn of the millennium (or for almost eight years now), spinning dance tracks throughout the greater Mid-Atlantic area. With a distinct passion for New Wave, Thomas has carved a niche as Philly's self-described reigning 80s queen. She also writes a blog about her latest musical, online and karaoke obsessions. And while the retro scene is a hallmark to Thomas’ musical stylings, don’t be surprised to catch her digging up electronic dance music, rock and party anthems on the turntable, too. It’s what’s made her one of the city’s most recognizable female DJs. She was kind enough to talk to Examiner about what makes a good party, the most embarrassing albums in her collection (hint: Headbanger's Ball) and why she still swears by Yaz.

Natalie Hope McDonald: What’s the strangest experience you’ve had in a Philly nightclub or bar?

DJ Marilyn Thomas: I've had a few, let's just say.

NHM: I get it. Keep them guessing, right? Ok, so what’s the most underrated aspect of Philly nightlife?

DJMT: Karaoke! Seriously! On any given night, there is karaoke going on somewhere in the city. If you don’t believe me, check out Boutell.com, a listing with updated karaoke DJ nights and lounges. I used to be a serious karaoke singer. I might have to get back into it since it is all the rage again.

NHM: When you’re not singing a rousing rendition of “Tainted Love,” where do you spend your time partying?

DJMT: I honestly don't go out to bars and clubs very much when I'm not spinning. I know that sounds odd, but I prefer going to live shows when I can. I just moved back to the city in September and have wanted to check out the new Barbary (951 Frankford Ave.).

NHM: How did you first get started in the music business?

DJMT: I started out doing college radio in 1992. I was one of the founders of the on-campus radio station at Penn State Berks Campus. From there I did shows at other local colleges. I eventually graduated to promoting underground electronic parties in the late 90s in the Berks area. I was actively involved in the online world at this time, as well. And I connected with other music-loving people via mailing lists and news groups. I also maintained a couple of my own websites about the local underground music scene. I met many musicians and DJs as a result. In 1999, one of my DJ friends suggested that I try DJing at one of his gigs. I really didn’t have an interest in it at first. I was just happy going out and writing about the experiences. But the idea grew on me and I eventually went for it. I got my first official gig in Philadelphia in 2001 and the rest is history, as they say.

NHM: What’s your fondest memory of being a DJ here in Philly?

DJMT: All the people I’ve met and good times experienced from the past five-plus years behind the decks at Fluid Nightclub (613 S. Fourth St., 215-629-3686) for Sex Dwarf. It is, by far, my most proud accomplishment as a DJ. However, I have also played events with such high-profile DJs like Nigel Richards and Larry Tee and that ranks up there pretty high.

NHM: If you had to bring a nightclub back from the dead, what would it be and why?

DJMT: Revival. I never did get to spend time there when it was Revival, but I hear all these glorious stories about the parties and the scene. And though we’ve revived the ambience of it at Sex Dwarf, I can’t help but feel deprived that I missed that era.   

NHM: What tracks would you include on the ultimate playlist?

"Bizarre Love Triangle" by New Order; Joy Division’s "Love Will Tear Us Apart;" "This Charming Man" by The Smiths; "Just Can’t Get Enough" by Depeche Mode; Erasure’s "Chains of Love;" "Situation" by Yaz; "Sex Dwarf" by Soft Cell; "Cities in Dust" by Siouxsie & The Banshees; The Cure’s "Boys Don’t Cry;" "GO!" by Tones on Tail; Duran Duran’s "Girls on Film;" "Dancing with Myself" by Billy Idol and Prince’s "Let’s Go Crazy."

NHM: How do you feel about people asking for requests?

DJMT: I’m perfectly okay with hearing requests and I will play them within reason. I enjoy seeing people get happy when I play their song. It’s my job to keep people happy and dancing after all. Just don’t request Madonna at Sex Dwarf and it's all good.

NHM: Where else can we see you spin these days?

DJMT: I’m at Fluid Nightclub every First Friday for Sex Dwarf. You can also find me at Tir Na Nog (1600 Arch St., 267-514-1700) on Saturday nights at least once a month spinning a broader span of 80s music. I also take on other guest spots from time to time. I update my Myspace page when they are booked. 

