Tasha Guevara

Photographed By Albertus

WHERE ARE YOU RIGHT NOW AND HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED THERE?
I recently returned to New York City and have lived here for over 40 years, but travel around for work. Waiting on the next adventure. My passport is ready.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?
I was born in Trinidad and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Coney Island to be exact, home of the "Wonder Wheel" and "The Warriors" - great movie definitely watch it if you haven’t already.

WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CITY OR HOMETOWN?
The best thing are the New Yorkers, My city boasts a population of people from all over the world and I'm definitely proud of it especially with the political climate we are living in at the moment. It is a city rich in culture from across the globe and I am lucky enough to experience all of it as well as stay connected to my own roots.

WHAT WERE YOUR CHILDHOOD ASPIRATIONS?
I always wanted to travel and see as much of the world as I can. DJing has allowed me to travel to wonderful places and the list keeps getting longer. I wanted to see and soak up everything I could. I found my bucket list recently. When I was 15 and I already knocked off a few countries, so feeling a bit accomplished but the adventure continues.

WHY MUSIC?
Music has always been a part of my life. The fondest and happiest moments with my family have always been music filled. Music has been there for me in good times and bad and is the best therapy in my book. It is a language that can be shared by many and that makes it truly beautiful

WHY DJ?
I was always mesmerized at family parties hearing my uncles play. It blew my mind that such fantastic sounds could come from a flat piece of wax and to be able to play whatever songs I wanted to hear when I wanted was a definite plus. Years later i purchased a pair of used technics 1200s and started practicing and a bar in Brooklyn gave me a shot and it took off from there. I just love to spin and music heals so why not?

HOW DID YO ACQUIRE THE SKILL?
I'm still learning…Always learning new music and artists. I will always be a student.

WHAT DO YOU USUALLY START WITH WHEN PREPARING FOR A SET?
It depends on the mood I'm in or the feel of the crowd. I've started everywhere from disco to old school hip hop to jazz to a show tune preferably from a 70s crime show. They have the most epic soundtracks.

IS THERE ANY SOUND THAT YOU FEEL IS UNDERREPRESENTED ON THE DANCE FLOOR?
I think the tables are turning and people are becoming more excited to hear music other than the 10 songs one can hear on the radio. I have heard so much amazing music by new artists, and find it through social media channels and DJs. I'm always searching for new sounds and try to represent that in my sets.

WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES YOU ON A DAY TO DAY?
My mother and grandmother (RIP).  These two women raised me and I owe everything to them. They are definitely my inspiration.

IS THERE A MUSICAL PASSAGE OR SONG THAT NEVER FAILS TO MOVE YOU EMOTIONALLY?
"Obeah Woman" by Nina Simone.

I'm the Obeah woman from beneath the sea
To get to Satan you gotta pass through me
'Cause I know the angels name by name
I can eat thunder and drink the rain
Been through enough Yeah they call me Nita and Pisces too
There ain't nothing that I can't do If I choose to, if you let me
Ha I'm the Obeah woman, above pain
I can eat thunder and drink the rain
I kiss the moon and hug the sun
And call the spirits and make 'em run

Such powerful words from one of my favorite artists. The song was introduced to me when I was a young girl by mother, and I never tire of it. It has brought forth so many emotions and helps me to remember how amazing women are no matter what is thrown at us.

HOW DO YOU GET CLUB READY?
I make sure that I definitely have my headphones,  that can be ugly if you forget them and any extra wires. You never know when those will come in handy. As far as personal style, I do not know if I really have one, it changes from one day to the next. I love thrifting and vintage stores. I try to throw in a piece whenever I can. Being comfortable is also key so sneakers are always in my DJ bag that I can slip on behind the booth. I love to dance when spinning and stilettos can be torturous.

ANY BEAUTY RITUALS?
Coconut oil for everything! I don’t know a thing about makeup but moisturizing is key so shea butter accompanies me everywhere as well.

HOW DO YOU SPEND A DAY OFF?
A day off is spent snuggled down in my bed for a Netflix marathon. Period pieces are the best, and I am addicted to reality crime shows. I have always been fascinated by what makes the human mind work. I was interested in being a forensic psychologist until I took a trip to the medical school morgue, where I worked while in college, and that experience pretty much ended that.

HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
I can only unwind near a beach and sea water, otherwise, it's always on to the next thing.