“We Are Rhythm”: A Conversation with Kim Ann Foxman
Kim Ann Foxman
If you’ve been on a dancefloor where Kim Ann Foxman is behind the decks, you already know the feeling—raw, emotional, timeless. A mainstay of New York’s underground and an international force in queer nightlife, Kim’s signature sound traverses vintage house, analog acid, and deep grooves that hit both body and soul. With a history that traces from Hawaii to San Francisco’s rave scene to Brooklyn’s DIY heart, she’s not just a DJ or producer—she’s a true steward of dance music culture.
Ahead of her set at Ceremony, we caught up with Kim for a written exchange that touches on everything from rave-era origins to the collaborative spark behind her project Pleasure Planet, and why her 2024 single “We Are Rhythm” might just be the spiritual anthem we need right now.
Sainte Francis:
Your journey from Hawaii to San Francisco, and eventually to New York, has spanned some of the most influential underground scenes in the U.S. How have these environments shaped your sound and sensibility, both behind the decks and in the studio?
Kim Ann Foxman:
I moved to San Francisco during the golden era of the underground rave scene, so all that I experienced during that time influenced so much of my aesthetic as a DJ and inspired me so much as an artist. The scene was thriving—no cell phones yet, so everyone was really present on the dancefloor. These years were life-changing for me. I found my community. And I discovered so many records which I still play out today.
Sainte Francis:
You launched Firehouse Recordings to create a space for creative freedom. How has running your own label changed your approach to releasing music?
Kim Ann Foxman:
I launched Firehouse Recordings & also Self:Timer , to release my own music projects like my solo works as well as my band, Pleasure Planet. It’s nice to have full creative freedom in all aspects, and to be able to release when I want.
Sainte Francis:
Speaking of which, your 2024 release “We Are Rhythm” showcases a blend of classic house elements with a modern twist. Could you walk us through your creative process for this track and how it reflects your current artistic direction?
Kim Ann Foxman:
“We Are Rhythm” was inspired by my set at Honcho the year I played in the Grove. It was one of those moments of ultimate synergy on the dancefloor. Everything and everyone was so locked in, and we felt like one. It was so special, so queer, the most beautiful crowd, and so full of love.
First I produced the track, and when I was experimenting with vocals for it, I tapped into this feeling, this place, this celebration, and the lyrics and melody just flowed. It captured the magic I felt from the unity on the dancefloor. And, Spray was the ultimate dream collab to remix this track ! I knew he would do a great job with my vocal and he absolutely smashed it!
Sainte Francis:
Your Pleasure Planet project feels like a psychedelic collaborative outlet distinct from your solo work. What inspired that collective, and how does it challenge or expand your usual creative process?
Kim Ann Foxman:
Pleasure Planet is a music project that formed out of many late nights of jamming with my studio mates. We found this collaborative, multidimensional sound and space that we could only reach together—that I found really organic and special—and I wanted to keep exploring it.
Sainte Francis:
You've been part of conversations around inclusivity in dance music for years. From your perspective, what’s improved—and what still needs work—in terms of representation on lineups and in club spaces?
Kim Ann Foxman:
When I first started touring internationally, it felt like there were just a handful of women in the industry in comparison to today. It's amazing to see how much the scene has changed—there’s so much more inclusivity, younger energy, and not just the same big names cycling. It’s a lot more colorful, a lot more queer and gender-inclusive. The scene really needed this change. We need to continue to protect this space and make sure it stays diverse and inclusive always—finding ways to keep improving and inspiring others to make changes in their scenes and communities wherever they are.
Sainte Francis:
Finally, Ceremony and the UltraMaroon brand are predicated on inclusivity and connectedness of the queer community across New York and beyond. What excites you about Saturday’s show?
Kim Ann Foxman:
I’m really looking forward to Saturday’s show! UltraMaroon and Ceremony’s dedication to celebrating inclusivity and connectedness in the queer community is something I also share, of course. So I can’t wait for Saturday! We’re gonna have a good dance!
Catch Kim Ann Foxman this Saturday, May 10th for Ceremony at RED EYE NY—a night rooted in connection, curated with intention, and soundtracked by one of the most vital voices in dance music today.
