EDGE Interview: Fire Island Pines' Resident DJ Twisted Dee Keeps the Party Going through Labor Day

Special to EDGE by John Stein

On her podcast page, Dee Martello (better known to music fans as DJ Twisted Dee) proudly proclaims, "I may not have muscles and a d*ck, but I have more balls than most men I know."

Dee's sexy, primeval and powerful tribal and progressive house beats have been heating up gay dancefloors for more years than she cares to mention. She's known worldwide, regularly headlining events in China, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. She holds residencies in NYC, Atlanta and San Francisco, and has appeared at major gay dance events including White Party Miami, Winter Party Miami and Gay Days Orlando.
She's also a prolific producer, with Top 20 dance hits like "Drop That Beat" and Lisa Hunt's "Joint is Jumpin'" under her belt, the latter of which was featured in an episode of Queer as Folk.

Twisted Dee has spent this summer spinning the beats on Fire Island Pines, where she is the resident DJ. It's where EDGE caught up with her.

EDGE: You seem to know what you're doing behind the booth there, Dee.

Twisted Dee: I've been doing this for a long time, but we don't need to get into exact numbers now, do we? (Laughs)

EDGE: No, but the industry sure has changed in that time, wouldn't you say?

Twisted Dee: In my time, the industry went from vinyl records, to cds, to completely digital. I have seen and done it all.

EDGE: Have you seen a change in club goers?

Twisted Dee: Yes, very much so, especially on Fire Island. It's a much younger crowd. A little more closed minded musically. You always hear DJs talking about how in years past, we could play what we wanted. The crowds were much more progressive then. Now, it's all about what's playing on the radio.

EDGE: Do you give the radio songs to them?

Twisted Dee: Oh yes, it's my job to give it to them!

EDGE: If you had to name the song of summer, it would be...

Twisted Dee: Kylie Minogue's "Padam Padam", of course. Also, John Summit's "Where You Are."

EDGE: Are you working any of your own singles into your set?

Twisted Dee: Because of my Fire Island schedule, I don't have anything on the burner at the moment. I'll be back in the studio in the fall.

EDGE: You've created some hit dance songs! What's your creation process in the studio?

Twisted Dee: I always start with drums. I actually build out my entire drum foundation along with the vocals and drops. Then I add all of my instrumentation.

EDGE: Has your sound changed over the years?

Twisted Dee: Only a little. I am a very by the book kind of producer as far as song structure, but I'm always looking for new and unique sounds.

EDGE: When you have a tough week or hit a wall creatively, how do you get yourself back on track?

Twisted Dee: I've learned that sometimes it's best to walk away from something for a while and come back later with new ears. That's the only way it works for me. You can't walk through a wall; you have to walk around it or find an opening.

EDGE: Do you draw inspiration from Fire Island Pines?

Twisted Dee: Not really. Most of my ideas come from my emotions and from people; not from my surroundings.

EDGE: What goes through your head as you're on your way to Fire Island Pines for another performance?

Twisted Dee: I'm hoping the weather is good and that it's crowded.

EDGE: What are your goals going forward?

Twisted Dee: To spend less time traveling for work and more time in the studio. Also, more time with family and friends! I have traveled the world doing what I do and it's been amazing but I'm looking forward to the next stage of my life. When I figure out what that is, I will let you know!

Catch Twisted Dee live on Fire Island Pines every Friday and Saturday night through Labor Day.