PAPER Presents The Tear: Ladiez Drink Free

PAPER Presents The Tear: Ladiez Drink Free

Jan 23, 2025

PAPER <3s NY and PAPER<3s the DJs that keep us moving. That’s why we’re proud to present The Tear, our mix series highlighting the best DJs spinning in the city we call home. Last month, we shared our mix by DJ Miss Parker, a titularly apt all-vinyl tear from one of our forever favs.

One of the most compelling things about Ladiez Drink Free is their ease. PAPER saw the trio — composed of DJs Mariposa, Drupe Jam and Perna — at a late night sizzle at Mi Sabor Cafe right in the heart of Myrtle-Broadway’s madness. The evening, which was organized by the NYC party series Lifesavers, was a long sweaty affair that featured a high-powered electroshock from Detroit legends AUX 88. Following such a high-wattage jolt of energy is a tall task, but Ladiez Drink Free took the challenge in stride. They closed out the evening with their signature “b3b,” trading tracks between the three of them with the easy energy of a conversation. They breezily blended the sounds of Detroit Electro, Miami Bass (right from their home state of Florida) and homegrown NYC production.

Historically minded but ever-evolving, the trio has brought their mix of smart selection and communal spirit to some of the city’s best dance floors and outlets. They have a residency at Bossa Nova Civic Club, are frequent guests on The Lot Radio, and recently tore up the basement dance floor at Paragon during one of the club’s popular Dance Planet party nights. Those memorable moments have led to high-impact bookings: they spun at Nowadays on New Year's Eve, took on Le Bain’s formidable floor this Halloween and played at a major Miami electronic festival, III Points.

For their The Tear set, Ladiez Drink Free begin with a recognizable warning by way of Foremost Poets: “Please remain calm. Do not attempt to leave the dance floor.” The decree prepares us for an hour-long stretch of music that oscillates between a sprint and a sigh. Acid-soaked jitters follow the raw minimalism of Detroit techno follow the bright buzz of Miami bass. The whole thing is riddled with surprises, like when a Proyecto Uno sample veers past our window; or when Missy Elliot’s “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” appears midway like cathartic release; or the mix’s entire last stretch, a full-on exaltation of hard House energy. As we near the one hour-mark, breathless coos come in as a voice sings us an ode: “Looking for your tiger stripes... You can move.” The lyrics are a form of permission, but also recognition. We have moved and we will continue to do so as long as these three are on the decks and trading tracks.


The prompt for the mix was “the past, present and future of NYC nightlife.” What sounds inspired you for this mix?

Mariposa: I’m inspired by how the sounds of NYC nightlife evolve, always reappearing in unexpected ways. Similar to how we approach our club nights, we aimed to blend older and contemporary tracks in a way that feels indistinguishable, yet surprising. Personally, I’m drawn to eclecticism, gritty basslines, sexy, tripped-out vocals, unconventional song structure, and the euphoric energy of bass and breaks music—particularly from Florida’s ‘90s music scene. In the mix, we also wanted to highlight some NYC-based friends/producers who stay rooted in dance music history while experimenting with and redefining club music (including Toribio, Escaflowne, fleet.dreams, Sorry Records, and more).

Perna: My image for the past of NYC nightlife is rooted in the NASA raves, Caffeine parties, Liquid Sky, Limelight, and so many other essential parties/clubs that were flourishing during the ‘90s. My introduction to dance music stemmed from my obsession with the music, but also the history behind it all, especially in NYC. The sounds that inspired me for this mix stick to the present/future of NYC nightlife, though: the producers and DJs that continue to make this ever growing ecosystem thrive through their talent and ability to create music that infuses past and present sounds. This mix is futuristic and nostalgic.

Drupe Jam: My introduction to dance music came through disco, and that was definitely rooted in the “past” conceptualization of this mix. That is dance music. So many things are of course. At the same time, I think a lot of the present and future we hope for in music comes through finding older stuff that sounds fresh. A lot of that might be rooted in finding music primarily through record shops (shout out NYC). I think what makes New York so special is that you have this insane history of local music, both within and outside of dance music. You can see a legend play every week.

Where was the first set you played in NYC?

