Octo Octa Channels the Ecstatic Energy of ’90s Chicago Radio
A Sonic Journey Through Chicago Radio
Even though Octo Octa (Maya Bouldry-Morrison) recorded her latest FADER Mix within the quiet confines of her New Hampshire cabin, the set vibrates with the frenetic, high-octane energy of 1990s Chicago radio. The globally renowned producer cites the legendary B96 street mixes—often shared with her by her partner in life and creativity, Eris Drew—as the primary inspiration for this collection. “The Street mix is a ‘Saturday night dance party’ mix that the hosts put together,” Bouldry-Morrison explains. “It has lots of radio versions, tons of quick mixing from one track to another, and hard cuts that would make me yell with delight.”
That ecstatic energy is a hallmark of Bouldry-Morrison’s expansive practice. As a co-founder of T4T LUV NRG, she has helped cultivate a label and party series that serves as a beacon for dance floor-based healing. Her commitment to vinyl is not merely aesthetic; it is a physical, hand-guided discipline that allows her to connect deeply with her audiences. Her work remains central to the global queer and trans dance community, a space she notes is increasingly making room for itself.
The Evolution of a Vinyl Artist
Reflecting on her journey, Bouldry-Morrison recalls her early days as a teenager with Numark belt-drive turntables and a Korg Electribe. While she initially struggled to source 12-inch singles in her hometown, her move to Brooklyn in 2010 provided the access she needed to refine her craft. Her first major DJ experiences in venues like Bossa Nova Civic Club and a memorable 2013 set at Melbourne’s Mercat solidified her path. Today, she remains a staunch advocate for the art of vinyl mixing, encouraging a new generation of DJs to master the medium.
Looking toward the future, Bouldry-Morrison finds hope in the growing number of young, queer DJs who are eager to learn the technical nuances of playing records. For her, the creative process is about community and shared history. Whether she is performing at a residency like “Frendzone” or recording in her lofted studio overlooking the forest, her music remains a testament to the power of connection and the enduring legacy of the sounds that shaped her.
