A Conversation With: Litney World Wide

 

Cultivating a substantial and diverse audience does not always come easy. Yet to some it comes naturally, just like it did for Litney World Wide. The Toronto-based DJ is proving to be one of today’s most celebrated entertainers amongst local youth, having amassed her following by throwing major events along with playing techno sets with banger remixes unlike any other.

In 2017, the femme performer created Bi Or Bye to celebrate expressions of Black, queer, and Afro-Caribbean youth in a safe nightlife atmosphere. During the party’s run, she quickly metamorphosed from event coordinator to a bonafide DJ performer. Today, she showcases her sonic talents at go-to clubs such as The Libertine or The Drake Underground as well as outdoor and virtual raves run by Club Quarantine.

Glossi connected with Litney World Wide to ask about her story, start in music, perspective on inclusivity, and most memorable experience at the turntables.

 

When did your interest in DJing spark? What were you doing before?

I became a DJ by accident. It was never really a dream of mine, it kind of just fell on my lap. I used to produce an event called Bi or Bye (BOB) and found myself micromanaging the music quite a bit, so I decided to teach myself how to DJ. Two months later, I performed at PRIDE Toronto. The rest is history. Performing is definitely a huge passion of mine, once it came to me.

How have you remained creative during this period in the last year?

I haven’t really — I’m very much a performer, not so much a Bedroom DJ. I’ve definitely taken the last year to rest — pre pandemic I was spinning almost every weekend, so it was nice to rest and heal.

 

 

Talk to us about your experience being a female DJ in Toronto.

Well for starters I’m a queer, Black, fat, femme DJ & probably the only one in the scene. My existence in itself is a game changer because there’s no representation for bodies that look like mine. I’ve often had to fight for my respect as an artist. People will often view me as less desirable and question my capabilities before ever hearing me play. But I spin for the fat girls, the unconventionally attractive, the overlooked, the queer kids and I really believe in safe spaces and genuine connections within community — far from anything transactional. When people message me and tell me that they’re coming alone and are a bit anxious because they don’t know anybody but still want to hear me play, I always offer for them to pull up with me or just chill behind the DJ booth during my set. Safe spaces are vital and I always want people to feel seen and appreciated at my shows.

 

Who are you listening to now?

I am very inspired by ARCA, I think she is an amazing, inspiring artist aside from her being a doll. DJ Wise, I also really like AHADADREAM from the UK. I often play his music a lot during my sets. As well as HALFQUEEN & ANTPUKE. 

What does youth culture need to thrive as we return to a completely open life?

I think patience — as we know club culture will probably never be the same, there’s always going to be extra precautions that have to be taken into account especially when we think about our immunocompromised folk. How do we make these spaces inclusive for our disabled comrades, so that everyone in our community can enjoy them? I think the youth need to think about moving forward.