Hot DJs of Pride Season: DJ Spencer Huff
Article written by Alexander Rodriguez, host of On the Rocks with Alexander
If you’re dancing, so is DJ Spencer Huff. Based in Los Angeles, he’s no stranger to the best events this Pride season and he’s got his finger (nothing else, his grandma might be reading) on the pulse of what’s next in EDM. Aww, shucks…he’s Indiana born and raised and has got old-fashioned manners, a sweet personality, an adorable smile, and his beats kill it every time. Fairly new to the scene, he made his DJ debut at LGBTQ+ music festival Utopia. Despite COVID getting in the way, he’s already established a great reputation and has been seen across the nation with residencies at X Bar Denver, DS Tequila Company in Chicago, as well as in NYC and Miami.
We chatted with Spencer in between his gigs about getting into the biz, coming out, nightlife, and, of course, undies:
What piece of music or artist first got you inspired to DJ?
It's hard to lock down just one piece of music or artist because music has such deep roots in my life. I do remember the first song I ever downloaded was “Promiscuous Girl” - Nelly Furtado on Limewire.
Do you remember your first professional DJ gig? How did it go?
I played my first professional DJ gig in 2007 (7th grade) for my cousin's graduation party. Granted, I just played music from my itunes, but it was so much fun! I had family and friends dancing all night. From there, "SuSpence DJ Service" was born and I did weddings, birthdays, and all my high school dances. I went to college and backed off the DJ scene a little and focused on school, but the events and entertainment industry couldn't let me go. In 2016 after graduation, I moved to LA because I just had to work in the field I loved. It wasn't until 2020 that I decided to pick DJ'ing back up again and actually learn how to spin. It just so happens that I was working on a live stream project during the big shutdown and caught the attention of a nightlife promoter from NYC. He invited me to spin at some small gatherings and then in Sept 2020, he booked me for the lineup of a small LGBTQIA+ Covid-Safe festival called Utopia. The set was so amazing, the vibes were off the charts, and at the end of the set, I came out to dance with everyone and they all picked me up and were cheering me on. It's a very special moment I will never forget.
What are your favorite kinds of parties to DJ?
I am primarily doing LGBTQIA+ events/festivals but definitely looking to expand when I release some tracks (coming soon)! :)
Where do you usually DJ?
I am based in LA but travel almost every weekend for different events across the US. My social media is the best way to keep track of where I am week to week but I frequent Denver, Chicago, NYC, and Miami often.
What kind of music are you listening to when not working?
As a DJ, you're pretty much always working. There's an endless amount of stuff to listen to but typically because my sets are so high energy, I really enjoy some deep house or downtempo chill stuff. There's actually a set on my SoundCloud @djspencerhuff with some of my favorites from that genre. One thing I know is that I listen to music to elevate or change my mood, not to match it. Let's not forget how important it is to actually just listen to nothing. Meditation has become such a significant help to me recently.
Have you ever hooked up during a set?
No, because my grandma will probably be reading this.
What is one of your funniest/craziest DJ stories?
I got hired to go down to the Bahamas as a special surprise for a birthday party. The client had chartered this crazy party pirate ship. They all showed up on a bus and were so surprised to see an actual pirate ship with a whole production on board. The night was so crazy and fun, with great music and such fun people! Never thought I would be crossing pirate ship off of my venue list.
What is your coming-out story?
My coming-out story is actually pretty easy to tell. I knew I was gay around 12 or 13 and in Indiana, you don't talk about that. Figuring out how to do was always on my mind. My mom went through my phone senior year of high school. We are very close and she was acting so strangely to me, so I knew something was up. I just had to confront her about why and she told me she knew everything. There was no lying my way out of that situation so I told her - Ok, well if we are going to discuss this right here, right now, I need you to know that this is not a choice. I won't discuss a word if you try and use that angle on me. She had a few tears and then agreed. Telling everyone else was surprisingly easy.
You travel everywhere to DJ…what are your favorite cities to play in?
Every time I go to Chicago (in the summer), I have the best time. The vibes are always so good and I feel very welcomed. Denver has that same feel. Keep in mind, that I've only been traveling to DJ for 2 years, so every new city I get to go to will be my favorite. I am very excited to head to Vancouver at the end of this month for their Pride celebration.
What cities have the hottest boys?
There's not a city I've been to that I haven’t been welcomed by or introduced to the most beautiful people! 😊
How do you handle romance and dating while working such late hours?
I don't. Haha!
Who is your musical celebrity crush?
My musical celeb crush would be Joel Correy. I went to see him in Chicago one weekend and he complimented my shirt and then replied to my shoutout on Instagram. I was lucky enough to spin with him at the last Utopia festival in Mexico, I don't think he remembered. He de. didn't remember. It's ok, I still love you, Joel.
How do you recover from a night of spinning?
For as much energy as I expel during my sets, I really can't do much except go to sleep.
What about your music sets you apart from other DJs?
The entertainment factor and journey that a DJ can take you on is so much more important to dance floors now. I really do feel like every set I play has a specific journey to it, ending with a beautiful, anthemic, singalong style moment and from the beginning, with every track, I am building that.
Besides music, what other hobbies/talents do you have?
Well, the career that pays for the DJ career is still lighting design. There have been some pretty spectacular moments that I've experienced behind the lighting console. I'm always learning, improving, and growing so discovering new things you like or that you're good at is a hobby/talent in itself.
What would be your advice for a new DJ just getting into the business?
Your network is your net worth. Meet and befriend as many people in the industry as possible, stay connected with them, support them and go to as many shows as you can afford. I always like to say "a high tide raises all ships."
Have you ever hooked up with a go-go boy from one of your gigs?
Nooo, because grandma!
What kind of underwear do you wear around the house?
You can usually find me around the house wearing athletic shorts with no underwear. I hate laundry.
If you were to design a pair of Andrew Christian underwear, what would they look like?
Well, they definitely would not have a "pouch." But I'm a classic black, white, or grey kinda guy. Ultimately, comfort is more important to me than looks.
You can follow DJ Spencer Huff on IG: @Spencer_Huff