SelecTOrs: They Don’t Do It Like Donny Vega
By: Andrea Nazarian
SelecTOrs profiles a new generation of Toronto-based DJ’s making an impact on the local and global dance music scene.
“When people ask me what genres I spin, I can’t really tell them specifically. I can just say it’s always 140-160 BPM because that’s what keeps my mind stimulated.”
Pumping, high-energy tracks rinsed at top speed, nimble transitions and a warm, carefree DJ booth vibe characterize Donny Vega’s sets. It’s rare to find a selector who makes you want to shake your ass and make new friends at the club, but that’s what makes Vega’s energy unique.
Since making his debut just one year ago, Vega’s presence in Toronto’s underground has only grown. With undeniable skill and a bold look, he’s booked and busy, playing everywhere from Ace Hotel to Chippy Nonstop’s iconic Pep Rally party series.
Vega DJ’ing at SmokedTO’s Freaky Friday event at the Drake Underground
It all started in March 2022, when the once shy suburban kid from Mississauga started heading into the big city on weekends, coming out to parties solo to find his place in this unfamiliar territory. “I worked a corporate job and all I knew was that and the safety of the suburbs. I needed something new. I was bored, uninspired, and sheltered.”
Vega met Hangaëlle - member of prolific Toronto DJ and event collectives Kuruza and AMAPROBLEM - and things blossomed.
“I went to the Libertine one day, and saw this talented woman absolutely killing it on the decks. I asked myself, where can I hear another set from her?” The pair instantly found a likemindedness with one another and Hangaëlle took Vega under her wing, introducing him to Toronto’s underground scene.
Hangaëlle DJ’ing at AMAPROBLEM X Boiler Room
Photo credit: @alexosodo
Vega explains, “It was overwhelming at first because I wasn’t expecting such warmth from Hangaëlle and the Kuruza/AMAPROBLEM crowd. You can tell these parties are home for them. Hangaëlle always encouraged me to talk to people and find my footing. It made me feel safe in the fact that I could actually exist in this space. Before I knew it, it just became a thing where people started knowing me as a regular at these events.”
Vega then found his way to a pipeline of other parties and collectives spanning from Pep Rally, to Yes Yes Y’all, ISMZ, LOTION Magazine and SmokedTO.
“From there, everything changed. Kuruza is and always will be home, but these scenes reminded me of the coming-of-age movies I idolized as a teen like KIDS, Nowhere, and The Doom Generation. It sparked something within me.”
What’s behind Vega’s quick trajectory from newcomer DJ to local name? Much of it can be chalked up to the strong sense of community he found within these scenes and collectives.
The support of friends Hangaëlle and LOTION Magazine’s Forever, as well as greater accessibility to DJ equipment through open decks events, Estrella Sound, and gear rental programs, helped flatten Vega’s DJ learning curve. “It’s easier now than ever to practice and develop your skills,” Vega adds. “Take advantage of it.”
But most of all, Vega’s personable energy, skill and taste are what did it.
“For the most part, everyone has a fair shot at becoming a regularly booked DJ,” Vega adds. “But like in any industry, talent will always shine through. You also have to be marketable. You’re an entertainer at the end of the day, so give the people a show. Be unique, fly, and make your sets unforgettable.”
It’s not easy putting Vega’s sound into a neat little category. Seamlessly drifting corners between ghetto tech, ghetto club, jersey club, jungle, breakbeat, Latin-Club, and hard techno (to name a just a few), Vega’s style both on and off the decks is constantly evolving.
“To be honest, my musical tastes evolved once I began hanging around the girls, gays, and theys more often. They encourage me to put sass, rowdiness, and sex appeal into my sets and that’s what usually gets people feeling good and shaking ass. I owe a lot to these communities. I DJ for the gworls to be honest.” Vega adds, “I started out spinning deep house, and 120-130 bpm dance music. So you can see the jump.”
On top of the music, Vega’s look also leaves an impression. It’s refreshing to see a male DJ make unapologetically bold fashion choices that feel completely genuine.
Glowing glasses perched on top of a sleek silk wrap have become a signature of Vega’s look. He paires the shades with dangling jeweled earrings, drapey fabrics, glistening grills and more rings than you can count.
There’s no austere, solemn techno fit to be seen here. Vega’s giving futuristic bohemian, and the crowd lives for it.
Vega’s signature glowsticks, silk wrap and grills at a LOTION Mag event
Photo credit: @earth2a
“I feel like DJing is almost like inner child healing for me because my favourite part of going out and partying is dressing up. I want glowsticks, I want silks, I want rings and I’m having so much fun. And I think that’s why people gravitate towards me, because they can see that I’m not ashamed to be myself. I’m not here for the clout and dramatics, I want to laugh, I want to love, I want to connect, and I want everyone around me to feel and be safe.”
As Vega’s musical reach continues to grow, it’s important to remember that self love and genuine kindness are also huge catalysts behind his popularity.
In an industry known for being a “cool kids club,” being able to connect with so many so easily goes a long way.
“I don’t let this stuff get to my head because it’s on such a small scale. I have so much more work to do. I see myself as no better than others and I’m constantly trying to lend a helping hand to my peers.”