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The Flower That Keeps On Blooming
DJ Flowers Fuses Pop Music
with His Own Style
by Nick Mangiapane
 Most
of you know who Nina Flowers is because of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Long before he appeared in drag as Nina, Jorge was spinning for
crowds as DJ Flowers. Starting as a kid in Puerto Rico, he has
plenty of experience to bring to the turntables. DJ Flowers
spins the mainstream favorites and mixes them with his native
beats. He is a resident DJ on various days at
Tracks/EXDO and performs for the Drag
Nation show there as well. Starting in September, he will be
spinning on Wednesdays at
Compound/Basix. I had the chance to catch
up with Jorge to ask him about his career as DJ Flowers.
How long have you been DJing?
I’ve been DJing since I was 12 years old. I used to do the
parties at school, and I also did all my family events. After
turning 15, I started doing private events, weddings and others
special events. When I turned 16, I started working in the night
clubs. Music was and is everything to me… during the day and
night, there was always music. I was so into the music, and
recognized as a DJ in Puerto Rico, so clubs didn’t care about me
being under age. They gave me work and a job that I love. I
think I’m revealing my age here, so if we count my very first
experiences, it’s a total of 25 years.
What is one of the most popular songs you are currently
spinning?
At this time the crowd response wildly with the remix of Katy
Perry’s “Last Friday Night.”
Do you ever DJ as Nina Flowers or do you separate your
drag and DJ careers?
I prefer to separate both careers, but lately when I DJ out of
town gigs, they’re requesting DJ in drag, so I’ve been combining
them. My Nina Flowers is helping me to put my career as a DJ out
there, so why not take advantage and have fun with it. If it’s
going to bring me more DJ gigs, bring it on!
Would you say that your experience on RuPaul’s Drag Race
has boosted your opportunity, not only as a Drag Queen, but also
as a DJ?
Absolutely! Since season one ended, so many doors have opened up
for me. I really get into my music. When people come to hear me
play they realize I put a lot of enthusiasm and passion into
what I do. I believe that comes across on the dance floor.
Where does your inspiration as a DJ come from?
Part of my inspiration comes from my culture, my Island, Puerto
Rico. We love to hear tribal beats in every way. In Puerto Rico
people don’t go to the clubs to dance mainstream music from the
radio. People want to be amazed with new and different sounds
and voices. There are so many songs that never make it to the
radio and are perfect for the club scene. When I started DJing
here, I had to modify my style to please my crowd. We have
“circuit boys” here that get it, but we also have many
commercial lovers, and there’s no harm in that. I’ve been able
to create a balance of both to keep people happy with what they
love. I also make sure that when I’m playing a commercial song,
I will play a remixes that resemble my style of DJing while also
taking it to another level by adding my own remixes… I give them
my flavor.
Have you had any role-models or mentors as a DJ?
My mentors are Richie Rich, Giorgio Valentino, Peter Borrero,
and Pedro Zambrana… All of these guys are amazing DJ’s,
Producers and huge names where I come from. I have so much
respect for them!
If you could be doing anything else besides performing
and DJing, what would it be?
I would be doing special effects make up for movies in Los
Angeles. And you know what? I will, some day! I love the
creativity that comes into doing make-up.
Is there anything unique about the Denver music scene
that you have noticed?
In the gay scene, most people want to hear mainstream. We have a
small group I call the “circuit boys.” These are the guys that
want to ride the music and are the most open to my creativity.
They like to hear the fresh sounds of the circuit scene that are
coming from the east coast, which I love!
Favorite Travel Destinations: Puerto Rico,
Boston,
Miami,
New York
Favorite Drink: Sex on the Beach
Song That Defines You: “World in my eyes” by Depeche Mode
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