Perna: It was an after party for my friend's art show “sandbox” at a bar that I don't even think exists anymore. I was so nervous and probably played the most insane set on Earth but all my best friends were there dancing so hard. It was special for sure.

Drupe Jam: The first set I played in NYC was actually a Bossa Nova Civic Club Happy Hour (shoutout Sarah).

Mariposa: A few weeks after moving here, I was invited by a good friend who goes by Pedrose to play on a weeknight at Kind Regards in LES. As Ladiez Drink Free, we first played together on Maria’s old rooftop for her birthday, which I can only describe as a hilarious night.

Favorite NYC nightlife memory?

Perna: I have so many honestly. One that comes to mind instantly was my first time at Sugar Hill for my birthday where I was dancing from 11PM until the next day Sunday like 1PM? I caught CCL b2b Physical Therapy (Sept 2021) at Nowadays that morning and nothing felt more right. I was dancing around people I hadn’t met yet but who later became a part of my growth in this city. It's all full circle really. [The night had this] feeling of anticipation and excitement, like I found what I was looking for in NYC after so long.

Mariposa: There are too many to choose from! Potentially watching the legendary AUX 88 play at Mi Sabor Cafe for our friends Lifesavers party this year. So many friends in the crowd were losing their minds, sweating together in this unconventional club setting. Playing after them, and having them complement our Miami bass selection was unreal.

Favorite set you’ve ever played?

Perna: With the Ladiez I'd say our second time playing Paragon basement where we had a dance/pole. The energy was insane. The room was shaking. Solo I'd have to say recently where I played DJ Healthys party “Doghausu” at Mood Ring. It just feels better each time, as I learn more about myself, discover more music, and feel more in tune.

Drupe Jam: I’m kind of known for saying, “Omg that was the best one yet!” after every set. But actually… my favorite set was definitely at El Dorado Bumper Cars for the track maintenance x 8 ball zine fair. Just to play on that soundsystem and see friends dancing on the bumper car rink was so epic. Also I love Freestyle and ever since I went to a Freestyle fest at Coney Island I wanted to play there. Collectively, I loved our set at III Points. I think we were so nervous and excited. I felt like we were mixing on clouds the whole time.

Mariposa: The first time Ladiez Drink Free played at Bossa about two years ago, we each did solo sets before coming together for our signature B3B. It was my debut at the club and one of the first times I played a full set of records there. The energy in the room was electric for a Wednesday — friends showed up in full force, and even when the lights came on, the crowd refused to stop dancing. That night felt prophetic and sparked an excitement in me that still keeps me going.

Biggest nightlife pet peeve?

Perna: I'd have to say the entitlement and lack of empathy that some people carry. We all started somewhere and kindness does go a long way. This can go for the people attending the parties or the DJs themselves. Respect the bartenders, the door people, the sound engineers, the managers, the barbacks, everyone involved to make sure the event you're going to or playing can even happen.

Biggest DJ inspo?

Perna: Live music really inspires me. I feel inspired each time a DJ really wows me, it makes me think of music differently each time. I can't really choose one, But I can say someone that I never shut up about is Carlos Souffront. He’s a DJ that inspires me each time I see him.

Mariposa: Watching artists play at Bossa Nova Civic Club, where we host our monthly party. The intimate space and its role as a community hub create an atmosphere where crowds are eager to listen and artists are free to experiment. This ethos has deeply influenced my approach to DJing, encouraging me to prioritize connection and creative risk-taking.

What makes NYC nightlife unique?

Perna: The people, the free water, the real concern for safety, the sound systems, the venue designs, the DIY spots, the passion and drive from everyone I meet. It's so moving being around so many people that feel just as strongly about dancing, music, and the spaces we share.

Drupe Jam: The history of all the different people that have passed through here, are still here, and will come here. The dance floor needs to be a space that represents that.

Mariposa: The sheer variety of spaces and what you can hear and experience. The investment and passion from artists, organizers, and workers. The immersive sound systems and space design that can create transformative experiences for people.

Biggest hope for the future of NYC nightlife?

Maria Perna: A willingness to take more risks within the industry.

Drupe Jam: For the nightlife community to extend beyond the dancefloor. We need it now more than ever.

Mariposa: For it to keep being accessible, diverse, and an outlet for resistance and cathartic release.