From the dancefloor to behind the decks: A Conversation with Anthony Velez
Anthony Velez
Anthony Velez moves through music with intention, depth, and undeniable groove. A trained violinist and saxophonist turned dancer turned DJ, his multidisciplinary background shapes a style that’s both expressive and refined. Since arriving on the New York scene, he’s become one of its most compelling emerging DJs, known for sets that blend soulful melodies, swung percussion, and late-night club energy.
He’s played standout NYC parties like Wet Noise and UltraMaroon’s Ceremony, made his West Coast debut at Young Hearts in San Francisco, and earned the respect of nightlife veterans across the spectrum. With musicality rooted in jazz and a physicality honed through dance, Velez brings both feeling and finesse to every set.
As he prepares for his Pines Party debut — a full-circle moment at the very event that inspired him to start DJing — Sainte Francis caught up with Anthony Velez to talk creative lineage, the power of queer dance floors, and what it means to kick-off a 48-hour weekend of sound.
Photo credit: Patrick Lupinski
Sainte Francis:
For folks who might not be familiar, can you share a little about your musical journey? You've been part of the New York scene for a bit — how did you get into DJing, and what drew you to it?
Anthony Velez:
I’ve been a musician and a dancer for most of my life. I picked up classical violin at ten, then added alto saxophone a few years later — which gave me more range to explore things like string orchestra, jazz band, and marching band. Violin was supposed to be my life path, especially through middle and high school. But around the time I came out, I started feeling the need to express myself differently, and the pressure of violin training started to wear on me.
So, around 15 or 16, I pivoted and started studying ballet, modern, and jazz dance — and I ended up seeing that through to the end of my performing arts chapter. I graduated with a dance minor in 2018, and that’s when I stopped performing, until a few years later, when I moved to New York right after the pandemic.
Experiencing the dance floors here, especially the power of house music, hit me in a way nothing else had. I realized that DJing was this perfect fusion of the things I’d always loved: music and movement. So, I decided to start learning, and to give myself permission to be a performing artist again.
Sainte Francis:
I love that. I was an alto sax kid too — jazz band, marching band, the whole thing. And that musician-dancer-DJ pipeline definitely resonates. It’s such a natural progression in some ways.
Anthony Velez:
Exactly. The music theory, the physicality — it all adds up.
Sainte Francis:
You’ve been busy this year, both personally and professionally. What have been some highlights so far, and what are you excited for in the back half of 2025?
Anthony Velez:
The year started strong when I got to ring in the New Year returning to Wet Noise, which is a long-standing funk and disco party that’s really stayed true to its identity. That music inherently brings joy, and coming into a year like 2025 — when so many of us were unsure what it would hold — it felt special to kick things off in that space.
Not long after, I played on the West Coast for the first time, Young Hearts in San Francisco and Massive in Seattle. As someone used to going out in New York all the time, it was refreshing to see how other cities interact with house music. You realize how much of an echo chamber New York can be, even in all its richness. So, that was creatively recharging for sure.
Another big highlight was getting to play UltraMaroon Ceremony. Helping to kick off that party series and seeing how well it’s been received, especially in a place like Hell’s Kitchen where you don’t always hear that kind of music, has been really exciting.
Sainte Francis:
And now you’re playing Pines Party! A full-circle moment?
Anthony Velez:
Totally. My first Pines Party in 2021 is what sealed the deal for me, in terms of wanting to become a DJ. I came out of that weekend so moved by the music and the energy. People were literally jumping up and down, totally uninhibited, connected through sound. I’d never felt anything like it. That experience showed me what a DJ could create, and it made me want to try. So, to now be asked to play the very event that inspired me? It’s not lost on me what that means. For me it’s about creating that same uninhibited, connection through sound.
Sainte Francis:
We’ve talked a lot about the incredible lineup this year. Can you share a bit about what it means to perform alongside some of these artists?
Anthony Velez:
It's such an honor. I’m opening for DJ Holographic, who I’ve admired for years. We have a similar ethos, I think, in how we approach house music and the dance floor. I actually just saw her at Movement in Detroit, and hearing her play was such a reaffirmation. Her whole physicality behind the decks is so fluid and expressive. It’s like the music is an extension of her body. She’s got this effortless suave that I definitely aspire to.
Chris Cruse is another big influence. He’s more in the acid house and electro realm, which speaks to the clubbier side of my sound. And, of course, Tedd Patterson, a true New York legend. I got to play in the other room while he was on at Wet Noise this year, which was such a cool moment for me.
Sainte Francis:
You’ve got a lot of range as a DJ. How are you thinking about your set at Pines — especially with it kicking off the Saturday pool party and launching people into the marathon?
Anthony Velez:
I’m really thinking about pacing. That Saturday afternoon set is the start of a pretty much 48-hour stretch of music. So, I want to welcome people in. It’s about warmth, stamina, and giving folks the energy to go the distance.
I really value the art of opening. For this set, I’m drawing from tracks that are rhythmically rich and often percussion-forward: some jazz influences, a bit swung, a bit sexy. It’ll be mostly instrumental and melodic, with a few vocal moments for connection. I’ve got a crate that I think will hold the right tone: warm, funky, and full of groove.
Sainte Francis:
Beyond the music, Pines Party also raises money for LGBTQ+ organizations. What does it mean to you to be part of a benefit event with that kind of purpose?
Anthony Velez:
It means a lot. Especially this year. I think it’s essential that we’re finding ways to support and show up for our community. Pines Party raises a ton of money and gives it directly back — that’s a big deal. So, to be able to contribute my own talents to that effort feels powerful. We’re partying with a purpose, and I’m grateful to be a part of that.
Sainte Francis:
What’s been inspiring you lately, musically or otherwise?
Anthony Velez:
Movement in Detroit really shifted something for me. I’ve always been a house head, and I still am. I think house music moves the body in a way that’s really charming and organic. But I found myself connecting with techno at Movement in a way I never had before. It made me curious — maybe I do want to start playing some techno. That paradigm shift, that expansion, feels exciting. It’s like my ears opened a little wider.
Sainte Francis:
Same — I went last year and had that exact experience. Detroit will do that to you. Anything else coming up that you’re excited about?
Anthony Velez:
There’s a party series I’ve been working on with a close friend. We’ve been dreaming it up for two years now. And it finally feels like we’re ready to bring it to life. Still finalizing some things, but I’d say keep an eye out for that.
Sainte Francis:
Absolutely. Last thing: Hit me with three tracks you’ve had on repeat lately?
Anthony Velez:
First, “Pursuit of Light” by Ertax (Elad Magdasi Remix).
Second, “Words Can’t Express” by Jon Dixon, Britt Frappier, and Ian Fink.
Finally, “Valentine’s Groove” by KiNK.
Sainte Francis: Amazing picks.
Thanks for taking the time — can’t wait to see you on that Fire Island stage.
Anthony Velez:
Thank you. I’m so excited.
Catch Anthony Velez at the VIVID!: A Pool Party on Saturday, August 2nd, 1-6pm with DJ Holographic and Joey With The Mustache.