NHM: The DJ world seems to be dominated by men. What’s it like being a woman on the scene?

DJMT: Well, I have been doing this awhile now and proven my passion for it, so I feel I have earned some level of respect. I’ve been fortunate and proud of the past five-plus years standing next to one of Philly’s best DJ Robert Drake (of WXPN). I have also had the privilege of spinning with other female DJs over the years, like Kathy Fadigan, Trishylicious, Chatty Cathy and others. I’m happy to encourage other ladies to get into it if they really want to. It’s not without its challenges, but the important part to remember is as long as you are having fun, that’s what matters.

NHM: Any challenges you’ve had to face?

DJMT: In the beginning, it was a lot of work to get the gigs and make a name for myself. When I first started out, I went by another name: DJ Pussy Galore. I wanted a name that stood out and people would remember. It certainly did pique people’s interest and I got the gigs. Then, in 2006, I dropped Pussy Galore and started to use my real name.

NHM: How would you describe your sound style?

DJMT:  I’m known for being the “New Wave Diva” because of my obvious love for 80s New Wave. I enjoy a variety of rock and electronic dance music, too. I would actually like to start spinning new indie-electronic music again at some point.

NHM: What’s your favorite part of Philly’s nightlife scene?

DJMT: Meeting new people! I’m a social creature by nature, so whether it’s at Sex Dwarf or other venues, I enjoy making connections with people. I haven’t had to deal with too much drama over the past few years, so I think most people are friendly and just want to have a good time.

NHM: You’ve obviously been immersed in the scene here. But if you live in Philly for many years it’s easy to think you’ve done and seen it all. Please tell me about a destination where even the die hards and naysayers will have fun.

DJMT: Sex Dwarf, of course!  But seriously, Fluid Nightclub continues to offer diverse parties where there’s something for everyone to enjoy on a consistent basis.

NHM: What’s the hottest thing going on in Philly right now?

DJMT: I’m trying to figure that out myself. I’m hearing more and more about Kungfu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) in Fishtown. 

NHM: You’ve told us about your favorite music and ultimate playlist, but what’s the most embarrassing album in your collection? This is your chance to come clean, Marilyn.

DJMT: I actually just got rid of a bunch of old CDs when I moved so I don’t really have anything I’d consider embarrassing now. Believe it or not, most of what I got rid of was a lot of 80s and early 90s heavy metal stuff. Not that I’m necessarily embarrassed by that, but I just don’t really listen to it anymore.

NHM: So you were a metal head! I understand you’re also involved in the community by day.

DJMT: I’m getting heavily involved in the local tech and creative communities, so I'm often going to lectures, happy hours, networking events and such. I also work a lot. I’m focusing a lot of time on growing my marketing consultancy. My specialty is Internet marketing.

NHM: From a marketing perspective, what’s the biggest misconception about being a DJ?

DJMT: That DJs make the big bucks. I personally know probably less than six nightclub DJs in Philadelphia that do it full-time and make a respectable living off of it. Most DJs I know all have full- or part-time jobs in addition to spinning.

NHM: Is Philly a good music town?

DJMT: Philly is an awesome town for music.  There are a lot of great venues to see shows and DJs. There are also many talented, hard working musicians and DJs that make being in Philly right now a very exciting time. There’s a lot of passion and pride in the local scene. On any given night, there’s something fun and interesting going on. As far as live venues are concerned, The Trocadero (1003 Arch St., 215-922-6888) is always a winner. I also enjoy World Café Live (3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400), Johnny Brenda’s (1201 Frankford Ave., 215-739-9684), The Khyber (56 S. Second St., 215-238-5888), North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St., 215-787-0488), Tritone (1508 South St., 215-545-0475) and the First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St., 215-563-3980).

NHM: What music are you listening to right now?

DJMT: I have been listening to WOXY Vintage a lot lately, as well as letting Blip.fm shuffle. Other stuff I’ve been listening to in no particular order: Cut Copy, The Presets, innerpartysystem, White Lies, Me My Head, The Dossier, and Philly bands Liam and Me, The Model and Void Vision.