Ranked Among the Top Female DJs on the East Coast
New York City -
Pioneer DJ Wendy Hunt, one of the first female Circuit DJ's, has announced she is taking herself out of the running for Circuit events and most club parties because the Circuit, which started as a way of raising money to fight AIDS, has fallen victim to all the trappings of big business: greed, competition and money. (Profile: DJ Wendy Hunt)
As someone who was a DJ before DJs were cool, Hunt recalls a time when the so-called Circuit was an occasional summer dance party for generous patrons, concerned citizens and homos-in-the-know.
"In the 70's, there was plenty of sex and substances. But on the dance floor, it was all about dancing, not partying," says Wendy referring to today's overwhelming presence of ecstasy, crystal, ketamine and GHB in clubs. "It's no longer about feeling high from the music. The music has taken a back seat to the drugs."
Wendy Hunt has been a groundbreaking female mix-master since 1975. She began her career in Boston at Club 1270 and Metro, now Avalon. She hosted her own dance radio program, played circuit parties throughout the country and released Centaur Music's popular "Pride 2000" CD with DJ Julian Marsh.
She recently battled breast cancer and now feels she no longer has the energy or tolerance needed to compete in the Circuit world. "It's become a popularity contest based on name recognition and a lot of hype and drama. I can't imagine how hard it is for new DJs to break ground when the promoters hire the same five to seven DJ's for the main events at every party. Cancer taught me about the value of life and how precious our time is while here. If you're feeling stuck in an area of your life, change it. If your goals seem unattainable, refocus and set new goals. Keep it simple. That's what I'm trying to do here."
"I don't want to sound bitter," Hunt continues. "I live in gratitude for all of the opportunities that have crossed my path. I was one of the chosen few to reach the level that most only dream of and I treat that position with the utmost respect. Perhaps I'm just nostalgic for the good ol' days. Back when these parties were fun and not a high powered and dangerous business.”
For now, Wendy will focus on private parties and legitimate fund-raisers and benefits.
“I'll never not be a DJ. It's as much a part of my life as sleeping and eating and my passion for the music lives on. The dust will eventually settle and, hopefully, the premise for starting these parties will come full circle and we can get back to the roots of the Circuit. Until then, I'll follow my conscience and trust that the universe will take care of the rest."
As someone who was a DJ before DJs were cool, Hunt recalls a time when the so-called Circuit was an occasional summer dance party for generous patrons, concerned citizens and homos-in-the-know.
"In the 70's, there was plenty of sex and substances. But on the dance floor, it was all about dancing, not partying," says Wendy referring to today's overwhelming presence of ecstasy, crystal, ketamine and GHB in clubs. "It's no longer about feeling high from the music. The music has taken a back seat to the drugs."
Wendy Hunt has been a groundbreaking female mix-master since 1975. She began her career in Boston at Club 1270 and Metro, now Avalon. She hosted her own dance radio program, played circuit parties throughout the country and released Centaur Music's popular "Pride 2000" CD with DJ Julian Marsh.
She recently battled breast cancer and now feels she no longer has the energy or tolerance needed to compete in the Circuit world. "It's become a popularity contest based on name recognition and a lot of hype and drama. I can't imagine how hard it is for new DJs to break ground when the promoters hire the same five to seven DJ's for the main events at every party. Cancer taught me about the value of life and how precious our time is while here. If you're feeling stuck in an area of your life, change it. If your goals seem unattainable, refocus and set new goals. Keep it simple. That's what I'm trying to do here."
"I don't want to sound bitter," Hunt continues. "I live in gratitude for all of the opportunities that have crossed my path. I was one of the chosen few to reach the level that most only dream of and I treat that position with the utmost respect. Perhaps I'm just nostalgic for the good ol' days. Back when these parties were fun and not a high powered and dangerous business.”
For now, Wendy will focus on private parties and legitimate fund-raisers and benefits.
“I'll never not be a DJ. It's as much a part of my life as sleeping and eating and my passion for the music lives on. The dust will eventually settle and, hopefully, the premise for starting these parties will come full circle and we can get back to the roots of the Circuit. Until then, I'll follow my conscience and trust that the universe will take care of the rest."
