The Unpredictableness of Aeryn Pfaff
In this profile series, Revry is highlighting authentic contributors to the queer media and entertainment community. We ask questions to find out who they are and where they are going in the future. The questions remain the same but the answers tell their unique story. It’s time to explore and celebrate true representation beyond the limits of Hollywood.
Aeryn Pfaff is a versatile Toronto based DJ with roots in the queer techno scene. "I play clubs, warehouses, festivals, patios, drag shows, disco, techno, prog, trance, house, breaks, dnb, jersey club, baile funk, vogue house, rave, ambient — I like everything," he says. "DJing has taken me all over North America, and 10 years in I still feel like I'm just getting started." Aeryn also creates creative, inclusive spaces through his party brands SWEAT and Problemes D'Amour.
Watch Aeryn Pfaff in the premiere episode of OutRave on February 5th only on Revry
What are you best known for?
I'd like to think I'm known for being unpredictable, and never dull. I don't like to fit into a box, and that's the point. You aren't going to come see me and hear a set that sounds the same the whole time and fits neatly into one genre. That's not important to me.
When was the first time you DJ’d?
The first time I DJ'd was at a party I organized for my 22nd birthday. I knew starting out that it was gonna be hard to get booked with no reputation as a DJ yet, so for the first few years I organized a lot of what I was playing myself. An early gig that crosses my mind a lot was the first time I played a packed bar, maybe a year into things. Today I would consider that gig a small bar gig, but at that time it was a big deal for me. I had a blast, then I got home and had a panic attack 😂. Was I good? Did they like it? It can be a really vulnerable thing putting your taste out there! Luckily 11 years in I have a lot more confidence!
What are you working on that no one knows about yet?
I'm throwing a party at the new Ace Hotel in Toronto on January 28th with an amazing agency called Something! During the day I do communications work and digital marketing at a gay men's sexual health organization, so my day job was pretty crazy during the monkeypox outbreak and I didn't have time to organize parties for a while. I'm really excited to get back to it!
