If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting Kris Steeves even for five minutes, you’ve already bumped him to at least the top 5 of your “favourite people I know” list. His energy is infectious, and anywhere he happens to be is exactly where the best party is. He’s responsible for some of the most beloved nights in Toronto, as one of the founding DJs of the legendary gay Toronto parties “Eva Christina Presents” and “West End Boys” and a mainstay at popular parties like “FIT” at the Beaver and “Her” at La Perla. When he’s not DJing and hosting shindigs, he is also a motion graphic designer, digital video editor, and a photographer. Yeah, he’s one of those impossibly well-rounded people, but isn’t that the same for everyone who rounds out the top 5 of your “favourite people I know” list? We caught up with Steeves to find out more about his busy life and DJ nights – one of which happens to be tonight! (“Her” at La Perla.)
Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
My biggest passion is music. I’m a huge fan of most genres and it takes up a big chunk of my life. From scouring blogs, editing tracks, making mixes and creating playlists… nothing makes me happier than sharing the music I love. The best feeling is a compliment at a bar after a night of playing. A guy at a gig a few months ago came up to me and said, “Great music. You really made my night!” If I can change one person’s mood in an evening then it makes it all worth it.
For my day job I work in design and love to create. I can sit in the studio in an almost meditative state and edit video or do graphic work for hours on end. It’s almost therapeutic and always rewarding when viewing the finished product. I channel my remaining creative energy with poster and flyer design for some of the events that I do. That’s where I really get to be more experimental with imagery and colour.
More recently I’ve been doing some photography. I love being around people and have had a lot of fun meeting and capturing some of my subjects. I wouldn’t say I’m technically a great photographer, but with my years of design experience and an eye for good composition I can edit and manipulate my shots to produce some fairly decent images.
What have been some of your career highlights so far?
I think the best moments I’ve had DJing in Toronto were some the Pride parties in the village. One year I played on a Pride float. That particular day it was excruciatingly hot and everyone was spraying me with water guns. There were so many people watching the parade and cheering that I couldn’t help but get a little emotional from the outpouring of love. One minute I was laughing, the next crying.
Finish the sentence: I love Toronto because…
…of my friends. Good people make good cities.
What are three things you can’t live without?
My iPhone, coffee and my running shoe collection.
What’s your favourite restaurant and why?
This changes every few months, but I’m currently really into Oddseoul on Ossington. The tempura prawns are deliciously decadent and the squash poutine is out of this world.
Where can we hear you play?
FIT, the third Saturday of every month at The Beaver, 1192 Queen Street West; Her, the second Friday of each month at La Perla, 783 Queen Street West; Monthly Sunday Night Party at Soho House, 192 Adelaide Street West.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Soundcloud and KrisSteeves.com.