by Vicky Herrera (Published November 2008 in Status Magazine)
International Party Queen ROXY COTTONTAIL can’t stop the bunny hop.

Credited for delivering Baltimore/Philly club sound to NYC, she’s conquered the nightlife as one of the best promoters and DJs of the scene. With her ear to the ground, she’s promoted the likes of Hollertronix (DJ’s Diplo and Low Budget) and Spank Rock before the rest of the world caught on. Her newest transition to rapping not only adds her flavor to the music scene, but also to the entire “electro disco” culture at large. Lets not forget to mention her one of a kind Roxy style that is influencing hundreds of energetic ladies to paint their nails bright and rep their streetwear tight. Roxy is our lady’s lady. Our homegirl’s homegirl. The party’s very “life of the party.” STATUS talks to Roxy about beginnings, the lessons, and everything in between.
Hey Roxy! Where are you right now and what are you up to?
I’m back in New York, hustling and making moves, as usual. Just finished with Fashion Week, it was nuts.
You started out as a promoter. Tell us about those days. What was missing in the party scene that you wanted to create?
Promoting started as a hobby. My roommate many moons ago was Miss Justine D and she saw the natural socialite in me. She gave me a guest list for Motherfucker, showed me how to make a budget and the rest is history. The first DJs I ever promoted were Diplo and Low B, I will always think of them as my brothers, its family forever. I lived in Philly after 9/11 and discovered their party Hollertronix and brought it back to NYC when I moved back a year later. The mix of music they blended - from Crunk Southern Rap, Hip Hop to Electro, Baltimore Club, Pop and 80s wasn’t really getting mixed together anywhere. In the same way, the people from all those different scenes weren’t mixed together like they were in Philly and I wanted to make that happen for New York.
What was the best and worst part of the job?
The best part of the job is getting new music before everyone else, seeing new clubs before anyone else, getting into the best parties & events, drinking for free, meeting fabulous people and knowing amazing people who can have a good time anywhere at anytime. The worst part is socializing with strangers, crappy sound systems and people constantly asking for drink tickets.
At the end of the night, it’s still about the business. What were the most important things you’ve learned on the job?
I’ve learned that a DJ can clear an entire room by playing just a song or not playing anything at all. A DJ can single-handedly send a whole party into a downhill shit storm. People LOVE free alcohol but they will purchase it if the music is amazing and there are a lot of girls present.
From promoter to DJ, How did you make the transition?
I transitioned from a promoter to a DJ from practicing in empty clubs at off hours, watching other DJs and having a good ear for music.
On a crazy night, You’ll open your set with…..
It depends on what city, who has opened for me and what time of night but maybe “Together Forever” by Lisette Melendez.
And close with…..
“Slut?” by Avenue D.
How do you spot hot talent in the music scene? What do you look for?
I look for undeniable superstars and music that’s unique but still catchy. Style is also important. And, in this age you have to be marketable. That helps.
From DJing, you later started rapping over music…What made you want to try this out?
I had a punk band in high school called the Fox Deluxe which was a lot of fun. My mom is a music teacher, it’s in my veins. After being on the other side of the business, I didn’t really think that I could go back to making music. I was kind of dared to do it and it turned out to be a lot of fun. So, I just kept doing it.
How do you come up with your lyrics?
Everyday life inspires my lyrics. I like to play with words, fashion and decadence as inspiration. And popular culture is just so easy to make fun of, I kind of have to.
Can you tell us about the new people you’ve been working with on this?
I’ve been working with Fonda from Team Facelift- amazing house music producer. I did a song with Larry Tee he’s a visionary in electronic music. Also Teenwolf from Ninjasonik.
As an artist, People describe your music as…
I’m not really sure what people call my music! Hah! They compare me to Blondie a lot.
But you’d rather call it…
I think I would call it electro-disco punk.
You love performing with…..because….
Mickey Avalon and Spankrock because they are both ridiculous and talented party animals.
Describe the official ROXY COTTONTAIL attire?
I wear lots of vintage, ruffles, tutus, Hellz Bellz with a cute heel, pump or dope kicks.
Any other field you see yourself getting into?
Of course! My clothing line is coming out Fall ‘09. It’s street wear and accessories with a funky ass flavor that will eventually be a cut and sew line.
Any Shoutouts?
Cottontail De la Familia, Peter Cottontail and Status Magazine.