Pronouns: He / Him
The new podcast series “AYLI Ground Level” shines a light on artists that create the fabric of our community: City by city, state by state, country by country. In a different year, under a different environment, Washington, D.C.’s Baronhawk Poitier would be an “it” name of the summer festival season. His release on Honey Soundsystem would have been played by DJs near and far, bringing a smile to the face of the moodiest raver. For a debut release, his polished sound, infectious vibes and catchy beat is years beyond his relative experience. Despite the uncertainty of what’s to come, you can bet that Baronhawk will be a name you’ll be hearing about for years to come. Take a moment to listen to his mix, read his interview, pick up his Honey release on Bandcamp, and send him a few bucks or more. This Sunday we’re excited to showcase the Washington, D.C community, in collaboration with Fault Radio, for our monthly Coast to Coast broadcast. Quality.
Venmo/Cashapp: @Baronhawk
Baronhawk Poitier: Tell us about who you are as a DJ. What kind of music do you play and what was your inspiration behind the mix?
A “dancer’s DJ” is an honored pair of hi-top Blazers I proudly lace up tight. Every set is focused on energizing everyone from the two-step dancers at the Warehouse to the freestyle cypher heads busting windmills in the Lounge. My upbringing (along with my love for DJing) centers around dancing to quality. So be it House, Techno, Breaks, Jazz or R&B, ultimately the goal is you bustin’ loose and sweating your wig out to a vicious rhythm!
2. What local projects (events, crews, labels, and beyond) are you involved with?
BP: Signed by Honey Soundsystem Records with my “Temperado Tornado” EP release, while TNX is the fam here in Washington DC.
3. What makes your local community special?
BP: Unwavering love and support for one another. DC’s history runs deep and our take on dance music and rave culture includes everyone from emerging artists and promoters to the vets in our scene. At heart, we’re a dancing city. This keeps our floors lively and the underground thriving. Being the Capitol, we won’t hesitate linking up with a grass roots organization to help with fundraisers or to peacefully pound pavement for social justice issues.
4. With the Covid-19 virus impacting society, an activated social justice movement, and the economy in tatters, there’s so much uncertainty in the air. What do you hope to see happen going forward?
BP: Our collective energy continue serving the immense strength we wield in this uphill battle for the uncomplicated requirements by the less fortunate, exploited and oppressed population for an economically balanced and environmentally sustainable society. Stomp harder in your marches for those taken too soon and not receiving justice and chant louder at the despot on its golf course! Our spirits are scorching for sure but the incredible Gwen McCrae sang it best: “KEEP THE FIRE BURNING!”
PS: Please continue wearing masks and staying safely spaced!
5. Would you mind sharing the track list for your mix?
Baronhawk Poitier – The Stopped World (Mix)
Rustic Hut – See You Again (Broadway & Queen Mix)
Panash – Cheval (Przewalski’s Eastern Bounce)
Waajeed – Better Late Than Never
Armonica – Ngeke (Andhim Remix)
DJ Technics – Don’t Make Me Wait
Dukeyman – Feelin It Filter Joint
Christina Chatfield – Flutters (Unreleased)
Acronym City – Powermoves (Gerd Janson Mayday Edit)
Karizma – How Fly This Life Is
