Lucy Rae McFadin
Lucy McFadin is a DJ originally from California, now based in New York, stepping into a new chapter of music, creativity, and city life.
Q: Where are you from?
A: Newport Beach, California
Q: What’s the most California thing about you?
A: Probably how sensitive I am to the cold or that I like to smoke weed.
Q: How has living in NY shaped you creatively?
A: I think New York City has introduced me to some of the most inspiring people I have ever met. I feel lucky that I now get to call many of them friends. Between the endless opportunities in my career and the abundance of accessible inspiration through people-watching, museums, and a variety of cultures, New York City has completely shifted my mindset when it comes to exercising the right side of my brain. I also think the fact that everyone is so invested in their own journey keeps me motivated to pursue my own.
Q: How did you get into DJ’ing?
A: My dad owns a record label called Ubiquity, and my mom and he spent their early days spinning vinyl at underground nightclubs in San Francisco. I would say music has always been in my DNA, as I was always surrounded by it during my childhood. When it came to wanting to pick up a new hobby a year and a half ago, my dear friend and amazing DJ/producer, Lumia, offered to teach me!
Q: What’s your dream venue to DJ at?
A: Berghain lol
Q: Dream collab?
A: Hmm, in fashion it would be Chanel or YSL.
Q: How would you describe your personal style?
A: Comfortable, juxtaposed, feminine, and playful.
Q: Who is your ultimate style icon?
A: I honestly get most of my style inspiration just walking around NYC or when I am traveling somewhere new. I find the everyday person immersed in their daily routine often puts together not only the most practical but effortlessly cool outfits.
Q: What’s on your moodboard?
A: Right now, this is what my feed is showing me: hot pink, lace, lots of layering, tutus with hoodies, skull tattoos, glitter knees, experimental makeup looks, a lot of poodles and dalmatians, and vintage headwear.
Q: What does a typical day in life look like for you?
A: Each day looks different for me career-wise, but it is usually a toss-up between any of the following: emails, creating content (for Instagram/TikTok/YouTube), editing content, writing a blog post or assembling shoppable recommendations and links, creating playlists, downloading music for sets, practicing sets at home, visual research, trips to the Garment District, brand events, coffee meetings with my manager/clients, creative briefs/storyboards, unboxing a lot of packages, more emails, and more editing.
Q: Best way to spend a day off in NYC?
A: Sleeping in until 10 AM at least, dog walk to get a coffee and breakfast burrito at Ceremonia Bakeshop, then to Greenpoint for some vintage furniture browsing and record shopping at Dream Fishing Tackle and Dobbin Street Co-op, stopping at Radio Street Bakery for an afternoon snack, people-watching in a park if the weather allows, dinner and wine at The Odeon followed by some live music at a nearby sexy jazz club with my boyfriend :).
Q: What song do you currently have on repeat?
A: “Los Angeles” by Big Thief and Rosalía’s new album.
Q: First concert you ever went to?
A: Gwen Stefani Sweet Escape Tour… pretty fucking iconic tbh.