The Power of Love
While nightlife is on pause, Lovette Zola a.k.a. DJ Love reminds us that dancing is sacred and deejaying is a superpower. Inspired by her first nights out in New Jersey as a teenager, the ballroom culture of New York City, and the Philly Club sound of her own city Philadelphia, she’s been expanding her art through the lockdown.
Photo by @lloydtheabstrac
NOUVEAU YORK: Last time we were in touch in March, you were about to celebrate the release of your new record 'Lover Boy' at Le Bain. But NYC shut down that week and the party never happened. How have you been?
DJ LOVE: I've been really good, the pandemic definitely was not what was expected for 2020 but the first few months gave me time to explore as an artist and spiritual being. We as creatives had to recreate spaces within ourselves and virtual realms. The time I spent at home really opened my eyes and mind for what I truly want as a being and how I want to continue influencing this world through my music and more.
NY: Could you describe your daily routine during the lockdown?
L: I stayed where it felt most like home, I spent my spring exploring different sounds, genres, and emotions. I spent time exploring psychedelics and the different outlooks on life that came with them. My routines transformed throughout the months but a few staple things I'd hold onto were morning meditations, having a daily reflection of what I'm grateful for, and doing five acts of self care a day.
“To be free and dance to club music until whenever was a bliss.”
NY: Since ‘Lover Boy’ you have released a new EP ‘222’ in August. Is there a different state of mind behind those 2 records? Did the lockdown impact the way you make music?
L: Lover Boy and 222 were both so significant to my growth, Both were made during huge changes in my life. During the production of Lover Boy I was battling inner chaos so 222 has much significance. I often see this number repeatedly. I believe in angel numbers and things happening for a reason, 222 alone means expansion. Behind 222 was enlightenment in mental and growth in skill sets.
NY: Tell us about your music upbringing as a child, being raised in Jersey.
L: I grew up in a Liberian first generation household. I was a violinist for a bit of my childhood and my parents raised me around a LOT of gospel and dance music from countries all over West Africa. My parents kept my siblings and I pretty sheltered. We weren't allowed to do much but as I got “older”, really young as hell, I snuck out to house parties. To be free and dance to club music until whenever was a bliss.
Photo by @basementbulb
“I didn't get to experience NYC nightlife until I was 19 and that definitely turned me out.”
NY: How old were you?
L: All started when I was sneaking out to parties at 16 in Jersey. It became a thing that me and my friends did, literally just to dance. Dancing felt like its own space to not be judged. I could feel full if I just felt the bass hard enough. Those parties back then were WILD, between all the dance teams that literally had their own anthem who came to fuck it up and everyone who came to sweat, it was so sacred. I sure as heck knew all the routines! Those teams were so talented! Between the tutting and footwork I could only admire.
NY: What were the records that embody those years?
L: Records by Swizzymack, DJ Dwizz’ “Get Em”, Jayhood, as well as vocalists like Tiny and Frosty, just to name a few, signify that era like hell!
NY: Was New York nightlife an inspiration when you were a teenager?
L: I didn't get to experience NYC nightlife until I was 19 and that definitely turned me out. I experienced a ball for the first time, I experienced a rave for the first time as well as nightclubs of all kinds.
NY: The ballroom and voguing culture goes back to the 70's in New York city. Being raised in Jersey and then based in Philly, what kind of influence has the NYC dance music and nightlife culture?
L: NYC dance music, Ballroom and vogue culture between the history and music, it has played a big part in cultivating who I am, my sense of freedom and as a black queer being my sense of community.
“A big bass, crazy drum variations and a smooth soft melody always get me.”
NY: As a DJ, you’ve been influenced by two genres of American dance music: Philly Club (from Philadelphia) and Jersey Club (in New Jersey). What do you like the most from those two scenes?
L: Philly and Jersey club are so different, I definitely think Philly club influences Jersey club and both genres hold influence from Baltimore. Philly club has such a hard feeling to it, it feels dark, with a lot of sirens, It's so fast and it takes you on a journey. Jersey club is the one for creating phrases that give you a dance routine. I love it so much, It makes you want to get up and it's super easy to catch onto even if you don't know the moves.
NY: Your music influences go beyond those two scenes: you mentioned drum & bass, Afro House, Baile Funk, Ghetto House, Techno… Browsing through all those genres, what catches DJ Love’s ears and heart?
L: Definitely a big bass, crazy drum variations and a smooth soft melody always get me. It's like texture to me. It adds emotion and depth, sometimes they even take you into a trance.
NY: You once said: “When I’m spinning, I become a therapist and witch.” Tell us about one specific moment when you felt that superpower.
L: My most heartwarming moment was when I deejayed a rave event last year on a huge pier. The rave was going on until 6am and my set was during sunrise. The moon was overlooking the crowd and it was truly amazing to see everyone in their own world, loving on each other during my set. It felt magical, people felt my heart and I felt theirs. After my set, a young man came up to me and told me he was currently healing through cancer. He told me how happy he was to be enjoying my music and he was just so blessed to be there. My heart shattered, I touched his heart and that was enough for me to never question my influence and energy. Being able to touch others this way, others of all walks is a power that really is amazing.
NY: What does the future look like?
L: It's super hard to say. The future is so uncertain, I've really just been trying to be present. I recently was booked to DJ a beautiful rooftop bar. Everyone required to remain seated and though it was beautiful to hear people say how much fun they were having because of the music, it was different to see people dancing in their seats. I've been producing so much more though, so expect more amazing music! I've also been dabbling into my creative side again creating art. Nothing but seeds to grow for the future.
DJ Love
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