Desi Beats for DJs: How South Asian Music Moves Global Crowds

Desi 101: What Exactly Is Desi Music? Let’s clear something up: Desi isn’t a genre. It’s a cultural identity. “Desi” is how South Asians across the diaspor...
DJ Niro on the cut. (Sean Patrick)
DJs may not know where to eat, stay, and play when they get booked in cities they’ve never been to before. To help them get the most out of their visit, DJcity has launched a monthly series called DJ Travel Tips. The series highlights some of the best things to do in some of the most popular destinations around the world.
Where to stay
“The W, Omni, and The Joule are all high-end places close to downtown and NYLO, Aloft, and Hotel Indigo are solid options if you’re looking for something cheaper. Also, check out the HotelTonight app if you’re willing to wait until the last minute. You can usually find good deals up to three days before your stay.”
Where to eat
“Shell Shack is great seafood place that serves almost anything that has a shell. Whatever you order, be sure to get it soaked in the ‘kitchen sink’ seasoning. If you’re looking for a good lunch spot for Sunday Funday, Clutch Bar has great food, music and atmosphere. As for tacos, my favorite place is Tacos Mariachi, located in Trinity Groves. You have to try the Norteño, The Campechano, and Salmon tacos. Ask for the ‘Crisco Kidd’ special as a bonus!”
What to do
DJSC:
“If you’re looking for a fresh cut, stop by High & Tight Barbershop in the Deep Ellum district. It’s a barbershop with a hidden craft cocktail lounge so you can vibe while getting a cut. Off The Record, also in Deep Ellum is a dope record store that’s also has a bar. And as the official DJ for the Dallas Cowboys, I definitely recommend coming to take a tour of AT&T Stadium. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before and costs less than $20.”
Where to party
“If you’re in town on a Thursday and have the night off, check out DJ Sober’s ‘Big Bang’ party at Beauty Bar. I had the chance to play it a few months back, and it’s definitely one of the most fun hip-hop parties in the city. The vibe is casual, and it’s a dance-friendly crowd. It’s been going strong for five years, and DJs like SpankRock, House Shoes, and Erykah Badu have played sets there.”
Desi 101: What Exactly Is Desi Music? Let’s clear something up: Desi isn’t a genre. It’s a cultural identity. “Desi” is how South Asians across the diaspor...
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