Legendary NYC House DJ Tedd Patterson Speaks on Collaboration, LGBTQ+ Advocacy, and How to Put On a Great Show
In case you missed it, New York City-based DJ and producer Tedd Patterson just released his first original track of 2025, “Do It Again” with Joi Cardwell.
It’s not often that we get the chance to chat with a true cornerstone of a city’s live music scene. Tedd Patterson is just that: one of NYC’s original house DJs. He’s done it all at this point, from touring the world and bringing the house down at some of NYC’s hottest clubs to being an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
And, right now, he’s picking up quite a bit of steam. “Do It Again” is just his second release of what he promises to be an action-packed year that fans absolutely should not miss. The track itself is phenomenal – if you enjoy deep house mixed with powerful vocals, this one is for you.
To celebrate the release, we sat down with Tedd. Read on to learn more about his motivations, his relationship with Joi Cardwell, his LGBTQ+ advocacy, and a few hints at what may be next for this true NYC institution.
Let’s talk first about your recent successes. You’re obviously a house legend in NYC, and are getting the recognition you deserve. What do you attribute to your recent successes, and why do you think everything is coming together for you right now?
Thanks for the kind words. Inspiration and newfound creative freedom has enabled me to achieve my recent successes. Considering all factors, including collaborations with artists, label support, and their commitment to my vision of integrating old school sensibilities into contemporary club music, I’m motivated. Especially with all the mediocre DJ tools being considered by my peers… I have a wealth of ideas. I wanna get them all out there and into the world.
You’re a regular at a bunch of great NYC clubs, including Battle Hymn, but also some great clubs overseas, including Berghain’s in Germany and at Fabric London for Frankie Knuckles’ 70th Birthday tribute event. How did you get into DJ-ing in the first place, and how did you work up to becoming a regular at these places in several countries? Plus, how did that birthday bash come about?
I began my DJ career before it became a trendy profession. Prior to DJs being the main attraction, the compensation/pay was minimal, necessitating a genuine passion for the craft. My enthusiasm for DJing evolved from my desire to uplift people through music, particularly during the Disco era, which was influenced by Rock, Industrial, Post Punk, House, and other creative genres in 1979. I have been committed to this art form since then. I humbly believe that my dedication to delivering high-quality performances and staying current has provided me with numerous opportunities.
Tell me about some of your previous residencies at some of the world’s best known club nights, and who were the other residents at note you worked with that you can tell us about?
My longest running residency was at Cielo in NYC. It lasted for 13 years. Most of those years I did the 7+ hour journey myself, from beginning to end. The last few years other notables would do guest spots though… Kenny Dope, Mousse T, Tony Touch, and quite a few other great DJs would often play.
You’re an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Is there anything you would like to say about the creativity born out of this community especially in music?
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I embody and represent its creative spirit! Music has historically played a significant role in the LGBTQ+ underground movement. Given the community’s history of operating underground, it is remarkable to witness the mainstream adoption of terminology once exclusive to our safe spaces. This phenomenon is profound and complex, and as an artist, I can only respond by being my authentic self.
Let’s talk a bit more about your live performances. You’ve obviously got a great reputation as a performer. What are three things that help you put on a great show every time?
Great (and varied) musical content, a quality console to broadcast from, and a welcoming crowd of dancers who are available to experience what I have to offer. It doesn’t hurt that they actually dance and not side-step with cell phones in their hands.
Your newest track is a collaboration with Joi Cardwell. Can you speak a bit on your relationship with her, and how “Do It Again” came together?
Joi has been a long-standing favorite singer of mine, dating back to her collaboration with Lil Louis on “Club Lonely” in 1992. Over the years, our mutual respect has evolved into a friendship, with several joint performances. After completing the track, Joi’s voice resonated with me, and I shared it with her. Her warm reception led to a remix, while the original version was held back for future release. As a result, the version presented initially is, in fact, the second iteration!
Tell me about some of the other vocal divas you have worked with lately; how are you able to meld your house style with their strong vocal performances? And, who’s next?
Inaya Day is a singer I loved working with. The process is usually the same as with Joi, and it helps that we enjoy each other. Ultra Nate is family, with the same process. Remixes are different, though. I tear my hair out trying to do the thing I imagined it should be, and then two days before the deadline, I scrap it and do me… and that’s where the magic is. One day, I’ll learn to start that way, which will speed up productivity!
What have you got coming up this year? Are you working on anything big you would like to share with us?
I’m working on a lot, but I’d rather it just show up in the world of things. An LP is coming. I can say that.
Lastly, what’s the best piece of advice you could give to your younger self?
Stay focused on the thing you love most, trust your vision, trust your intuition, trust yourself.
Stream “Do It Again” here.
